With a portion of the seniors living in Wyoming being at the poverty rate, there are many who struggle financially. They often live on fixed incomes and that doesn’t always provide them with enough to pay for everything each month. The good news is that there are programs that offer financial assistance for seniors in Wyoming. The programs can help ensure that basic needs are being met.
Ensuring that seniors can meet their basic needs will help keep them from becoming homeless, hungry, and keep them from going without medical care. The programs have been created largely by the federal and state government, along with some provided by organizations that serve the communities they are located in. There are programs in place that will help seniors with most financial issues they may experience.
To qualify for most programs provided by the federal and state government, you have to be low income and a citizen or legal non-citizen. They do have a few instances that they offer assistance to those who are considered refugees and don’t met the residency requirements. Organizations, on the other hand, are more lenient when it comes to the qualifications needed to get assistance. They are usually willing to help everyone in the community who needs it. The funds never have to be paid back from these programs, since it is not considered a loan.
Programs Offering Financial Assistance
Food Assistance Programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program provides more food assistance in Wyoming and the country than any other. SNAP is a program run by the federal government with a goal of reducing hunger. They will provide those who qualify with financial assistance to purchase food each month. The amount that is given is determined in part by how many dependents there are in the home. There is no limit to how long seniors can receive SNAP benefits as long as they continue to meet the requirements for the program, which include being low income and being a citizen or legal non-citizen. The funds can be used to pay for most food supplies at the grocery store, convenience store, and many farmers markets. To get more information and apply for SNAP in Wyoming, click here.
Salvation Army – This organization provides helpful programs around the state of Wyoming, as well as around the country. They provide people with free hot meals, clothing, shelter services, boxes of food supplies, and more. They are a faith-based organization that aims to serve the people in the community who need assistance. You do not have to be religious to receive help through their programs. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
Food Bank of Wyoming – This organization can help seniors locate food banks and food pantries in the state. By contacting the places, seniors will be able to get free food supplies. They may also be able to get the items delivered to them if they have difficulty getting out of the house. To get more information and find a food pantry or food bank near you, click here.
Rent Assistance Programs
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Ensuring that housing is paid for is crucial so that seniors do not become homeless. HUD is a federal agency that can help with housing situations. They provide assistance with paying rent, finding affordable housing options, paying for house repairs, and providing free weatherization services. The weatherization services can help make the home more energy efficient, which will reduce monthly utility bills. HUD also owns housing units that they will allow people to live in. To qualify for HUD programs, you have to be low income and meet the residency requirements. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Utility Bills Assistance Programs
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Keeping the heating and cooling working in the home is important for seniors. They may have a difficult time paying for the bill though, which makes this program crucial. LIHEAP is a federally funded program that will help seniors and others who have a low income pay for their utility bills, including those for heating and cooling. The program will send the fund directly to the energy provider if you qualify, and your account will be credited. You will need to re-apply for this program each year. Applications are taken each year from October 1 through March 31. To get more information and apply, click here.
211 – Seniors can dial this number to get referrals to programs in their area that can help with the issues they need financial assistance with. Whether they need help with paying utility bills, obtaining food, paying rent, etc, this program can provide referrals. It is provided by the organization called the United Way and it is free to use and open to everyone. To get more information about the program, click here.
Medical Bills Assistance Programs
Medicaid – Seniors who have a low income and are citizens or legal non-citizens can apply for this program to get help paying for medical bills. The program is provided by the federal government and will help pay for most types of medical bills, including those from the hospital, doctor, medical specialist, etc. They will also help pay for prescription drugs that seniors may need. There is no limit to how long you can use this program. This program is for those who are under the age of 65. To get more information and apply, click here.
Medicare – This program is similar to the one listed above, but there are a few important differences that separate the two. This one does not have any type of income requirements and is for those over the age of 65. You do have to be a citizen or legal non-citizen to qualify for the program. Those approved will be able to get help paying for most types of medical bills, and there is no time limit on how long you can get help through Medicare. To get more information and apply, click here.
