The state of Kentucky has one of the higher rates of poverty in the country. There are many seniors in the state who struggle to get their bills paid each month and make ends meet. The good news is that there are programs they can turn to that will help ensure their basic needs are being met each month. There are programs that offer financial assistance for seniors in Kentucky that will help lift the financial burden during challenging times.
The programs that will help during financially challenging times are often provided through the state and federal government. There are additional programs offered through non-profit organizations. Together, these programs will help ensure that the basic needs of seniors in Kentucky are being met, so they don’t go without the things they need to survive.
The financial assistance programs offered to seniors typically require that those applying meet low income requirements, and that the people are citizens or legal non-citizens. Seniors can apply to as many of the programs as they feel are a good fit for their situation. They are not limited to the number of programs they can get assistance from at any given time. Plus, the assistance is not considered a loan, so it will not ever have to be paid back.
Programs Offering Financial Assistance
Food Assistance Programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This food assistance program is provided by the federal government. The program used to be called food stamps and is still what most people refer to it as. The program will provide those who qualify with a payment source to help pay for their grocery purchases each month at the store or some farmers markets. The amount that a senior receives, if they are approved, is determined by how many dependents are in the home. There is no limit to how long someone can receive help through this program. As long as one continues to meet the requirements they can continue to get the food assistance. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information or apply, click here.
Catholic Charities – This is a good charity to contact for those seniors who are in need of free hot meals or boxes of food to take home. They can also help with other issues, such as obtaining free clothing, shelter assistance, and help with paying some bills. They have locations around the state and have a mission of helping those who need assistance in the community. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
Feeding Kentucky – This organization can help seniors find local food banks and pantries, where they can get free food supplies. Food pantries and food banks stock up food that they provide to those in the community who need help obtaining it. Some of them will deliver the food to seniors who may have a difficult time getting out to pick the food up. To find a food pantry or bank near you, click here.
Rent Assistance Programs
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Seniors who need rent assistance can apply for help through HUD. This federal agency is the largest provider of rent assistance in the country. HUD is part of the federal government and they have a mission of helping people in the country with their housing needs. They offer several programs that are helpful, including rent payment assistance, locating affordable housing options, weatherization services, foreclosure avoidance, and help paying for housing repairs. To get assistance through HUD, you have to meet the low income requirements and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information and apply for programs with this agency, click here.
Kentucky Housing Corporation – This state agency helps seniors and others in the state with finding affordable housing options, shelters, rent assistance programs, and more. Residents of the state who have a low income and need help with their housing needs can contact them for assistance. To get more information, click here.
Utility Bills Assistance Programs
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – With the rising cost of heating bills, many seniors need help keeping the heat on and paying the bill. This federally funded program can help do that if you have a low income and are the person responsible for paying the bill. Those who are approved will get help with having their heating bill paid directly to the provider and having their account credited. You can apply for the program each year when they open the window to accept applications. To get more information and apply, click here.
211 – This program can help with getting utility bills paid, as well as finding local programs to help with a variety of other things. Seniors who need assistance can call the number, which is provided by the organization called the United Way, and they can get referrals to local programs that will provide assistance. The referral service is free to use and open to everyone who needs financial help. To get more information and apply, click here.
Medical Bills Assistance Programs
Medicaid – Seniors under the age of 65 who need help paying for their medical bills can apply for this federal program. Those who are approved will get help paying for most types of medical bills. There is no limit to how long someone can get assistance through this program. As long as the qualifications are met, they can still get the financial assistance. You have to have a low income to be qualified for this program. To get more information and apply, click here.
Medicare – This program is the same as the one listed above, Medicaid, only it is for seniors who are over the age of 65. There is no income limits for this program. It is open to every citizen or legal non-citizen in the country who is over the age of 65. The program will help pay for most medical bills. To get more information and apply, click here.
