Turbo Takeaways

Retirees are often the first to feel the pinch of high inflation. As of February 2025, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows a 2.8% in overall prices, affecting essential goods and services.

With limited retirement income from Social Security and fixed monthly pensions, many retirees struggle to cover expenses. Retirement accounts are often severely underfunded compared to the 20+ years of an average retirement today, so even a little financial help can make a big difference.

Senior stimulus programs can ease the burden for millions of older adults who qualify. While the stimulus checks from the CARES Act have ceased, other financial assistance programs are still available for senior citizens.

What Senior Stimulus Programs Are Currently Available?

If you’re looking for senior assistance programs, you can explore Social Security, SNAP, and Medicaid. While no new stimulus checks are available, the American Rescue Plan Act provided a $1.9 trillion relief package that offered financial assistance to families, individuals, and businesses.

The American Rescue Plan Act was passed by Congress and signed into effect by President Biden on March 10, 2021. It provided a third round of stimulus checks of up to $1,400 for eligible individuals and $2,800 for married couples filing jointly.

Although no new stimulus checks specifically for seniors are being issued, eligible individuals can still claim the Recovery Rebate Credit by filing their 2021 tax return before April 15, 2025. Visit the IRS website for the latest information.

More Financial Assistance Options for Seniors

The federal government also offers the following programs for financial support:

Social Security

Full Social Security benefits are available to those who are 62 years of age or older and have contributed to Social Security for at least ten years or 40 calendar quarters of covered employment. This is necessary to qualify for benefits under the U.S. Social Security program, also known as OASDI program.

Additional financial assistance for seniors receiving Social Security payments may also be available, depending on eligibility. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, stimulus checks were automatically issued to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and everyone who was actively receiving Social Security benefits at that time.

The IRS has issued three economic impact payments, but you can claim the Recovery Rebate Credit if you were eligible and haven't received the payment.

Medicare

Medicare is a health service program specifically designed to help older adults pay for healthcare services and supplies. Depending on the Medicare plan you’ve signed up for, you may get dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.

While Medicare itself does not provide stimulus payments, low-income seniors may qualify for Medicaid, which helps cover Medicare premiums, deductibles, and healthcare expenses.

“If you are over 65 years old and qualify for Medicare benefits, the Medicaid system has integrated with Medicare to provide additional healthcare-related benefits for low-income seniors who qualify,” explains Brad Reichert, a financial expert and the founder and managing director of Reichert Asset Management LLC. “This is why it is critical to obtain the required 40 lifetime quarters (or “credits”) of covered employment or to qualify under someone else’s work record to qualify for Social Security benefits,” Reichert adds. 

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that helps qualifying seniors buy groceries at participating stores. To qualify, your gross monthly income must be below 130% of the federal poverty level. Benefits are provided through an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card, which works like a preloaded food allowance card.

As of 2025, eligible individuals can receive up to $292 per month in SNAP benefits, while a two-person household may receive up to $536. These amounts are adjusted annually by the USDA.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the CARES Act temporarily increased SNAP benefits by 15% per month to provide additional food assistance, effectively acting as a grocery stimulus for seniors in need. This boost ended in 2021.

Elderly with Disabilities

The American Rescue Plan also included a stimulus program for seniors with disabilities receiving SSDI payments. Older adults receiving disability benefits through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may have been eligible to receive the third round of stimulus checks of up to $1,400 for individuals.

Economic impact payments do not affect your eligibility for SSDI or SSI benefits. If you qualified but did not receive a payment, check the IRS website to claim the recovery rebate credit.

Who Is Eligible for These Programs?

The American Rescue Plan offers direct relief in the form of stimulus payments and help with rent, food, and healthcare coverage. While the third round of stimulus payments has already been issued, you may still be able to claim it if you didn’t receive the third payment.

You may qualify if you’re a single person earning less than $75,000, a married couple filing jointly earning less than $150,000, or a head of household earning less than $112,500.

To qualify for SNAP benefits, your income should not exceed 130% of the federal poverty threshold.

How To Apply

Non-filers will need to file their 2020 tax return and 2021 tax return (or, if you have filed but didn’t claim the credit, you can file an amended federal tax return for each of those same two years) to claim the recovery rebate credit.

When you file your tax return electronically, the return helps you calculate your credit. The amount will then be included in your refund.

To apply for SNAP benefits, visit a SNAP office near you or call the information hotline for questions.

Is the CARES Act Still Available in 2025?

The CARES Act was the U.S. government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic and the economic crisis it spurred. Congress passed the act, and it was signed by President Trump on March 27, 2020. It was a $2.2 trillion package that provided loan forgiveness, direct payments to millions of Americans, and other benefits to provide relief to families, corporations, and businesses.

The CARES Act has since expired and will no longer be available in 2025. However, older adults can still access various senior debt-relief options, free services, and other key government benefits for those over 65 available.

While the benefits provided under the CARES Act have expired, President Biden’s American Rescue Plan is still available. Although no new federal stimulus checks have been issued in the past two years, you may still qualify for state tax rebate payments.

In 2023, Virginia, Arizona, and Alabama provided one-time tax rebates. Other states recently concluded issuing rebates. For example, Minnesota sent out a $260 rebate to eligible taxpayers in August and September 2023.

Keep in mind that tax rebate programs vary by state and may change. Check your state's Department of Revenue for the most current updates. Additionally, explore other federal and local programs that offer assistance for seniors.