Many seniors need cash assistance rather than items they can get from food pantries and the like. While it’s great to get all the food, clothing, and other things for free, it doesn’t help when you need cash. There are some things that you need cash for, making it crucial to be aware of cash assistance programs for seniors.
With so many seniors struggling to pay their bills and feeling that they are coming up short each month, many feel they need a little extra cash to help get by. The good news is that there are some ways that they can get cash assistance. There are programs provided by various resources, both on a state and federal level, as well as from organizations and programs right in your own local community.
Contact all of the programs below to see if you can get cash assistance. There is no limit to how many places you can get cash assistance from, so be sure to reach out to multiple programs. The more that you can get approved, the better off you will be in making ends meet and maintaining your basic needs.
Cash Assistance Programs for Seniors
Reach out to the programs below to see if you qualify for cash assistance. Typically, the cash can be used to pay for any of your living expenses. Some programs may require you to show proof of income and citizenship status, while others may not have strict requirements for getting assistance.
Social Security – All seniors who are at least 62 years old can apply to get cash assistance from the Social Security program. To qualify, you have to have worked at least 10 years in the country. The amount of monthly cash you will be given is determined by how much you made during the top 35 years of your work history. People usually get between $1,000 per month and just over $4,000 per month. The maximum someone could get if they wait until age 70 to draw payments is $5,108 per month. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This program is available around the country and funded by the federal government. It is for those who have dependents and have a low income. If approved, you would get monthly cash benefits that can be used for living expenses. If you do not have any dependents, check with your local TANF program to see if they offer General Assistance (GA), which is an option some states offer. The program is open to those with a low income and who are citizens or legal non-citizens. There is a time limit for how long you can get cash assistance from the program. To get more information and apply, click here.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – This program will provide seniors who have a low income or disability with cash assistance. To qualify, you have to be a citizen or legal non-citizen and have a low income. The program will also help those who have a type of disability, such as blindness, or who are unable to work to earn an income. To get more information and apply, click here.
211 – This is a number you can call to find local cash assistance programs. The free referral program is provided by the United Way organization. You can call them and ask for local cash assistance programs that will help seniors. They will search their database to find programs from which you can get help. To get more information about their service, click here.
Salvation Army – Although they are a faith-based organization, you do not have to be religious to get help from them. They have many locations around the nation and provide numerous helpful services to those in need. Some locations will provide cash assistance programs for seniors, which will help with paying bills, purchasing food, etc. Find locations near you to contact and inquire about getting cash assistance. If they cannot help you directly, they may be able to refer you to a local program that can help. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
Catholic Charities – This faith-based organization provides a range of helpful services for those in need. Seniors can reach out to them to see if they can get cash assistance for a wide variety of needs. They have locations around the nation, making it easy to find one in most areas. They will also provide free food and clothing and help with bill payment services. You do not have to be religious to get help through this organization. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
Churches – These are found all around the country. Just about every community has multiple churches, making it easy to reach out to them and see if they offer cash assistance for seniors. Most churches have a mission to help people in the community where they are located and do what they can to help the struggling seniors in their area. You do not have to be a member of the church to contact them for assistance. They may be able to help you directly with your cash assistance needs, pay bills for you, provide you with free items, and refer you to other programs in the area that can help.
Senior Centers – If your community has a senior center or aging center, contact them to inquire about local programs that will provide cash assistance for seniors. Many of them maintain a list of programs they can refer people to who need help. They should be able to point you in the right direction to a local program that can give you the cash assistance you need.
If you still need additional cash assistance, consider taking other types of help, so that it frees up the cash you would have spent. For example, getting help paying your energy bill will free up cash that you would have otherwise spent on it. Getting free food from your local pantry saves you from spending cash on buying groceries.
