With California being one of the most expensive states to live in, there are many seniors who struggle financially. They may not have enough money each month to pay for their rent, food, and pay their other bills. They are on a fixed income most of the time and at an age when getting a job to help pay the bills is not always possible. The good news is that there are programs they can turn to that provide financial assistance for seniors in California.
The programs that will provide assistance will ensure that your basic needs are being met. They are open to seniors and others in the state that have a low income and are struggling to make ends meet. Some of them have limits on how long you can receive help through them, while others will allow you to receive the assistance as long as you continue to meet the low income requirements.
Most of the time, the programs require that you be a citizen or legal non-citizen to qualify for assistance. There are some programs in California, however, that may be open to providing non-citizens assistance through a refugee programs. The funds received through these programs are not considered to be loans, so you do not have to worry about paying them back.
Programs Offering Financial Assistance
Food Assistance Programs
CalFresh Food Program – This is the same as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in other states. This is the most popular food assistance program in the country. It is a federally funded program that used to be called food stamps and is still often referred to it as that. Those who are approved for the program will be provided a monthly financial benefit that can be used to pay for groceries at stores and some farmers markets. The number of dependents in the home will help determine how much you will be given each month to help purchase food. To qualify for CalFresh, you have to meet the low income requirements. There is no limit to how many months you can receive assistance through this program. You can apply for CalFresh online or in person at your local social services office. To get more information, click here.
Food Banks – You can visit a local food bank and obtain free food. Some of them have soup kitchens, where you can get free hot meals. Others provide a pantry where you can get bags or boxes of free food to take home. To find a local food bank in your area, click here.
Rent Assistance Programs
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Seniors in California who need help paying for their rent can apply with HUD for assistance. This federal agency is the largest provider of rent assistance in the country. In addition to helping people with their rent, they will also help you find affordable housing options and pay for necessary house repairs. HUD also owns housing units that they will allow people to live in. To get assistance you have to meet the low income requirements. There is no limit to the number of months that you can get help through HUD. To get more information and contact HUD for rent assistance, click here.
Emergency Renters Assistance Program – This program helps people who are in the Los Angeles area and need immediate assistance paying their rent. Seniors who are facing eviction can contact this program for assistance. To get more information about the program and agency, click here.
Utility Bills Assistance Programs
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This federally funded program helps many people who are struggling to pay for the energy bills. They provide one-time bill payment assistance, but you can re-apply the next cycle for more assistance. They also offer energy crisis intervention and weatherization services, which will help reduce month energy bills. To get more information about the program and apply for assistance, click here.
211 – Seniors who need help paying for their utility bills can call this number, which is provided by the United Way. They will provide you with information and referrals to local programs that can help with getting the bill paid. This is a free service they provide and it is open to everyone in the state. This number can also be called if you need help paying for other types of bills, including food, rent, medical bills, and more. They will use their database to help you find local programs you can contact for assistance. Many of the programs may only be in your local area, without their information being available online. To get more information about the program, click here.
Medical Bills Assistance Programs
Medi-Cal – This is California’s Medicaid program, which is open to everyone under the age of 65 who has a low income. The program will provide assistance with paying for health care and medical bills. If you are approved for the program you will be able to get help paying for going to the doctor or hospital and obtaining medications. There is no limit to how long you can receive help through the program as long as you continue to meet the requirements. To get more information, click here.
Medicare – This is the federal program that provides people ages 65 and up with medical bills assistance. Those who are approved for the program will get assistance paying for medical bills for seeing the doctor, going to the hospital, getting prescription drugs, seeing a healthcare specialist, and more. To get more information about the program and apply, click here.
Health Access Florida – This organization will help seniors who need financial assistance for medical bills. They provide helpful information about how to address and manage hospital bills. They help consumers understand their rights, find ways to help pay for the bill, and provide assistance with responding to bill collectors. Seniors can use this information to help them with hospital bills they may have. To get more information about the program, click here.
