Oregon has an aging population, which means the number of people who will be seniors in the coming years is greatly increasing. Many seniors struggle to make ends meet in the state, which is similar to many other states in the country. They usually have an income that stays the same each month, despite the rising cost of goods and services around them. The good news is that there are programs that provide financial assistance for seniors in Oregon.
The programs that provide financial assistance will help ensure that seniors do not go hungry or become homeless. They aim to meet the basic needs of people who are struggling financially. Most of these programs are provided by the state and federal government, but there are a few provided by organizations that have a mission of helping people in the communities where they are located in the state.
Whether seniors need financial assistance to purchase food, pay rent, keep the utilities on, or something else there is a good chance there is a program that can help. There is no limit to how many programs people can apply to below, so be sure to apply to as many that seem like a good fit. You can get help from many programs at one time, which will ensure that basic needs are being met each month. Plus, the funds do not have to be paid back at anytime, because it is not considered a loan.
Programs Offering Financial Assistance
Food Assistance Programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – To get monthly food assistance, seniors who have a low income can apply for this program, which used to be called food stamps. SNAP will provide those who qualify with funds to purchase food each month. The amount of money that you will get each month is determined in part by how many dependents the senior has in the home. The funds can be used each month to purchase food at the grocery store or some farmers markets. There is no time limit on how long you can get assistance from this program. To get more information and apply for SNAP, click here.
Oregon Food Bank – This organization works with over 1,400 food pantry and food banks in the state. They can help seniors find a location near them where they can get free food items. Food banks and pantries provide people in the community with free food supplies, and some will deliver the items to seniors. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
Salvation Army – Seniors can get free hot meals and bags of food at most locations of the Salvation Army. They can also get free clothing and shelter services. Some will also provide financial assistance for paying small bills. This is a faith-based organization that has many locations in the country. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
Rent Assistance Programs
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – To get rental assistance, seniors can apply for the programs offered by HUD, which is a federal agency. The mission of the agency is to help reduce homelessness and provide housing assistance for those who have a low income and are citizens or legal non-citizens. HUD also owns housing units that they will allow people to live in. If you qualify for HUD programs you will not have a time limit on how long you can get help through their programs. In addition to helping people pay their rent, they will also help with foreclosure avoidance, paying house repairs, and weatherization services. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Community Action Partnership of Oregon – This organization will help seniors and others with paying for their rent. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a legal resident of the state. To get more information, click here.
Utility Bills Assistance Programs
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – To get help with paying utility bills, seniors can apply for LIHEAP. This program will help with paying for heating and cooling bills, as well as provide emergency services for those who are facing shutoff notices. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be the person responsible for paying the bill. If they pay the bill for you they will send the funds directly to the energy provider and your account will be credited. To get more information and apply, click here.
211 – This small number can provide a lot of financial assistance for seniors who have a low income and need help making ends meet. The number is provided by the United Way organization and people can call it to get referrals to local programs that can help with their financial situation. They can find you programs to help pay utilities, rent, purchase food, and more. It is a free referral service that is open to everyone. To get more information about the program, click here.
Medical Bills Assistance Programs
Medicaid – The federal government has created this program to help people get financial assistance to pay for their medical bills. The program is open to those who are under the age of 65, are citizens or legal non-citizens, and who meet the low income requirements. If approved, the program will help pay for most medical bills, including going to the doctor or hospital. To get more information and apply for Medicaid in Oregon, click here.
Medicare – This program is similar to Medicare, listed above, only you do not have to meet low income requirements. The program is open to every citizen or legal non-citizen who is over the age of 65. If approved, it will help pay for most types of medical bills. There is no limit to how long you can get financial assistance from this program. You can use it to pay for primary care doctors, hospital stays, specialists, prescription drugs, eye doctors, and more. To get more information and apply, click here.
