There are many seniors around the country who struggle financially. Their fixed income often doesn’t keep up with the rising costs of things like groceries, rent, and medical bills. They need somewhere they can get assistance with these things. The good news is that assistance is available. There are programs that provide financial assistance for seniors in Mississippi that will help ensure basic needs are being met.
Being able to meet one’s basic needs is crucial, so that people don’t end up homeless, hungry, and without the medical care that they need. The programs that are available will help ensure this doesn’t happen to seniors who have a low income. They are provided by a combination of the federal and state government, along with some organizations that help people in the communities where they are located.
There is no limit to how many programs a senior can apply for or receive help from, so be sure to reach out to more than one. By getting help from several, you will ensure your basic needs are met. Plus, the funds never have to be paid back, because it is not considered a loan. Keep in mind that most programs do require you to verify your income and they require you to meet low income guidelines. They also usually want you to be in the country legally in order to take advantage of the programs.
Programs Offering Financial Assistance
Food Assistance Programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – The federal government created this program to help people with food assistance. It used to be called food stamps and that is still what most people call it. The program will provide those who have a low income with a way to help pay for food when they go grocery shopping. To qualify for the program, you have to meet the low income requirements 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 keep getting help through the program. Once approved, you will receive a debit-style card that will have funds on it each month and is to be used as your payment source at the store and some farmers markets. To get more information and apply for SNAP, click here.
Salvation Army – Many locations of this faith-based organization offer free hot meals and boxes of food that seniors can take home. They have many locations around the state and country and will help anyone in the community who needs it. They have other helpful programs as well, including providing free food, shelter, and some bill payment services. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
Feeding Missouri – Seniors who need food can contact their local food pantry or food bank. These are places that will provide low income people with free boxes of food. Some have programs specifically for seniors, where they will deliver boxes of food to them each month. To get more information and find a food pantry or bank near you, click here.
Rent Assistance Programs
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Many seniors need help paying for their rent and housing. This agency, which is part of the federal government, provides the best option for getting that rental assistance. HUD has several programs in place to help seniors how need assistance. Those who have a low income and are in the country legally can help with paying for their rent and house repairs, as well as getting help locating affordable housing options in their area. There is no limit to how long you can get help through this program. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Missouri Housing Development Commission – This state funded program will help people with paying their rent. They will help with past due rent, forward rent, and they will help pay for the utilities. To get more information about this program and apply for assistance, click here.
Utility Bills Assistance Programs
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program will help seniors pay for their utility bills. It is provided by the federal government. There is no limit to how many times you can apply for help through this program. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements and be a legal resident of the state. To get more information, click here.
211 – This number can be helpful to find a wide variety of financial assistance programs, including those that will help pay for utility bills. Seniors can call this number and tell the operator where they live and what specific financial assistance they need. They will help seniors find programs in their local area that will be helpful with their situation. It is a free referral program that is open to everyone. To get more information about the 211 program, click here.
Medical Bills Assistance Programs
Medicaid – The federal government provides this program to help those under the age of 65 pay for their medical bills. The program is open to those who have a low income and are a citizen or legal non-citizen. If you are approved for the program, you will get help paying for things like hospital stays, buying prescription drugs, visiting the doctor, seeing a specialist, and more. There is no limit to how long you can use the program, as long as you continue to meet the qualifications. To get more information and apply, click here.
Medicare – This program is provided by the federal government and is for those over the age of 65. Legal residents of the state who meet the age requirement can get help paying for their medical bills through this program. The program will help pay for bills related to the doctor, hospital, prescriptions, specialist, and more. There is no limit to how long you can get help through Medicare. You also do not have to meet any income guidelines for this program. To get more information and apply, click here.
