Stay scam-safe

Government benefits are free to apply for — no one should ever charge a fee to submit an application. Be careful with anyone promising guaranteed approval or "free government money"; no one can guarantee a benefit decision.

Only share a Medicare number with the agency itself or a SHIP counselor — never with someone who calls or visits unannounced. Medicare Advantage sales offers are not the same as government benefit programs.

No agency asks for a bank login. When in doubt, hang up and call the official number from the program's .gov page.

• Listings in the services directory are paid placements from private businesses — clearly labeled, never mixed into eligibility results, and never a substitute for the free official route.