There are many seniors in Arkansas who may struggle to make ends meet. With the high cost of goods combined with their fixed income, it can make people struggle financially. Without getting assistance, they may not be able to get their bills paid. The good news is that there are programs offering financial assistance for seniors in Arkansas.
Whether seniors in Arkansas need financial assistance with purchasing food, paying rent, or paying their bills, there are options they can turn to. The programs in place will help ensure that their basic needs are being met and ease the burden that is associated with struggling financially as a senior on a fixed income. Rather than try to find a way to increase your yearly salary as a senior, it is a good idea to turn to the programs that have been designed to help.
Be sure to apply to all of the programs below that you feel could help with your situation. These programs exist to help people meet their basic needs. The mission of each one is to help people, so don’t shy away from applying for them to try and get the assistance. Plus, they are not loans, so you will never have to pay back any of the assistance.
Programs Offering Financial Assistance
Food Assistance Programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – As the largest provider of food assistance in the country, this program will provide financial assistance to purchase groceries. The program used to be called food stamps is still how it is largely known. Those who are approved for SNAP will receive a debit-style card that they can use to pay for groceries. The card is loaded electronically with a money benefit each month. To qualify for the program, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. You can continue to receive a SNAP benefit for as long as you financially qualify for it. There is no time limits for how long you can get help through the program. To get more information and apply, click here.
Arkansas Food Bank – Seniors who need help with obtaining food can contact this organization for assistance. They work with food pantries and soup kitchens throughout the state and will find the one closest to you. Their food programs help feed people who have a low income all over the state. To get more information, click here.
Rent Assistance Programs
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This agency is part of the federal government and has a mission of helping people with their housing needs. They have offices in all states and provide a variety of programs to offer assistance to those in need. Seniors can contact them for rent assistance, help finding an affordable place to live, and financial assistance to make housing repairs. The programs are open to those who are citizens or legal non-citizens. You will have to meet the low income requirements to get assistance through the program. To get more information and apply for help, click here.
211 – To find additional rent assistance resources in your local area you can call this number. It is a program offered through the United Way and is open to anyone in the country. Once you call the number you will tell them where you live and what type of financial assistance you need. They will use their database to find you referrals to local programs that may be able to help. Their service is free to use and open to everyone in the country. To get more information about the program, click here.
Utility Bills Assistance Programs
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Utility bills come every month and can be a challenge for some seniors who are struggling financially. This program is funded by the federal government and will help pay for your utility bill if you have a low income and are the person responsible for paying the bill. You will need to re-apply for the program each time the window opens and they accept applications. If you are approved they will give the funds directly to the utility provider on your behalf. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Low Income Home Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) – This program is similar to the LIHEAP one above, but it is for water bill payment assistance. Seniors who need help paying for their water bills can apply for this program and if they are approved the program will pay their water bill. They provide a one-time payment for up to $2,000. They can provide assistance for emergency situations and those who are facing shut off notices. To get more information and apply, click here.
Medical Bills Assistance Programs
Medicaid – This program will provide financial assistance for seniors who need help paying for medical bills. To qualify for this program you have to be under 65 years of age, have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. If you are approved you will get help paying for a wide range of medical bills, including for the doctor, hospital, specialists, and more. This program does not limit how long you can get help through it. As long as you meet the qualifications for the program you can continue to be approved for it. To get more information and apply for Medicaid, click here.
Medicare – This program is federally funded and the same as the Medicaid program listed above, only it is for those who are age 65 and up. Anyone in the country who meets the age requirement and is a citizen or legal non-citizen will be able to get Medicare. They do not base the approval process off of your financial situation. If you are approved for the program you will get financial assistance paying for all of your healthcare expenses. This is a federal program that is provided to all seniors in the country, should they choose to apply for it. To get more information and apply, click here.
