Many seniors in the state of Wisconsin experience financial challenges. Whether they are short term or longer, people need assistance so they can make ends meet and ensure their basic needs are being met. The good news is that there are programs in place that will help with basic needs, including providing food, shelter, and pay for medical care. Those struggling to pay for things should apply for programs that offer financial assistance for seniors in Wisconsin.
The programs that will help with providing basic needs assistance are usually offered by state and federal programs, along with some organizations. The programs range in terms of how long one can receive help through them and the qualifications to be approved. The state and federal programs usually require that the person be a citizen or legal non-citizen and that they have a low income. The programs provided by organizations do not always have such strict qualifications that need to be met.
The financial assistance that seniors gets from the programs below can help ensure that basic needs are being met so that they don’t go hungry or become homeless. Plus, the funds never have to be paid back, because it is not considered a loan. People can get help from multiple programs, since there is no limit. The programs are easy to apply for, with many of them offering online applications.
Programs Offering Financial Assistance
Food Assistance Programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – In Wisconsin, this program is called Food Share. To help meet monthly food needs, seniors in Washington can apply for SNAP. This federally funded program used to be called food stamps and is still how most people refer to it today. Those who are approved will receive a plastic card, which is like a debit card, which will have funds electronically added to it each month. The card can then be used as a payment source at the grocery store, convenience store, and some farmers markets. There is no time limit for how long someone can get help through SNAP. The amount that will be added to the card each month to help pay for groceries is determined by how many dependents are in the home. To qualify, seniors have to be low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information and apply, click here.
Salvation Army – With many locations throughout the state, this faith-based organization is a good option to turn to for seniors who would like free hot meals. Many locations offer soup kitchens, which are places where people can go for a free hot meal. They also provide free boxes of food supplies to take home, free clothing, and other helpful services. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
Feeding Wisconsin – This organization can help seniors locate a food pantry or food bank near them. They can contact these places to get free food supplies. Some offer mobile services where they go out into the community to have temporary stations where people can pick up supplies. Some of them offer mobile services that will deliver the supplies to seniors. To get more information and find a pantry or food bank near you, click here.
Rent Assistance Programs
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – To get help with paying the rent, seniors can contact HUD. This federally funded agency focuses on helping people with their housing issues. They will provide rental assistance, help people locate affordable housing options, and provide weatherization services, which will help reduce monthly energy bills. HUD also owns housing units that they will provide to people to live in. To qualify for HUD programs in Wisconsin, you have to be considered low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. There is no limit on how long you can get financial assistance through HUD as long as you continue to meet the qualifications. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Utility Bills Assistance Programs
Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) – This is a state program that will help people pay for their energy bills, including for heating and cooling. They utilize state funds, as well as federal funds, to help people who have a low income. If you are approved for assistance, your bill will be paid directly on your behalf. To qualify for assistance, you have to be low income and be the person responsible for paying the utility bill. To get more information and apply, click here.
211 – To find local financial assistance programs, seniors can call this number, which is a free referral service provided by the United Way organization. They can help people find local programs that will help with paying utility bills, paying rent, and more. To get more information about the program, click here.
Medical Bills Assistance Programs
Medicaid – The federal government will help pay for most types of medical bills through this program for those who qualify. The program is open to those who are under the age of 65, meet the low income guidelines, and are a citizen or legal non-citizen. There is no limit to how long you can get medical bill payment assistance through this program as long as you continue to meet the qualifications. To get more information and apply, click here.
Medicare – This program is provided by the federal government and is very similar to the one listed above, Medicaid. There are a few differences with this one, however, which include that you have to be over the age of 65 to qualify. Plus, there are no income requirements for this program. It is a program that will help pay for most medical bills and it is open to everyone in the state who meets the age and citizenship requirements. The program will help pay for most of the bill from such places as primary care doctors, specialists, hospitals, and more. It will also help pay for the cost of prescription drugs. To get more information and apply for Medicare in Wisconsin, click here.
