Financial Help for Seniors on Social Security

Challenges of Living on Social Security

For many American senior citizens, retirement doesn’t bring relief, but growing financial anxiety, especially for those without enough in savings. If you’re relying on Social Security for all of your income, it may be difficult to make ends meet. Paying for emergencies, like hospital stays, can be even more difficult.

The average Social Security monthly payment was $1,864.87 as of August 2025. Inflation's impact on everyday things like groceries puts a big strain on those living on fixed incomes, adding to the stress felt by many retirees about their future.  

For 12% of men and 15% of women in the U.S. receiving benefits, Social Security accounts for 90% of their income (PDF). Without other savings, paying for daily living expenses, such as housing, healthcare, and food, can be difficult.  

However, financial help is available for seniors on Social Security through federal and state governments, nonprofit organizations, and local communities. This guide provides a list of resources, organizations that offer assistance, and tips to get the financial help you need.

Financial Assistance Programs

Whether you’re relying solely on Social Security to cover your living expenses or need a little boost for your retirement income, help is available. Several programs offer financial help to seniors on Social Security:

• Medicare: Covers healthcare costs, including hospital stays, prescription drugs, medical equipment, temporary nursing home stays, and doctor visits.
• Medicare Savings Program (MSP): Helps pay for Medicare premiums, copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance.
• Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program: Provides coupons for purchasing fresh produce from farmers’ markets and roadside stands.
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Offers benefits to help seniors buy groceries.
• Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): Distributes food boxes to seniors containing nutritious items, such as fresh produce, dairy, and cereal, every month.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides additional financial assistance, including grocery stimulus, for seniors with low income and limited resources.
• Survivor Benefits: Provides financial assistance to widowed seniors based on their spouse’s Social Security record.
• Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP): Offers minimum-wage jobs (federal, state, or local, whichever is highest) at community or government agencies for seniors re-entering the workforce.
• USDA Repairs Grant: Helps rural homeowners make necessary home repairs to improve safety.
• Weatherization Assistance Program: Provides free weatherization services and home repairs.
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Covers energy-related repairs to help lower utility bills.
• Housing Choice Voucher Program (HUD): Assists with rent payments for eligible seniors.

Eligibility Requirements for Senior Assistance

Financial help for seniors on Social Security is available through multiple sources. However, it's important to check the eligibility requirements of each program you’re interested in. Most government programs are designed for senior citizens with low incomes.

Financial assistance for seniors is only available to legal U.S. residents. Most programs also require you to be at least 55 years old.

Your monthly income must fall within the program’s specified income limits to qualify. Additionally, some programs are designed for older adults with disabilities or specific medical conditions, so there may be other eligibility criteria you must satisfy.

6 Tips to Get Financial Help for Seniors on Social Security

While many senior assistance programs are available through government and non-profit organizations, some seniors fail to take advantage of these due to a lack of knowledge. From grocery stimulus programs to medical care plans, seniors can access financial assistance in various ways.

Below are a few tips to help you make the most of available programs and benefits:

1. Use the Right Tools to Research

If you’re not sure where and how to get financial help, there are several tools and resources to simplify your research, including:

• BenefitsCheckUp tool
• Eldercare Locator or call 1-800-677-1116
• AARP’s state-specific program database
• USAGov Benefit Finder tool
• 211 for resources in your community

2. Understand the Eligibility Criteria

One of the main reasons so many seniors fail to enroll in benefit programs is that they’re not aware they may be eligible. Read more about the programs discussed in this guide and check to see if you qualify.

Another easy way to find programs you may be eligible for is through the Benefit Finder tool. The USAGov portal can help you find benefits for which you may be eligible. Simply answer a few questions to get a list of programs you can apply for.

3. Utilize as Many Programs as Possible

Take advantage of as many programs as you qualify for to maximize the amount you receive each month. Even small benefits add up over time and can help you stretch your retirement income. Be on the lookout for new senior stimulus programs and options as they become available. 

It's important to note that there are no Social Security bonuses for senior citizens. However, from 2025 to 2028, seniors can claim up to $6,000 in additional tax deductions. Seniors can also consider alternative financial strategies, such as debt relief services or creating supplemental income streams, to ensure a more secure retirement.

4. Apply for Grants

Other than the benefits discussed in this guide, you can also apply for available grants. Get a full list of all the grants available at Grants.gov.

5. Take Advantage of Free Services

Many organizations offer free services to qualifying senior citizens. For example, seniors can get free transportation for doctor visits through the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Program.

You can also get free legal assistance and tax help through organizations like Legal Services Corporation and local pro bono programs.

6. Avoid Scams

If someone contacts you and offers you free government money through grants for home repairs, education, or bills, it could be a scam.

Be vigilant and avoid giving out your personal information or paying an upfront fee for a list of grants or government benefits. Scammers may use your personal information to steal your identity or drain your bank account.

Additional Organizations Offering Senior Assistance

Seniors seeking a smoother financial path can find assistance from various sources. In addition to federal and state government benefits, which can be found on USAGov, you can also seek help from nonprofit organizations.

Here’s a list of organizations that provide financial help for seniors on Social Security:

• Feeding America offers meals to seniors through food banks.
• The National PACE Association offers medical and rehabilitation services.
• AmeriCorps offers several volunteer programs that provide companionship and help with daily tasks.
• Get help with nursing care, transportation, and meals through Volunteers of America.
• Meals on Wheels offers nutritious meals to older adults in group settings or at home.
• Get free or low-cost dental care through the Dental Lifeline Network.

Financial Help for Seniors on Social Security

Getting older may come with financial uncertainty and stress about how to make ends meet. If you’re relying on Social Security as your only source of income, take advantage of benefits to cope with your living expenses.

Federal and state governments, local communities, and nonprofit organizations offer financial help for seniors on Social Security through nutrition programs, companionship, housing assistance, free services, and healthcare.

Don’t wait—explore these programs today to maximize your benefits and improve your financial well-being.

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