No matter what state seniors may live in, including Arizona, there will be some who struggle to make ends meet. Many seniors live on fixed incomes and still have plenty of bills to pay for each month. This puts a strain on many who may not be able to afford to pay their rent or buy their groceries. The good news is that here are programs that offer financial assistance for seniors in Arizona.
Having access to helpful financial assistance programs can make all the difference. There are programs that will help ensure people have food to eat, a roof over their head, and that their utility bills are paid. There are also programs that will help ensure that seniors get the medical care that they need, even if they cannot afford to pay for it.
You can apply for all of the programs listed below. There is no limit to how many you can apply for or receive assistance from at one time. The assistance you receive is considered a gift, rather than a loan, so it will not ever have to be paid back. If you are approved for these programs your basic needs will be met each month, so you will not have to worry so much about these issues.
Programs Offering Financial Assistance
Food Assistance Programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This is the federal program that millions of seniors turn to for assistance paying for groceries. The program is largely still known by its former name, which is food stamps. Those who are approved will receive a debit-style card that can be used at the store to purchase food items. It can also be used at some farmers markets. To qualify for SNAP, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. There is no limit to how long you can receive SNAP as long as you continue to meet the qualifications. You can apply for this program online or in person at your local social services office. The benefit amount is calculated according to the number of dependents in the household. To get more information and apply, click here.
Arizona Food Bank Network – You can use this website to find a food bank near you. A food bank will supply seniors who need assistance with free food. They offer free hot meals, food pantries, emergency food distribution, and more. You will be able to find the closest food pantry to you that will provide you with groceries. Some may require you to pick them up, but some will deliver for seniors who may have difficulties getting out of the house. To get more information, click here.
Rent Assistance Programs
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Any seniors who need help paying the rent should start by contacting HUD. This government agency is the largest source of rent assistance in the country. They will help seniors pay for their rent, provide government owned units to live in, locate affordable housing options, and help pay for necessary home repairs. To qualify for assistance you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information and apply for rent assistance through HUD, click here.
Arizona Department of Housing – This is a state government agency that will help seniors with their rent. They provide referrals to agencies and programs in the count you live in within Arizona. Those programs will be able to help you get the rent paid and locate affordable housing options. To get more information, click here.
Utility Bills Assistance Programs
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Seniors in Arizona who need help paying for the utility bills will want to apply for this program. It is a federally funded program that will help those who have a low income to pay for their energy bill. If you are approved they will send the funds directly to the energy provider on your behalf. You will need to apply for the program each season that you need assistance. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be the person responsible for paying the bill. To get more information and apply, click here.
211 – Seniors can call this number and tell them where in Arizona they are located. This is a free referral service provided by the United Way. Their operators will provide referrals to programs in your area that can help with paying your energy bills, as well as other financial assistance programs if they are needed. To get more information about the program, click here.
Medical Bills Assistance Programs
Medicaid – This is a government healthcare program that will provide those who are under the age of 65 with help paying for medical bills. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. Those who are approved will get assistance paying for a wide variety of medical bills, including those from doctors, hospitals, specialists, and for prescription medications. To get more information and apply for Medicaid, click here.
Medicare – This is the same program as Medicaid, listed above, but it is for those who are ages 65 and up. Those who meet the age requirements and are citizens or legal non-citizens will be able to get government help paying for their healthcare bills. There is no limit to how long you can get help through this program. It is open to all citizens in the state and country who are age 65 and up. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) – This is a financial assistance program for seniors that is funded by the state government. It has several programs offered in it to help seniors who have a low income and need some assistance paying for their medical bills. You can apply for this online or in person. There is no limit to how long you can get help through this program. To get more information, click here.
