These days, my feed is filled with year-end shopping hauls and holiday looks. But this week, I've been preoccupied with a different number.

A survey found that 6 out of 10 Korean seniors in the U.S. struggle to cover basic living expenses. I paused for a moment when I first saw this.

This is from the "Toward Better Aging" report released in 2024 by the Korean American Community Foundation (KACF) and the Asian American Federation (AAF). They surveyed Korean seniors in seven major U.S. cities, including New York.

Among respondents aged 65 and older, 6 out of 10 said they do not have enough money to cover essential expenses like rent, food, and medical costs. Although this data is two years old, it feels like the situation has only gotten tighter.

Even when looking specifically at New York City, the situation is similar. According to census data cited in the same report, the poverty rate for Korean seniors in New York City is 25.7%, higher than the overall senior poverty rate of 17.9% in the city.

In New York City, 70% of respondents were renting, and more than half were paying over 30% of their monthly income on rent. This indicates a significant rent burden.

When I see seniors sitting leisurely with a cup of coffee at the local bakery, it looks relaxed. But after seeing these numbers, that scene feels different.

There's also news from last month. The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced on October 14 that the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2027 will be 3.6%.

This means an increase of about $75 per month for the average retiree. Honestly, considering the current grocery prices in New York, $75 can be spent in one shopping trip.

Moreover, Medicare Part B premiums are typically deducted directly from Social Security benefits. The 2027 premium has not yet been officially confirmed by CMS, but the Medicare Trustees' projected amount is $209.50 per month.

So the real point of this article is this: Many people who feel financially strained are missing out on benefits they could already be receiving.

The first is the Medicare Savings Program (MSP). If your income is below a certain threshold, the state government pays for your Part B premiums.

New York has expanded the income eligibility for this program in recent years and eliminated asset testing. This means you don't have to give up benefits just because you have some savings in the bank.

If you enroll in MSP, you are automatically connected to the federal program Extra Help, which reduces prescription drug costs. It's a great deal since you apply for one and get two benefits.

The exact income limits change every year, so I won't specify numbers here. Be sure to check the current criteria with the New York State Department of Health or HRA.

The second is EPIC. This is a prescription drug assistance program for residents of New York aged 65 and older.

You can apply if your annual income is $75,000 for singles or $100,000 for couples. The threshold is surprisingly high, so many might think they don't qualify and skip it.

The third is the SCRIE program, which freezes rent for seniors aged 62 and older living in rent-regulated apartments if their rent exceeds one-third of their income.

The SCRIE income limit has been $50,000 since 2015, but discussions about raising it have been ongoing this year. The most accurate way to find out the current criteria is to check directly with 311 or the NYC Rent Freeze page.

Timing is also important. The Medicare annual enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7, making this the perfect time to compare plans.

If you just let last year's plan renew automatically, you might miss changes in drug prices or premiums. This is definitely something you should check at least once.

What frustrates me the most is that information is only available in English. It's such a waste to miss out on benefits just because of a few documents.

Fortunately, there are several nonprofit organizations in Flushing that provide consultations in Korean. Places like KCS can help with Medicare or benefit applications, so you don't have to struggle alone.

Of course, the benefits you can receive vary based on income, living situation, and insurance status. Since it depends on individual circumstances, be sure to check with a professional or certified counselor.

If I were you, I would reach out to acquaintances of my parents' generation this weekend and ask about these three things: whether they applied for MSP, if they know about EPIC, and if they qualify for SCRIE.

Trends change every season, but this kind of information can make a difference in your bank account every month. For me, this is the most practical checklist for this fall.

If you know any seniors who are struggling with paperwork, it might be helpful to show them this article. Just making a phone call together can be a big help.

I'll continue to organize this kind of living information. If you found this helpful, please give it a like, and if you want to see the next article, please follow me.