Turbo Takeaways

With the prices of goods and services up 2.8%, Americans are feeling their wallets shrinking. Retirees on fixed incomes are among the hardest hit, making it more important to know which financial assistance programs may be available.

As of January 2025, the average Social Security benefit is $1,979, which is often the largest or only source of income for those who have retired. With increasing health care costs and rising costs of groceries, it’s often difficult for retirees to make ends meet.

Fortunately, the federal government and nonprofit organizations offer financial assistance for seniors that help ease the burden of food, healthcare, utilities, and housing costs.

This article offers a comprehensive list of all programs currently available for senior citizens, helping them access nutritious food, financial relief, and essential resources.

How To Get Financial Help for Seniors

Many seniors miss out on financial assistance programs simply because they’re unaware of them. Fortunately, there are several resources you can use to find programs you may qualify for.

The BenefitsCheckUp tool by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) lets you search through private and public benefits programs that match your needs.

Another option is the Eldercare Locator tool that helps you find local agencies that provide caregiver support, home-based care services, assisted living, nursing homes, transportation, and more. You can also find an agency by calling 1-800-677-1116.

USAGov´s benefit finder tool allows you to fill out a short questionnaire to discover federal and state benefits you may be eligible for.

10 Senior Citizen and Elderly Assistance Programs

Senior citizens often need programs tailored to their unique needs. If you're a senior or a family member looking for resources, explore the options below and check if you qualify.

1. Food Programs

Even with rising food prices, many seniors eligible for food assistance don’t receive these benefits due to a lack of knowledge. There are multiple programs to help with nutrition, food costs, and even grocery stimulus such as:

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps millions of Americans get access to food. If you’re disabled or over 60 years old, you may also be eligible for food allowances deductions and other benefits.

Meals on Wheels delivers meals directly to seniors through local programs. The USDA also runs the Seniors Farmer Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), which offers seniors locally-grown fresh produce.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) distributes food through local organizations. Depending on availability, seniors can get access to nutritious options like milk, cheese, fresh produce, and meat.

How To Apply:

2. Medical Bills Programs

For healthcare-related financial assistance for seniors, Medicare programs help cover costs. The Medicare Extra Help Program helps seniors with prescription drugs. If you have Medicaid coverage, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or help through the Medicare Savings Program, you may get enrolled in the program automatically.

The Medicare Savings Program is a state program that helps those who can’t afford health insurance premiums and deductibles. There are four different savings programs, each with its own income limits for qualification.

How To Apply:

  • Medicare Extra Help: If you're not automatically enrolled, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
  • Medicare Savings Program: Contact your state's Medicaid office to apply.

3. Housing Programs

The HUD’s Public Housing Program offers qualifying seniors subsidized housing throughout the country. If you’re over 62 years old and meet the income qualification requirements, you may be eligible for the program.

If you need help with energy bills, weatherization, or energy-related home repairs, the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help.

The Housing Choice Vouchers Program also provides rental assistance to eligible seniors.

How To Apply:

4. Income Programs

If you’re looking for a job to boost your income in retirement, the Senior Community Service Program (SCSEP) can help you re-enter the workforce. If you’re over the age of 55, the program pays you minimum wage to work at community or government agencies. SCSEP also offers training for jobs so you can pursue new career opportunities.

How To Apply:

5. Transportation Programs

Medicaid offers free transportation services for seniors through the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation program. It covers healthcare-related transportation, but details may vary depending on the state you reside in.

You may also qualify for paratransit service in your area through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). While this isn’t a free program, it offers curb-to-curb service.

How To Apply:

  • Non-Emergency Medical Transportation: Call your Medicaid caseworker or your health plan’s transportation number.
  • Paratransit service: Contact your local transportation department.
  • 211: Dial 211 or visit the official website for transportation assistance.

6. Help Paying Taxes

If you need help filing your taxes, the Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program offers free help. The IRS sponsors this program, and it’s delivered through qualified local organizations.

Another option is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free preparation for basic tax returns for seniors.

How To Apply:

  • Tax Counseling for the Elderly: Use the TCE locator tool to find your nearest site, or call 1-800-906-9887.
  • Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program: Find a location near you by using the VITA locator tool, or by calling 1-800-906-9887 for assistance.

7. Help for Disabled Seniors

The Supplemental Income and Social Security are the largest federal programs that provide financial assistance for seniors with disabilities. Social Security Disability Insurance pays benefits if you’re insured, while the Supplemental Security Income offers benefits based on your financial need.

The HUD’s Section 811 program offers supportive services and helps fund and develop new homes that benefit those who are disabled.  

How To Apply:

8. Help for Seniors With Pets

There are various non-profit organizations that provide financial assistance for seniors with pets. Pets for the Elderly covers fees for seniors who want to adopt a pet from an animal shelter.

The Seniors for Seniors is an adoption program that helps match seniors with pets at a reduced adoption rate. If you’re looking for non-profit charities or financial resources for pet owners, the Humane Society also has a list for each state.

How To Apply:

9. Emergency Financial Help

If you need emergency financial aid, dial 211 to connect with agencies offering essential community services. The program can connect you with local utility assistance, rent assistance, shelters, clothing and food banks, transportation, community meals, and more.

10. Debt Help for Seniors

If high-interest debts are making it harder for you to manage your finances, consider senior citizen debt relief programs. These programs can help reduce your monthly payments or eliminate debt, giving you more financial stability.

High-interest debt like credit cards and personal loans can make it difficult for you to keep up with essential living expenses. Debt relief can help you repay some or all of that debt, so you can free up your income or tackle elderly debt collection issues.

Depending on your financial situation, you may consider debt relief options like consolidation, debt settlement, debt management programs, or bankruptcy. TurboDebt can help you determine the right option based on your unique situation.

Find Financial Assistance for Seniors

Senior citizens struggling to pay for essentials on a limited income have several free services, resources and financial assistance programs to rely on.

Start by searching for specific programs near you through resources like USAGov or BenefitsCheckUp tool provided by the NCOA. You can also explore AARP’s state-specific database for senior assistance programs in your state.

“With inflation, medical bills, the rising cost of living, and social security benefits being so low, seniors really need all the help they can get,” says Teresa Dodson, financial expert and founder of Greenbacks Consulting. “Financial assistance programs could really help those in need,” she adds.