It is estimated that over 9% of the seniors living in the state of Washington are at or below the national poverty rate. Many more that may be a little above the poverty rate also struggle financially. Most seniors live on fixed incomes that do not keep pace with the rising cost of goods and services, making it difficult for them to make ends meet each month. The good news is there are programs in place that will provide financial assistance for seniors in Washington.
The programs that will provide financial assistance for seniors are largely made possible through the state and federal government. They create programs to help people in the community, so that they have their basic needs met and don’t go without food, shelter, or medical care. The programs provide assistance to those who are citizens or legal non-citizens and who have a low income.
There are also numerous organizations that have a mission of helping people in the community. Their programs are less strict when it comes to who they will help, because they will usually help anyone in the community who needs it. They provide such things as free food, clothing, shelter, and some will help pay bills. There is no limit to how many of the programs you can get assistance from at one time, and since the funds are not considered a loan you will not have to worry about ever paying it back.
Programs Offering Financial Assistance
Food Assistance Programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – In the state of Washington, this program is also referred to as Basic Food. This program, which many people also call food stamps, is provided by the federal government. Those who have a low income and are citizens or legal no-citizens can get assistance through this program. SNAP will help pay for food each month by providing the person with a debit-style card that has funds on it and can be used as the payment source. Each month, the government will electronically add more money to the card. There is no limit to how long you can get this financial assistance as long as you continue to meet the requirements. The amount that you will get each month is determined by how many dependents there are in the home. The funds can be used to pay for most grocery items. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Salvation Army – This is a faith-based organization that has many locations around the country. They also have a chain of thrift stores around the nation. People in the community who need assistance can turn to this organization for free hot meals, bags of food supplies to take home, shelter services, free clothing, and more. They offer several programs to help people who are financially challenged. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
Feeding Washington – This organization can help seniors locate food banks and pantries in the state. These are places they can turn to for free food supplies each month. Some offer mobile pantry services, where they will set up in communities, and others will deliver the food supplies to seniors in need. To get more information and find a food pantry or bank near you, click here.
Rent Assistance Programs
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – To get help paying rent or finding affordable housing options in Washington, seniors can contact HUD. This is a federal agency that focuses on helping those with a low income who are citizens or legal non-citizens. They offer several ways of providing financial assistance for people, including rent assistance, foreclosure avoidance, home repair assistance, weatherization services, and more. HUD also owns housing units that they will allow people to live in. They can also help seniors find affordable housing options in their area. This agency provides more housing assistance in the country each year than any other entity. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Washington Department of Social and Health Services – This state office has programs in place that they can provide to people who need assistance. They can help with finding affordable housing, paying rent, and emergency housing assistance. To get more information, click here.
Utility Bills Assistance Programs
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Seniors who have a low income and need help paying for their heating and cooling bills can apply for this program. The program will help those who are approved to pay for their utility bills. It is a federally funded program. They will also help repair or replace a heating unit that is not working properly and provide free weatherization services, which will help make the home more energy efficient and reduce monthly bills. To get more information and apply for financial assistance, click here.
211 – This simple phone number can bring a lot of financial assistance for seniors in Washington. It is a free referral hotline that you call and get information about local programs that can help with your situation. Provided by the United Way organization, they will help you find programs that will help with your specific financial situation. TO get more information about the program, click here.
Medical Bills Assistance Programs
Medicaid – This program, which is provided by the federal government, helps people pay for their medical bills. The program will help pay for most medical bills for those who qualify. To qualify for Medicaid in Washington, you have to have a low income, be under the age of 65, and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information and apply, click here.
Medicare – This program is similar to the one listed above, only it is for those who are over the age of 65, and there are no income requirements associated with it. This program is open to every citizen or legal non-citizen in the state who is over the age of 65. Those approved for the program will get help paying for most types of medical bills. To get more information and apply, click here.
