It's no secret that aging can get pretty expensive. At Autumn View Gardens in St. Louis, we understand that retirement can be every bit as costly and stressful as it is relaxing and rewarding. In the event of medical emergencies or financial hardships, it's important to know what resources may be able to offer you assistance. Here's a comprehensive list of 23 different financial assistance resources for older adults, ranging from help with groceries and pets to transportation and medical care.
Volunteers of America offers help to low-income older adults through a variety of services, including Medicare enrollment support, meal programs, affordable housing, nursing care and transportation.
Feeding America works with a nationwide network of food banks to provide over 160 million meals to older adults annually.
A nonprofit dedicated to providing access to dental care, Dental Lifeline Network offers help with dental costs through a network of volunteer dentists and dental labs across the United States.
With locations in all 50 states, iCanConnect offers both training and equipment to older adults with significant vision and hearing loss, as well as financial assistance in covering the cost of computers, cell phones, tablets and braille displays.
The USDA offers government benefits programs to older adults in the form of single-family housing repair loans and grants, most of which have a fixed 1% interest rate over a 20-year term. To receive benefits, you must meet eligibility requirements.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers financial assistance to older adults who need help supplementing their income. If you're 62 or older and have paid your mortgage off in its entirety, you may be eligible for HUD’s reverse mortgage program. If you rent, not to worry — you may still qualify for a subsidized property.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides federally funded assistance for older adults with low income who need help managing the cost of utility bills.
Medicaid provides all-inclusive healthcare options for older adults aged 65 and older, ranging from nursing home care to prescription drugs. Additionally, they offer home and community-based attendant care services that would typically be too costly to pay out of pocket.
Medicare beneficiaries may qualify to participate in the Extra Help program, which provides prescription help up to $5,000 per year. Medicare Savings Programs also provide financial assistance to older adults by helping to pay premiums and deductibles.
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program ensures access to locally grown produce to qualifying low-income older adults.
Social Security beneficiaries aged 62 or older can apply for personal or spousal retirement benefits.
The National Council of Aging’s BenefitsCheckUp program is a directory of over 2,500 government programs that offer help to older adults nationwide with a variety of necessities, ranging from medications and healthcare to employment and tax relief.
The IRS Elderly Tax Credit can help reduce the amount you owe in taxes each year if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Meals on Wheels serves home-cooked, nutritious meals to individuals aged 60 and above nationwide. While participants are encouraged to enjoy meals together in a group setting, they also offer home delivery to those with limited mobility.
Comprised of retiree volunteer workers, AmeriCorps Seniors offer assistance with daily tasks and provide companionship to older adults living alone.
The ADA Paratransit program provides complimentary services to qualifying seniors with no limit on the number of trips requested.
National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA) centers nationwide provide supervised daytime care to individuals who want to remain active in their community.
Senior Paws for Pets delivers nutritious pet food to participants of the Meals on Wheels Program who also need help providing for a pet.
The Humane Society offers a comprehensive list of resources by state for those having trouble affording a pet. This includes support with vaccinations, medications, pet food and vet care and even assistance with spaying and neutering.
Retirement Jobs helps older adults overcome age bias by matching them with employers looking for their skills and expertise. They also provide resume assistance to help you land the job you want.
If you're in dire straits and need financial help fast, crowdfunding may be the perfect solution. Resources such as GoFundMe have grown exponentially in popularity in recent years among older adults in need.
Adults aged 60 and up may qualify to receive food packages from the Commodity Supplemental Food Program.
The Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Association provides myriad care options to older adults living at home.
Even in the aftermath of a global pandemic, there's no shortage of financial assistance resources for older adults; on the contrary, there's something for just about every kind of need you may have. If you're experiencing hardships, it's important to remember that you may only be a Google search away from getting the help you need to continue living comfortably.
