For seniors who are living in Kansas and struggling to pay for their bills there are programs they can turn to for assistance. The programs will help ensure that they are getting enough food, have a place to live, and have some of their essential bills paid, such as heat. Without the programs offering financial assistance for seniors in Kansas, there would be many people would not have their basic needs met.
The programs that seniors can apply for to get financial assistance are typically offered through the state and federal government. They have the programs to ensure that people’s basic needs are being met. In addition to these, there are programs offered through non-profit organizations. All of the financial assistance seniors receive through the programs below are considered a gift, so they do not have to ever be paid back.
Seniors are not limited in the number of programs they can apply for or receive help from. By applying for multiple programs there is a better chance of ensuring that all basic needs will be met. Most programs offered by the state and federal government require that to be approved you have a low income and are a citizen or legal non-citizen.
Programs Offering Financial Assistance
Food Assistance Programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – To ensure that seniors who need financial assistance in Kansas get the food that they need, they should apply for SNAP. This program, which used to be called food stamps, is offered through the federal government. The program will help those who have a low income so that they have the food that they need. Those who are approved for the program will get financial assistance each month to help pay for their groceries. To be approved, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. There is no limit to how long you can get help through this program. As long as you continue to meet the qualifications you can continue to get assistance. To get more information and apply for SNAP, click here.
Catholic Charities – This faith-based charitable organization offers people food assistance, as well as help with things like food, clothing, and shelter. They have locations around the state and their mission is to help people in the community who need assistance. To get more information you can contact locations near you to see what food services are offered. Some offer free hot meals, some offer bags of food, and others offer both. To find a location near you, click here.
Kansas Food Bank – This organization can help you find food banks and food pantries in your area. These are places where you can contact or visit to get free food supplies. Some places will deliver the items to seniors who have difficulty getting out of the house, while others will allow you to go shop and pick out the items you would like and need. To get more information and find a food bank or pantry near you, click here.
Rent Assistance Programs
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Paying for housing is one of the most challenging things seniors may have to do, because it costs so much. Those who need help paying for their housing can contact HUD, which is a federal agency that is tasked with helping people in the country with their housing needs. HUD can help you find affordable housing options, offer a rental assistance program, help pay for housing repairs, and provide weatherization services. To get assistance through HUD, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information and apply for the programs, click here.
KCK Housing Authority – This state funded agency will help seniors who need housing assistance. They can help you find programs to help with emergency rental assistance, eviction assistance, public housing, and more. To get more information and contact them to get assistance, click here.
Utility Bills Assistance Programs
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – During the winter months it is crucial that seniors have their heating bills paid. This program, which is provided through the federal government, helps many people pay their heating bill. To qualify, you have to be the person responsible for paying the bill, have a low income, and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. You can re-apply for the program each year when the application window opens back up. To get more information and apply, click here.
211 – Whether seniors need help paying their utility bills, rent assistance, food help, or something else, they can call this number for help. Provided by the organization called the United Way, this number is a free referral service. By calling and letting them know what type of assistance is needed and your location, they will find local programs to turn to for help. To get more information about the service, click here.
Medical Bills Assistance Programs
Medicaid – This program, which is offered through the federal government, can help seniors under the age of 65 to pay for their medical bills. Those approved for the program will get help paying for most types of medical bills. There is no limit to how long you can use this program. As long as you meet the qualifications you can continue to use it. The qualifications include meeting the low income requirements and being a citizen or legal non-citizen. Once approved, seniors would be able to get help paying for medical bills related to seeing the doctor, dentist, eye doctor, staying in the hospital, having surgery, etc. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Medicare – This program is the same as the one above, Medicaid, only it is for seniors who are over the age of 65. The one difference is that there are no income requirements for this program. It is open to every legal resident who meets the age requirements and there is no limit to how long someone can get assistance through the program. To get more information and apply, click here.
