Around 20% of the population in the state of Pennsylvania is seniors. They are a millions of them that call the state home. Most seniors live on a fixed income, which means it doesn’t go up much, even if the cost of things does. Due to this, many struggle financially and have a hard time paying their bills. This is when it is important that they know about the programs that offer financial assistance for seniors in Pennsylvania.
Seniors who have a low income should be able to get financial assistance to pay for their basic needs. There are programs that will help them with obtaining food, paying for rent, and those that will help pay for utility and medical bills. Seniors can get assistance from multiple programs at one time and they never have to pay the money back, because it is not considered to be a loan.
The programs that will help seniors with meeting their basic needs are largely made possible through state and federal funding. There are programs that limit how long someone can get help through them and those that allow people to get assistance long term. There are also programs provided through organizations that aim to help people in the community who are financially challenged. Most programs offered by the state and local government require people to be citizens or legal non-citizens, while programs provided by organizations are not always as strict about the qualifications needed to get assistance.
Programs Offering Financial Assistance
Food Assistance Programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – The federal government has created this program, which used to be called food stamps, to help seniors and others who need help obtaining food. Those who are approved for the program will be able to get help paying for their groceries each month. They will be given a debit-style card that has funds added to it each month by the government. They can use the card to pay for their groceries at the store and some farmers markets. It will cover the cost of many different types of food, although it does not cover prepared foods, such as at restaurants and at most deli counters. There is no limit to how long you can get help through SNAP if you continue to meet the requirements for the program. To get more information and apply, click here.
Salvation Army – This organization helps many people each year. They have locations around the country and provide a range of helpful services. They will help seniors and others who have a low income to obtain free hot meals, bags of food, and more. They are a good resource to turn to if you need free food. They usually do not have strict qualifications in order to receive assistance. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania – The state government offers information on where to find food pantries in the state. Seniors can contact a food pantry to get free food supplies, and some will even deliver the food to their home. To get more information and find a food pantry, click here.
Rent Assistance Programs
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – There are numerous ways that HUD can help seniors who need financial assistance. This federal agency focuses on helping people who have a low income with their housing needs. They will help by paying rent, providing emergency rental assistance, paying for house repairs, and providing weatherization services, which will help reduce utility bills. To qualify for assistance through HUD, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. TO get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania – This organization will help people with their housing needs. They provide several avenues that seniors can explore to get assistance with paying their rent and finding affordable housing options. To get more information, click here.
Utility Bills Assistance Programs
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – To help seniors keep the heat on in the winter and the cooling going in the summer, the federal government funds this program. Those who have a low income and are responsible for the utility bill can apply for financial assistance to get it paid. If approved, the program will send the funds directly to the energy provider to pay the bill. To get more information and apply, click here.
211 – The United Way organization has provide a free referral program to help seniors and others who need financial assistance. They can call this number to get help with finding local programs that will help pay their utility bills, as well as help with finding other helpful programs that will aid in obtaining food, paying rent, and more. To get more information about the 211 program, click here.
Medical Bills Assistance Programs
Medicaid – Many people, especially seniors, struggle to pay for medical bills in the U.S. Due to this, millions of people need financial assistance to get them paid. The federal government has provided this program to help people pay for medical bills. To qualify for it, you have to meet the low income requirements and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. The program is for those under the age of 65 and will help people pay for most medical bills, including for the doctor, prescription drugs, hospital, specialist, and more. There is no limit to how long someone can get help through this program. To get more information and apply, click here.
Medicare – This program, which is similar to the one listed above, is for those who are over the age of 65. There is no income limit with this program. It is open to every citizen and legal non-citizen in the state who meets the age requirements. There is no limit to how long you can get help through the program. Those approved will get financial assistance paying for most of their medical bills. To get more information and apply, click here.
