Not only do most people find Alaska a chilly place to live, but for many seniors it may also be unaffordable. Some seniors suffer financially, because they are on a fixed income and find it difficult to afford their basic needs. Rather than fall behind and not have basic needs met, it is important that they turn to programs that offer financial assistance for seniors. In Alaska, there are plenty of programs that will ensure seniors make ends meet each month.
Seniors need to make sure they are having their basic needs met each month. Whether they need help with obtaining food, paying rent, or getting help with the cost of healthcare bills, there are programs they can turn to. This will ensure that they get the services they need, without falling into debt to get them. Applying for the programs is easy and may make the difference in having needs met and going without.
Be sure to apply for all of the programs below that you feel qualified for. There is no limit to how many of these financial assistance programs that help seniors that you can apply for. These programs will ensure that you have your rent paid, food to eat, and that you have your heating and cooling bills taken care of. Plus, since they are not considered loans, you will never have to worry about paying the money back. The assistance is considered a gift to help those in need in the community.
Programs Offering Financial Assistance
Food Assistance Programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – If you are a senior who needs help purchasing groceries then this is a program you will want to be sure to apply for. This is a program that used to be called food stamps and is still largely known by that name. SNAP is federally funded and supplies people with a monthly benefit to purchase their groceries. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. There is no limit to how long you can continue to get help through the program, as long as you continue to meet the requirements. Those who are approved will receive a debit-style card that they can use to pay for their groceries each month. To get more information and apply for SNAP in Alaska, click here.
Food Bank of Alaska – Seniors who need help with obtaining groceries can contact this food bank to get assistance. They will provide people food baskets for the holidays, as well as all year long. They deliver boxes of food to seniors in Alaska who need assistance. To get more information and contact them for food assistance, click here.
Rent Assistance Programs
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This agency is part of the federal government and is the largest provider of housing assistance in the country. They offer a voucher program, which will help seniors pay for their rent if they have a low income. They also have programs in place to help people find affordable housing options, provide people with government owned housing units, and help pay for necessary home repairs. To qualify for the programs, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
211 – This program is provided through the United Way and is free for anyone to use. You can call this number to let them know where you live and what type of assistance you need. They will use their database to find programs in your area that may be able to help. It is a free referral program that is available to seniors in Alaska. To get more information about the program, click here.
Utility Bills Assistance Programs
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program will help seniors in Alaska to pay for their energy bills if they have a low income. The program starts taking applications each year on October 1 and the season runs through the end of April. You will need to re-apply for the program each year that you need assistance paying your heating bill. To get more information about the program and apply for help, click here.
Alaska Electric Light & Power – This energy provider offers information and assistance for those who are struggling to pay for their bill. If they are your provider, contact them to see if they can provide you with assistance. To get more information, click here.
Medical Bills Assistance Programs
Medicaid – This is a government funded program to help pay for healthcare expenses for those who are under the age of 65. If you are under 65 and have a low income you may be able to get help through this program. It will help cover the costs of most healthcare bills, including those for the doctor, hospital, and healthcare specialist. It will also help pay for prescription medications. To get more information about the program and apply, click here.
Medicare – This program is the same as Medicaid, only it is for those who are age 65 and up. Those who are seniors can apply for this program and get assistance paying for medical bills. There is no limit to how long you can receive help through this program. It is open to everyone who is a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information and apply for Medicare, click here.
Salvation Army – This faith-based organization has locations throughout the country. They offer numerous programs to provide people with assistance. They will help with some small medical bills, providing food and shelter, bill payment assistance, and more. You will need to contact locations in your area to see which programs they offer at that location. If they cannot help you with what you need at that location, they may be able to refer you to another location or another program that will be able to help with your situation. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
