Most seniors live on fixed incomes. This means that they receive the same amount of money each month, despite what their bills may be. As things around them increase in price, and their income does not, this can make it challenging to pay the bills. The good news is that if they know about the most helpful government assistance programs for seniors, they may be able to get the financial help they need.
There are many bills that people need to pay in order to survive. They are needs and will ensure that the person has food, a place to live, and heat in their home during the winter months. These things are not luxuries, so the government offers programs to help those who are financially challenged and struggling. By getting assistance from the government, many seniors will be able to ensure their basic needs are being met.
About the Programs
There are different types of financial assistance programs that are offered through the state and federal government offices. These programs are funded by the government and are typically open to anyone who meets the low income requirements and is a citizen or legal non-citizen. There are also some programs that will provide some assistance to those who are legal refugees in the country.
The programs can often be applied online or in person at your local social services office. Apply for all of the programs that you feel qualified for because there is no limit to how many you can apply for or receive funds from at once. Some programs limit how long you can get assistance from them, but others do not and will not allow long-term assistance for those who continue to meet the qualifications.
Assistance Programs for Seniors
Below, you will find some of the best and most helpful assistance programs for seniors. When you apply for these programs, they may also refer you to others if you are qualified. The more programs you apply for, the better position you will be in to get the assistance you need to meet your basic needs.
Social Security – All seniors who are citizens or legal non-citizens can apply for Social Security. This is a program run by the federal government that will provide seniors with an allotted cash payment each month. To qualify for the program, you have to meet the work experience requirements, which is 10 years. Those who have legally worked for 10 years in the U.S. may qualify to get the monthly payment. The amount that you receive is calculated off of your highest 35 years of working. The amount will vary from person to person, depending on how many years they worked and how much they earned. Some people may get $1,000 per month, while others may get $3,000 per month. There is no time limit for how long you can receive this assistance. This is a program that people pay into during their working years, so when they are seniors, they get money back from it. To get more information and apply, click here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program provides those who qualify with funds to purchase food each month. There is no limit to how long you can get help through this program as long as you continue to meet the qualifications. SNAP used to be called food stamps, and many people still refer to it as that. Those who are qualified will receive a plastic card that will allow them to pay for their groceries at the store and some farmer’s markets. The amount that you receive each month is determined by how many people are in the home. To qualify for this federally funded program, you have to meet the low-income requirements and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information and apply, click here.
General Assistance – This program provides those who qualify with a cash payment that can be used to pay for bills, purchase food, etc. It can be used for many different things. To qualify, you have to meet the low-income requirements. Most states do have a time limit for how long you can receive funds through the program, and it is often 5 years. To get more information, contact your local welfare office to see if it is offered. Some states offer it, while others do not. If it is offered, then it is usually part of their program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. To get more information, click here.
Medicaid – This program will provide seniors with assistance paying for medical bills. It is open to all seniors who are citizens or legal non-citizens, regardless of income level. Those who are approved for the program will get help paying for most types of medical bills, including hospital stays, doctor visits, specialty care, and prescription drugs. To get more information about the program, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – One of the most difficult bills for seniors to continue paying is their heating bill, especially if they live in colder climates. The bills can be large, and they fluctuate each month, depending on how much energy is being used. This program is one that seniors can turn to for assistance paying for their energy bill. To qualify, you have to meet the low-income requirements and be the person responsible for paying the bill. To get more information and apply, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This is the most helpful government program for seniors in need of housing assistance. HUD provides assistance by helping people pay their rent, avoid foreclosure, make necessary home repairs, and more. Their programs are open to those who are citizens and legal non-citizens, and there is no time limit for how long you can get help from them. They can help people find affordable housing options and provide public housing, or Section 8, to those who have a low income. To get more information, contact your state’s HUD office. To find your state’s office, click here.
