Finances 50+

With average low temperatures ranging from the single digits to highs in the 20s Fahrenheit in North Dakota in December and January, it’s not too early to budget for and explore programs that are available to help pay winter heating bills.

MDU proposal would raise residential electric bills to pay for projects in other states

The North Dakota Public Service Commission (PSC) wants to make sure North Dakotans who need financial assistance with phone or internet service are aware of the Lifeline Program. Lifeline is a program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service for those who qualify.

North Dakota homeowners could be eligible for property tax credits if they meat certain income requirements. Also, renters could also qualify for a refund program if they meet eligibility requirements.

Today, AARP announced the launch of ‘ Stop Rx Greed,’ a nationwide campaign aimed at lowering prescription drug prices. The goal of AARP’s sustained campaign is to help drive down drug prices for all Americans by advocating for a variety of legislative, executive, and regulatory actions at both the federal and state level.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is looking to expand its team of volunteers for the upcoming tax season. Tax-Aide offers free tax filing help to anyone, especially those 50 and older, who can’t afford a tax preparation service. Tax-Aide volunteers make a difference in their communities by assisting many older, lower-income taxpayers who might otherwise miss out on the credits and deductions they’ve earned.

An expert witness testified in support of AARP’s concerns about Montana-Dakota Utilities’ proposal to raise natural gas rates during a North Dakota Public Service Commission technical hearing May 30-June 1.

Starting in April, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will begin mailing new Medicare cards to all people with Medicare, including 126,000 in North Dakota.

As bitter cold temperatures settle in, most families are turning up their thermostats to stay warm. For some low- and fixed-income households, cranking up the heat is not always an option. The North Dakota Department of Human Services reminds people that help is available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Montana-Dakota Utilities has another natural gas rate request proposal that includes a 5.9 percent increase for residential users. The North Dakota Public Service Commission is holding public hearings on the rate increase at 5 p.m. CDT on Tuesday, Oct. 24, and Wednesday, Oct. 25.