Maryland seniors who are struggling financially will need to turn to helpful programs to ensure that their basic needs are being met. There are numerous programs in place that will ensure that they get the things they need, including food, shelter, bill payment services, and medical care. There are programs provided by the state and federal government that offer financial assistance for seniors in Maryland.
Getting financial assistance is the best way for seniors to get their needs met, since they often have a fixed income and many are not able to get out and work to earn more. The programs are designed to provide relief in cases like this and will help ensure basic needs are being met for everyone who is struggling financially.
Most of these programs will require that those applying show they meet the low income requirements and that they are a citizen or legal non-citizen. Some programs that are offered through organizations may not have such requirements or ask to see documentation regarding it. The funds received through these programs is not considered a loan, so you never have to pay it back. Apply for as many programs as you feel qualified for, because there is no limit.
Programs Offering Financial Assistance
Food Assistance Programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – As the largest food assistance provider in the country, SNAP will ensure that seniors do not go hungry. Those who have a low income and meet the citizenship requirements may be approved for this program, which has no time limit for usage. You can continue to get help from SNAP for as long as you meet the requirements. Once approved, they will send you an electronic benefits card, which will be used as your payment source at the store. The government will electronically load funds onto the card each month. To get more information and apply for this program, click here.
Salvation Army – Seniors looking for a free hot meal or a bag of food to take home may need to look no further than their local Salvation Army location. This faith-based organization provides many people with food assistance each year. They also provide free clothing, shelters, and some bill payment assistance. There are many locations, so seniors just need to find one that is near them that is serving up free food. To get more information and find one near you, click here.
Maryland Food Bank – Seniors can contact food banks and pantries in their area to get free food items they can take home. Some have what they call food drops, where they will have lots of people attend an event and get free food at that event to take home with them. Others have pantries that you can visit and pick up food, with some giving you the opportunity to shop for free food to get what you need and want. To get more information and find a food pantry or bank near you, click here.
Rent Assistance Programs
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – The government created this agency to help people who need assistance with their housing needs. They offer several programs to help, including rent assistance, public housing options, voucher payment programs, weatherization services, help paying for housing repairs, and more. They can help people find affordable housing options in their area, as well as help homeowners to avoid foreclosure. They provide emergency rent assistance as well. You have to meet the low income requirements to get approved for their programs. To get more information and apply for the programs, click here.
Utility Bills Assistance Programs
Office of Home Energy Programs – One of the programs offered through here is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Seniors can help paying for their heating bills in Maryland by contacting LIHEAP. This program is funded through the federal government and aims to ensure that everyone has heat throughout the winter. With heating bills going up, many seniors may struggle to get theirs paid, and this program will help. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements and be the person who is responsible for paying the bill. In addition, they offer other programs, which include helping to pay for electric bills, help with shut-off notices, and provide weatherization services. To get more information about the programs, click here.
211 – This program could really be put into any of the programs listed on this page. The 211 program is a free program referral service offered to everyone who needs financial assistance. You can call the number and tell them what you need financial help with and where you live and they will use their database to help you find local programs that may be of assistance. They can help find programs that will provide assistance with paying utility bills, rent, purchasing food, clothing, medical bills, and more. To get more information about the program, which is provided by the United Way organization, click here.
Medical Bills Assistance Programs
Medicaid – The federal government offers this program to seniors who are under the age of 65, helping them to pay for medical bills. To qualify for this program, seniors have to meet low income requirement and be a legal resident of the state. This program will help pay for most medical bills, including for medications, surgeries, doctor visits, physicals, eyeglasses, etc. They offer an open enrollment period from October 15th through December 7th. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Medicare – This program is similar to the one listed above, but there are a couple of differences. Also provided by the federal government, this one is for seniors who are over the age of 65. There are no income requirements for this one, because it is open to all citizens and legal non-citizens who meet the age requirement. There is also no limit to how long you can get help through the program. To get more information and apply for Medicare in Maryland, click here.
