Despite Montana having a lower poverty rate than many other states, there are still many seniors living in the state who may struggle financially. Most seniors live on a fixed income, which means it doesn’t increase enough to keep pace with the rising costs of goods and services. This is why it is important that they know about programs providing financial assistance for seniors in Montana.
The programs that seniors in Montana can turn to are provided by the federal and state government, as well as non-profit organizations. The organizations seek to help people in the community where they are located. These programs will help ensure that basic needs are being met, including that seniors have food, shelter, heat, etc. Some of the programs provide long term solutions, while others limit how many years or months someone can get assistance through them.
There is no limit to how many programs you get help from at once, so apply for all those you feel qualified for. You also will not have to worry about paying anything back at all, because the financial assistance is not considered a loan. It is considered a gift to help those in need in the community. Most programs provided by the state and federal government do require that you be a legal resident in order to qualify.
Programs Offering Financial Assistance
Food Assistance Programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – The federal government created this program decades ago, to help ensure that people have their basic food needs met. Those who have a low income and are citizens or legal non-citizens can apply to get assistance paying for their groceries each month. Those who are approved will receive an electronics benefit card, which is like a debit card, that can be used to help pay for groceries at the store or farmers market. Each month, the government will electronically add your financial assistance to the card. The amount that you get will be calculated according to how many dependents you have. There is no time limit on how long you can get assistance through SNAP. To get more information and apply, click here.
Salvation Army – This organization has many locations that will provide people with a free hot meal or box of food to take home. They have other helpful programs that will also provide people with shelters and free clothing. They do not have strict regulations regarding who can get the assistance they offer. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
Montana Food Bank Network – Food banks and food pantries are places that seniors and others who need assistance can turn to for food. These places will provide those in need with free food supplies. Some of the locations offer special senior programs, where they will regularly deliver free food supplies to your home. To get more information and find a food bank or pantry near you, click here.
Rent Assistance Programs
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This federal agency is the first place that seniors should turn to if they need financial assistance to pay for rent or find affordable housing options in their area. HUD’s mission is to help people with these issues. They will help with rental assistance, finding affordable housing options, providing government owned housing options, paying for home repairs, and more. They will also help lower your monthly utility bills by providing you with free weatherization services, which will make the home more energy efficient. To qualify for the programs, you have to be a citizen or legal non-citizen and meet their low income guidelines. To get more information and contact them for assistance, click here.
Montana Department of Commerce – This state government funded program will provide rental assistance for those who qualify. They offer a voucher program, which will help you pay for the rent on a place that you choose to live in, and they offer help finding a government owned unit to live in. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Utility Bills Assistance Programs
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program will help seniors pay for their home energy bill if they qualify. To qualify, you have to have a low income, be the person responsible for paying the bill, and have a bill that is past due. They will also help with emergency energy payments, if you are facing a shut off, and they provide weatherization services. You can apply online or at your local eligibility office. To get more information and apply, click here.
211 – This free referral program is available to everyone who needs financial assistance. It is provided by the United Way. They will help seniors find local programs that they can turn to for financial assistance. In addition to finding programs that may help with paying utility bills, they can refer you to local programs that can help with paying for other bills. To get more information about the program, click here.
Medical Bills Assistance Programs
Medicaid – This program will help pay for medical bills for those who seniors who are under the age of 65 and have a low income. Those approved will get help paying for most types of medical bills, ranging from going to the doctor to obtaining prescription drugs. As long as you meet the qualifications for the program you will be able to continue getting help through it. To get more information and apply, click here.
Medicare – This is a federally funded program that is similar to the one above, only it is for those who are over the age of 65. Plus, there are no income requirements for Medicare. This program is open to every person who meets the age requirement and is a legal resident of the state. There is no limit to how long you can get medical bill payment assistance through Medicare. As long as you continue to qualify you can get the assistance. To get more information and apply, click here.
