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Guidance for Seniors

Social Security

Social Security beneficiaries will continue to receive their monthly benefit amount by direct deposit or mail.

SSA Online Services
Social Security Offices are closed to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can still get our help by using our online services or calling us. You can do most of your business with SSA online. If you cannot use the online services, SSA can help with certain critical issues by phone and mail.

Find your local SSA office by using the SSA Office Locator.

More info from the SSA can be found here.

COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments

Social Security beneficiaries will receive Economic Impact Payments by direct deposit or by paper check, just as they would normally receive their Social Security benefits. Visit the IRS Coronavirus Tax Relief webpage for updated information. The IRS has issued guidance on how to proceed for each situation below:

If you receive Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability benefits and DO NOT have qualifying children under age 17:
You do not need to take any action with the IRS. You will automatically receive your $1,200 Economic Impact Payment directly from the IRS. You will receive your payment as a direct deposit or by mail, just as you would normally receive your federal benefits. You can also receive your stimulus payment through Direct Express cards if you are not claiming a dependent.

If you receive Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability insurance benefits, did not file a tax return for 2018 or 2019, and have qualifying children under the age of 17:
Current guidance from IRS indicates that you will be required to file a 2020 income tax return in early 2021 to receive the payment per qualifying child.

If you are a new Social Security beneficiary since January 1, 2020, who did not file a tax return for 2018 or 2019:
Go to the IRS's new Non-Filers website to enter your information and automatically receive the payment.

State of California

California Department of Motor Vehicles: Noncommercial licenses for drivers 70 and older that expire March through December 2020 are now valid into 2021. Information on this extension can be found here.

California now has a statewide hotline to answer any COVID-19 uestions and get assistance, including access to grocery and medication delivery.

  • Dial (833) 544-2374 to receive the help and resources you need.


​The State of California is providing additional support for older adults and vulnerable young children by allowing In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) caseworkers to continue their care for older adults, as well as individuals with disabilities. More information can be found here.

Los Angeles County

Aging and Community Services
LA County is offering a Critical Delivery Service program, a free pickup and delivery program for older adults and individuals with disabilities. The Countywide program will deliver groceries, household items, and other vital necessities to individuals who are unable to leave their homes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Items may be delivered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at no cost to the client.

  • No application process is required, however, items must be pre-paid and ready for pickup.

  • Deliveries may be scheduled by calling (888) 863-7411 between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Critical Delivery Service Fact Sheet

LA County and City of LA are also providing free meals to older adults impacted by the COVID-19 crisis through the Elder Nutrition Program. Meals are provided at either distribution sites or via home-delivery.

  • Call 1 (800) 510-2020 to request services.

  • Click HERE for a list of locations currently in the Los Angeles County Elder Nutrition Program.

San Bernardino County

Seniors in SB County can now participate in the Great Plates Delivered for Seniors program.If you are a senior in San Bernardino County who is interested in receiving three meals a day through the Home Meals for Seniors program, please call (888) 743-1485.

Aging and Adult Services
The Senior Information and Assistance Hotline provides information and assistance to help a senior citizen solve problems he or she may have. Clients are provided referrals to other agencies and assistance and advocacy in making contact with organizations and agencies for needed services and programs.

  • Dial (800) 510-2020 for assistance.

Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County distributes food through 100 partners around the community. They also provide hand sanitizer, paper towels, and other hygiene products.

  • For more information, call (909) 723-1500.

  • For a comprehensive list of food pantries in our region, visit Community Action Partnership's website here.

The Family Service Association distributes weekly meal packages to those who participate in the senior lunch program. These packages include five frozen meals, milk, bread, and fruit and will be distributed at the following centers:

  • Chino - 13170 Central Ave., (909) 628-0071

  • Ontario - 225 B St., (909) 395-2021

  • Rialto - 1411 S. Riverside Ave., (909) 877-9706

  • Upland - 250 N. Third Ave., (909) 981-4501

  • Ranch Cucamonga - 11200 Base Line Road, (909) 477-2780

Others who need meals may contact the Family Service Association at (951) 342-2057.

San Bernardino County has also released a guide to local resources available during the coronavirus crisis, including information on housing, seniors, and unemployment. You can download the pdf here or visit the website here.

City Resources

City of Chino
Seniors and other vulnerable populations: Call (909) 315-8550 or email sos@chofire.org for support services.

Chino seniors can take part in the City of Chino's virtual community events to remain connected to their networks. Register for one of these events here.

City of Ontario
Ontario Senior Meal Delivery Program offers meal delivery to homes with 24-hour notice. To request this service, call (909) 395-2021.

City of Montclair
The Montclair Senior Center Nutrition Program is offering curbside pickup for daily lunch Monday-Friday from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. This service is available for anyone, not just those already enrolled in the Nutrition Program.

City of Pomona

City of Rialto
The Family Service Association offers home-delivered meals for those unable to prepare food themselves. Please call (909) 829-0384 Monday through Friday between 8 AM to10 AM or 1 PM to 2 PM.

City of Fontana
The Fontana Senior Nutrition Program offers to-go frozen meals Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 1 PM. If you are interested in a home-delivered meal, call (909) 854-5151.

City of Bloomington
The Family Service Association offers home-delivered frozen meals Monday through Friday. For this service, please call (951) 342-3051.