Connecticut is a state that has a higher cost of living than may others. This creates a financially difficult situation for seniors, who may be living on a fixed income. Without additional money coming in each month, some seniors may struggle to pay their bills each month. To ensure that their basic needs are being met, they can turn to programs that provide financial assistance for seniors in Connecticut.
The programs that will provide seniors with financial assistance will ensure that they are getting enough food, have a place to live, and can keep their utilities going. The programs are often made possible through the federal and state government, as well as by some helpful non-profit organizations. The help is available for those who take the time to apply for it and let the agencies know that it is needed.
Seniors who need financial assistance can apply for any or all of the programs below. There is no limit to how man you can get help from, and you will not ever have to pay it back. These programs will ensure that basic needs are being met and that you ease the financial burden of trying to make ends meet each month. The programs exist to help people who are struggling financially, so it’s a good idea to utilize them.
Programs Offering Financial Assistance
Food Assistance Programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This is the largest food assistance program in the country. Most people still refer to it by the program’s original name, which is food stamps. The program is open to those who have a low income. If you qualify, you will receive a monthly benefit that is used to pay for groceries. The funds will be delivered to you each month by electronic means, as they are added to a debit-style card that will become your payment source at the store and some farmers markets. There is no limit for how long you can get help through this program. As long as you continue to qualify you can keep receiving assistance. The monthly benefit amount is determined by how many dependents they are providing for, so they will evaluate how many are in your home. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Connecticut Foodshare – This organization provides people with free food. You can use their site to find a local food bank or pantry that you can get free food from. They have mobile food pantries and will help get food out to seniors who may struggle with making it to their location to get food supplies. To get more information, click here.
Salvation Army – This faith-based organization offers people in the community free hot meals in their soup kitchen and food to take home from their food pantry. Seniors who are near a Salvation Army location in Connecticut can contact the organization to get food assistance. To find a location near you, click here.
Rent Assistance Programs
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Seniors can get financial assistance to pay their rent by contacting HUD. This agency is part of the federal government and is tasked with helping people in the country with their housing needs. They help those who have a low income to find affordable housing, pay their rent, and make necessary home repairs. To qualify or help through HUD, you have to meet their low income requirements and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
211 of Connecticut – This organization is part of the United Way. It is a free referral program that will help you find assistance programs in your area. They can help you find all kinds of local rent assistance programs to apply for. This program will help with a variety of other issues as well, such as helping people obtain food, clothing, shelter, bill payment assistance, etc. Just let them know where you live and the type of assistance needed. To get more information and find programs in your local area, click here.
Utility Bills Assistance Programs
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program is funded by the federal government. Seniors who have a low income may be able to get assistance paying for their utility bill. You can re-apply each time they open the window to a new season for the program. If you are approved, the funds will be sent directly to the provider on your behalf. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) – This state funded program helps people pay their heating bills. It takes less than an hour to fill out the information to get assistance through the program. The amount they will pay if you are approved is up to $530. You will have to meet the low income level guidelines in order to qualify for it. To get more information and apply, click here.
Medical Bills Assistance Programs
Medicaid – The federal government provides this program to help people under the age of 65 pay for their medical bills. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. Those approved will get assistance paying for bills related to going to the doctor, dentist, hospital, and for prescription drugs. There is no limit to how long you can get assistance from this program. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Medicare – This program is like the Medicaid one above, but it is for those who are age 65 and up. It is a government program that will help pay for medical bills if you are a citizen or legal non-citizen. This program is open to all seniors in the country. You may still have to pay a portion toward the bill, but this program will usually pay for most of the bill if you qualify for assistance. To get more information and apply for the Medicare program in Connecticut, click here.
