Many seniors struggle financially living in Colorado. The state has a higher cost of living than most others do, making it difficult for some of them to ensure their basic needs are being met each month. Some of them may need financial assistance in order to get by and ensure their bills are being paid. The good news is that there are programs that provide financial assistance for seniors in Colorado.
Knowing about the programs that will help seniors financially can make a world of difference. Without them they may go without food and a place to live. The programs have been designed to help seniors and others who are struggling financially to be able to still have food to eat, a place to live, and ensure their home is heated during the winter months.
The programs listed below do not expect to ever be paid back, because they are not providing a loan. The financial assistance they provide is considered a gift to help people in the community who are in need. Some of the programs have limits on how long you can receive the assistance, and others allow you to use it long term, provided you continue to meet the qualifications. Apply for as many programs as you feel qualified for, because there is no limit, and you may be eligible to get help from all of them. This will ensure that your basic needs are being met and you are maximizing the amount of assistance you are receiving.
Programs Offering Financial Assistance
Food Assistance Programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Any senior who need help paying for food should apply for SNAP. Most will know this program by the old name, which was food stamps. The program was designed to ensure that those who have a low income are able to obtain the food they need each month. If you are approved for the program you will receive a plastic card that you can use to pay for your groceries. Each month, the government will electronically add more money to it. The amount of money you will receive each month is determined in part by how many dependents there are in the home. There is no limit to how long seniors can use SNAP. The program is for those who meet the low income requirements and are citizens or legal non-citizens. To get more information and apply, click here.
Feeding Colorado – This organization helps people find places in their area to get free food. You can contact them for help finding local food banks that will provide you with free boxes or bags of food that you can take home from their pantry. To get more information and find one near you, click here.
Salvation Army – This faith-based organization provides people with free food. They offer soup kitchens, which provides free hot meals, and they have food pantries, which provides people with staples to take home. In addition to helping with food assistance, they will help with other things, such as some bill payment assistance, shelters, free clothing, and more. To get help you need find a location near you. To find a location in your area, click here.
Rent Assistance Programs
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Many seniors are in need of rent assistance in Colorado. HUD is one of the best places to turn to get the help that is needed. This government agency helps many people in the country each year with paying rent, finding affordable housing options, and paying for house repairs. They also own housing units that they will allow people to live in. To get help through HUD, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. There is no limit on how long you can receive help through HUD. To get more information and apply for the assistance, click here.
Housing Voucher Program – Seniors can contact the Colorado Division of Housing for assistance with paying their rent. To get help, you have to meet the low income requirements. To get more information and apply, click here.
Utility Bills Assistance Programs
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program will help seniors in Colorado to pay for their utility bills. They will only pay for one utility bill each program cycle, but you can continue to re-apply for the program each time the window for the next cycle opens. If you are approved, they will send the funds to the energy provider on your behalf. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements and be the person who is responsible for paying the bill. To get more information and apply for bill payment assistance, click here.
211 – Seniors can call this number to find helpful assistance programs in their area. Whether they need utility bill assistance or other types, they can let the operator know where they live and what type of financial assistance they need. The operator will use their database to provide free referrals. To get more information about the program, click here.
Medical Bills Assistance Programs
Medicaid – Seniors who are under the age of 65 and need help with paying for medical bills can apply for this government funded program. If they are approved, the program will help pay for most medical bills. There is no limit to how long someone can use this program for help paying for their medical care. To get more information and apply, click here.
Medicare – This program is similar to Medicaid, listed above, but it is for those who are over the age of 65. Seniors over that age are eligible for this federally funded program that will provide bill payment assistance for their medical bills. There is no limit to how long this program can be used for assistance and it will help pay for most bills, including seeing the doctor, going to the hospital, obtaining medications, and more. To get more information and apply for Medicare, click here.
