Department of Human Services

Missouri seniors will receive nearly $1.8 million in pension recoveries thanks to a partnership between the Missouri Association of Area Agencies on Aging  (MA4) and the South Central Pension Rights Project (SCPRP). The figure, obtained from SCPRP reports produced since this partnership began, usually results in a $200 to $300 monthly income gain for a senior.

 The agencies joined forces in 2010 to spread the word about the pension project, funded by the U.S. Administration on Aging. The project assists people with their retirement benefit issues at no cost, regardless of the individual’s age, income or pension value.

 “Missouri has more than 800,000 people 65 and older, who represent 13.6% of the population,” said Mary Schaefer, president of MA4. “With continued changes in the economy, pension issues become more complicated and seniors are at risk for economic insecurity.”

 Since 2010 the Area Agencies on Aging, who comprise MA4, have reached close to 95,000 seniors through newsletters, media, internet links, presentations, health fairs, and the annual MA4 Summit on Aging and Health.

Roger Curme, director of SCPRP, said, “As a result of the partnership with MA4, the South Central Pension Rights Project has successfully expanded its outreach to Missouri seniors. We are now able to spend more time handling their cases. The Missouri outreach is custom- tailored and high quality.”

MA4’s members have produced 124 cases resulting in the recovery of $1,792,766 in pensions for Missourians. “We believe the professional guidance of the South Central Pension Rights Project is a key resource to Missouri’s seniors and we are proud to work with them,” said Schaefer. “The results demonstrate the power of the aging network in Missouri.”

 For more information or assistance, contact SCPRP at 800-443-2528, or visit the SCPRP website at www.southcentralpension.org.

Department of Human Services

City of St. Louis