The state of Vermont has a lower poverty rate than many other states in the country. Even so, there are many seniors who will struggle to pay their bills and make ends meet each month. Most seniors live on a limited fixed income, which isn’t always able to keep up with the rising costs of things like food, rent, and utility bills. The good news is that there are programs that offer financial assistance for seniors in Vermont.
The state and federal government have created programs that will help ensure that seniors have their basic needs met. The programs will provide such things as free food, help with paying rent and finding affordable housing, and paying for medical bills. By taking advantage of these programs, seniors will be able to get the things they need each month. These programs usually require that the person be a citizen or legal non-citizen and that they meet the low income requirements to be approved.
In addition to the programs provided by the state and federal government, there are ones offered through organizations. Their mission is typically to serve the people in the community, by helping them with what they need, whether it be free food, clothing, shelter, or something else. These programs are usually open to everyone and don’t have strict requirements to be approved for the assistance.
Programs Offering Financial Assistance
Food Assistance Programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program will help ensure that seniors in Vermont have the food that they need each month. In Vermont, they call the program 3SquaresVT. The program, which used to be called food stamps, was created by the federal government with a mission of reducing hunger in the country. The program will help people pay for their groceries each month, provided they meet the qualifications. To qualify for SNAP, you have to be low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. Once approved, the government will issue a debit-style card that will be used as a payment source when purchasing groceries. Each month, the government will electrically add funds to the card. The amount that will be added is determined by how many dependents are in the home. Unlike some government financial assistance programs, there is no time limit for how long someone can receive help through SNAP. To get more information and apply, click here.
Catholic Charities – This faith-based organization is a good place for seniors to reach out to if they are in need of free food. They have locations around the state and will provide people in need with free food, clothing, bill payment assistance, and more. You do not have to be religious to get assistance from this organization. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
Vermont Food Bank – This organization will help seniors who need food assistance. They can contact them to find locations near them where they can get free food supplies, as well as some programs that will deliver free food to seniors in need. To get more information and find a food bank near you, click here.
Rent Assistance Programs
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Finding affordable housing is often a challenge for seniors in Vermont. This federal agency can help people locate affordable housing options, as well as help them pay their rent. They also provide foreclosure assistance, help paying home repairs, and they provide weatherization services. Those who get weatherization services will find that it helps to reduce their monthly energy bills. To qualify for the programs offered by HUD, seniors need to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. There are no limits on how long one can get assistance through HUD. As long as you continue to meet the guidelines you can get the financial assistance. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Vermont State Housing Authority – This state government office can help seniors with finding affordable housing options and paying for their rent. They can also help with emergency housing issues for those facing eviction and at risk for homelessness. To get more information and apply, click here.
Utility Bills Assistance Programs
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – To get assistance paying for energy bills in Vermont, seniors can apply for this program. LIHEAP is federally funded and open to anyone who has a low income. Those who are approved will get help paying for their heating and cooling bill. They also have a program that will give people 20-25% off their monthly utility bill, depending on if they are a customer of Green Mountain Power or Vermont Gas. To get more information and apply, click here.
211 – Seniors can call this number to get referrals to programs that can help with paying utility bills, as well as rent, finding food supplies, and more. The United Way organization has created this free referral program to help people in the community. It is open to everyone who needs financial assistance. To get more information about the program, click here.
Medical Bills Assistance Programs
Medicaid – This program will help pay for medical bills from going to the doctor, hospital, medical specialist, and for prescription drugs. It is a program created by the federal government and is open to everyone who meets the low income requirement, is a citizen or legal non-citizen, and is under the age of 65. There is no limit to how long you can get help through this program if you continue to meet the qualifications. To get more information and apply, click here.
Medicare – This program is federally funded and is for those who are over the age of 65. There are no income requirements, so anyone who meets the age requirement and is a citizen or legal non-citizen can get the medical bill payment assistance. The program will help pay for the majority of most types of medical bills, including from the doctor and hospital and for prescription drugs. To get more information and apply, click here.
