Everyday expenses can become harder to manage during retirement, especially when income is limited or healthcare, housing, utilities, food, or transportation costs increase.
Older adults may have access to different types of government benefits, community services, and financial assistance programs. Available help depends on income, age, location, household circumstances, and the specific program. USA.gov provides information about benefits for food, housing, healthcare, utilities, and other basic living expenses.
Who May Qualify
You may be able to find assistance if you:
- Have a limited or fixed income
- Are 60 or older
- Have high medical or prescription costs
- Need help paying rent or utilities
- Have difficulty affording food
- Need transportation or in-home support
- Have a disability or mobility limitation
- Are experiencing an unexpected financial hardship
Eligibility varies by program. Some programs are based on income, while others consider age, disability, location, or specific needs.
Check What You May Qualify For
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Programs vary by eligibility, location, household circumstances, and other factors.
Types of Assistance for Seniors
Food Assistance
Older adults may qualify for SNAP or senior-specific nutrition programs. The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program and Commodity Supplemental Food Program are among the programs available to eligible older adults. Local senior nutrition programs may also provide congregate meals or meals delivered to the home.
Housing and Rent Assistance
Seniors with limited incomes may qualify for housing programs such as Housing Choice Vouchers, public housing, or subsidized housing. Eligibility depends on income, household circumstances, and local program requirements.
Help With Utility Bills
Government and local programs may help eligible households with energy and other utility expenses. USA.gov includes utility assistance among the benefits available to people experiencing financial hardship.
Medicare and Healthcare Expenses
Medicare covers many healthcare costs for eligible older adults, and Medicare Savings Programs may help qualifying beneficiaries with certain Medicare premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
Transportation Assistance
Local aging programs may provide transportation to medical appointments, grocery stores, pharmacies, senior centers, and other important destinations.
In-Home Support
Some community programs can help older adults with meals, personal care, housekeeping, chores, care coordination, and other services that make it easier to remain at home.
Social Security and SSI
Social Security retirement benefits can provide income for eligible older adults. SSI may provide payments to people who are 65 or older or who have a qualifying disability and limited income and resources.
How Senior Assistance Programs Typically Work
- Identify your biggest expense, such as food, housing, utilities, healthcare, or transportation.
- Search for programs that address that particular need.
- Check eligibility requirements for your age, income, location, and circumstances.
- Gather documents such as income information, benefit statements, bills, and identification.
- Apply through the appropriate agency or organization.
- Ask about other programs if one source does not cover all of your expenses.