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Opinion

Duncan: Free lock boxes available through Sun City CAN

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The Mission of the Sun City Community Assistance Network is to, “Connect people with resources to enhance their standard of living.”

In other words, Sun City CAN helps people save money on things like property taxes, income taxes, utilities, Medicare premiums, prescription drugs and other things.

Many benefits go unclaimed simply because people are unaware that the benefits exist. In an effort to shed light on some of the help that is available to low-income seniors, I will write a guest commentary each month about a different senior help program.

Below is a listing of benefits available for low-income seniors that some may not realize are available.

Lock box

The Sun City Fire Department has a program that installs lock boxes on Sun City residences.

The boxes are installed adjacent to the front door. Inside the box is a key to the front door that allows fire department personnel to enter the residence in an emergency when the occupant is incapacitated. Otherwise, there would be a forced entry with resulting property damage.

Normally, the cost of installing a lock box is $70. But Sun City Community Assistance Network has a program that provides these lock boxes at no cost to certain low-income residents.

The eligibility requirements are as the applicant must be a full-time Sun City resident with a monthly income less than $2,147 (single); $2,903 (two person) and with savings, investments and IRA less than $13,300.

If you think that you qualify and would like to apply for a free lock box, call Sun City CAN at 623-933-7530 and make an appointment to meet with a benefits assistance counselor.

We thank Long Realty, 10220 W. Bell Road for underwriting the cost of this program!

Editor’s Note: Hugh Duncan is Sun City Community Assistance Network board president.