Essential financial resources for seniors: 25 programs that can help
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Many older Americans are finding themselves at a crossroads where the choices they make carry not only emotional weight but also long-term financial consequences that can ripple through the rest of their lives.
For a growing number of retirees, stepping away from the workforce hasn’t brought the sense of stability they once imagined, but instead introduced a different set of pressures tied to rising living costs, unexpected health expenses, and shifting housing needs.
Navigating the maze of support options available today can feel overwhelming, especially when both time and financial breathing room are in short supply.
Still, there are programs, services, and unexpected sources of relief quietly operating in the background—some of which may offer more help than many people realize.
1. VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA
Volunteers of America provides help for senior citizens through a series of service programs. They offer senior benefits such as meal programs, transportation, Medicare enrollment support, nursing care services, affordable housing, and more benefits programs for low-income seniors.
2. SENIOR LIVING
Senior Living is one of the most complete databases of senior living options, including everything from independent living to long-term care.
3. GOFUNDME
When you need financial help fast, crowdfunding is your answer. With GoFundMe, there are no long waiting periods to receive your funds, and it’s a trusted way for your community to support you or a loved one. Thousands of people start fundraisers every day to get the extra help they need. From in-home health care to nutritious meals, you can raise money for financial assistance on GoFundMe.
4. FEEDING AMERICA
Feeding America helps feed the hungry in the US. They provided nearly 166 million meals for seniors, as stated in their 2020 Annual Report. This nonprofit organization works with a nationwide network of food banks to distribute nutritious meals to those in need.
5. RETIREMENT JOBS
Retirement Jobs helps seniors beat age bias by matching them with companies looking for skills and expertise. They also offer resume reviews to help you land the job you want.
6. DENTAL LIFELINE NETWORK
A nonprofit dedicated to providing benefits programs such as access to dental care, the Dental Lifeline Network offers help with dental costs through its state or nationwide dental programs. Most of their programs operate through a network of volunteer dentists and dental labs across the US.
7. ICANCONNECT
Located in all 50 states, iCanConnect provides training and equipment for senior citizens with significant hearing and vision loss. The program helps cover the cost of computers, braille displays, smartphones, tablets, and more.
8. USDA HOUSING REPAIR GRANTS
Government benefits programs for seniors offered by the USDA come in the form of single-family housing repair loans and grants. These grants come with eligibility requirements, and loans are offered at a 1% fixed interest rate over a 20-year term.
9. HUD PROGRAMS
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development offers several programs for low-income seniors who need help supplementing their income. Homeowners aged 62 and up who have paid off their mortgage may qualify for HUD’s reverse mortgage program, or a subsidized property if you rent.
10. LIHEAP (LOW-INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM)
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides federally funded assistance for families. This program also offers help for low-income seniors who need assistance managing the cost of home energy bills.
Also read: Retirees, here’s an extra boost–12 seasonal jobs to increase your income
11. MEDICAID
Medicaid offers all-inclusive health care programs for the elderly, ranging from nursing home care to medical care and prescription drugs. They also provide home and community-based attendant care services that would otherwise be too costly to pay out of pocket.
12. MEDICARE ASSISTANCE
Beneficiaries of Medicare health insurance with limited income may be eligible to participate in the Extra Help program, which provides prescription drug help worth up to $5,000 per year. The state also offers financial assistance for seniors through the Medicare Savings Programs, which can help pay your Medicare premiums and deductibles.
13. SENIOR FARMERS’ MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM
The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program ensures that low-income individuals have access to locally grown produce. Eligibility restrictions apply, and your total household income must be within 185% of the federal poverty level.
14. COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM
Individuals aged 60 and up may be able to receive food assistance from the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. Again, eligibility restrictions apply.
15. SOCIAL SECURITY + SSI/SNAP OPTIONS
Social security beneficiaries can apply for personal or spousal retirement benefits, provided that they are at least 62 years old. If you’re looking for additional government resources besides Social Security, seniors can also try applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both options may provide some relief to seniors in need, such as food stamps or other resources.
16. BENEFITS CHECK UP (BY NCOA)
The National Council of Aging’s program called Benefits Check Up is a directory of government programs that are available nationwide. From medications and health care to tax relief and senior employment, there are more than 2,500 benefits programs offering help for low-income senior citizens.
17. IRS ELDERLY TAX CREDIT
The IRS Elderly Tax Credit may help reduce the amount of tax you owe each year if you meet certain eligibility criteria.
18. MEALS ON WHEELS
Meals on Wheels operates throughout the nation, serving home-cooked, nutritious meals to older adults aged 60 and above. People with limited mobility are served at their homes, while those mobile enough are encouraged to join others for a meal in a group setting.
19. AMERICORPS SENIORS
AmeriCorps Seniors are volunteer workers who are seniors themselves. They help with a variety of programs, such as offering assistance with daily tasks as well as providing much-needed companionship to seniors.
20. NATIONAL PACE ASSOCIATION
The Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) offers medical, rehabilitation, personal, and other types of care so your loved one can continue to live at home.
Also read: Retirees, unlock new opportunities with the top 10 job hunting platforms of 2025!
21. ADA PARATRANSIT
The ADA Paratransit program offers complementary services to eligible seniors, with no limit on the number of trips requested.
22. NATIONAL ADULT DAY SERVICES ASSOCIATION (NADSA)
NADSA connects families to adult day care centers that provide health and social support during the day. These centers offer structured programming and respite for caregivers. They are often more affordable than full-time in-home care or assisted living. Seniors can remain in their homes while receiving vital services.
23. ELDER PAWS SENIOR DOG FOUNDATION
Elder Paws Senior Dog Foundation is a nonprofit that strives to make a positive impact on both people, veterans, and senior dogs in their community through the implementation of their innovative programs.
24. THE HUMANE SOCIETY
The Humane Society offers a comprehensive list of resources by state that can help when you are having trouble affording your pet. Aside from assistance with spaying and neutering, these organizations offer support with vaccinations, medications, vet care, and pet food.
25. BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL SOCIETY
Best Friends Animal Society is a nonprofit organization that offers low-cost spay and neuter services, adoption, and educational programs for pet owners. They also have a database of state and national resources that offer extra financial aid for pet owners.
Read next: Thinking of working in retirement? Here’s where seniors are thriving
Do you or someone you love rely on one of these programs—or have we missed an essential one you think readers should know about? We want to hear about it. Share your experiences in the comments to help others navigating these same decisions.
For a growing number of retirees, stepping away from the workforce hasn’t brought the sense of stability they once imagined, but instead introduced a different set of pressures tied to rising living costs, unexpected health expenses, and shifting housing needs.
Navigating the maze of support options available today can feel overwhelming, especially when both time and financial breathing room are in short supply.
Still, there are programs, services, and unexpected sources of relief quietly operating in the background—some of which may offer more help than many people realize.
1. VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA
Volunteers of America provides help for senior citizens through a series of service programs. They offer senior benefits such as meal programs, transportation, Medicare enrollment support, nursing care services, affordable housing, and more benefits programs for low-income seniors.
2. SENIOR LIVING
Senior Living is one of the most complete databases of senior living options, including everything from independent living to long-term care.
3. GOFUNDME
When you need financial help fast, crowdfunding is your answer. With GoFundMe, there are no long waiting periods to receive your funds, and it’s a trusted way for your community to support you or a loved one. Thousands of people start fundraisers every day to get the extra help they need. From in-home health care to nutritious meals, you can raise money for financial assistance on GoFundMe.
4. FEEDING AMERICA
Feeding America helps feed the hungry in the US. They provided nearly 166 million meals for seniors, as stated in their 2020 Annual Report. This nonprofit organization works with a nationwide network of food banks to distribute nutritious meals to those in need.
5. RETIREMENT JOBS
Retirement Jobs helps seniors beat age bias by matching them with companies looking for skills and expertise. They also offer resume reviews to help you land the job you want.
Essential financial resources for seniors: 25 programs that can help. Image source: Philippe Leone / Unsplash
6. DENTAL LIFELINE NETWORK
A nonprofit dedicated to providing benefits programs such as access to dental care, the Dental Lifeline Network offers help with dental costs through its state or nationwide dental programs. Most of their programs operate through a network of volunteer dentists and dental labs across the US.
7. ICANCONNECT
Located in all 50 states, iCanConnect provides training and equipment for senior citizens with significant hearing and vision loss. The program helps cover the cost of computers, braille displays, smartphones, tablets, and more.
8. USDA HOUSING REPAIR GRANTS
Government benefits programs for seniors offered by the USDA come in the form of single-family housing repair loans and grants. These grants come with eligibility requirements, and loans are offered at a 1% fixed interest rate over a 20-year term.
9. HUD PROGRAMS
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development offers several programs for low-income seniors who need help supplementing their income. Homeowners aged 62 and up who have paid off their mortgage may qualify for HUD’s reverse mortgage program, or a subsidized property if you rent.
10. LIHEAP (LOW-INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM)
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides federally funded assistance for families. This program also offers help for low-income seniors who need assistance managing the cost of home energy bills.
Also read: Retirees, here’s an extra boost–12 seasonal jobs to increase your income
11. MEDICAID
Medicaid offers all-inclusive health care programs for the elderly, ranging from nursing home care to medical care and prescription drugs. They also provide home and community-based attendant care services that would otherwise be too costly to pay out of pocket.
12. MEDICARE ASSISTANCE
Beneficiaries of Medicare health insurance with limited income may be eligible to participate in the Extra Help program, which provides prescription drug help worth up to $5,000 per year. The state also offers financial assistance for seniors through the Medicare Savings Programs, which can help pay your Medicare premiums and deductibles.
13. SENIOR FARMERS’ MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM
The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program ensures that low-income individuals have access to locally grown produce. Eligibility restrictions apply, and your total household income must be within 185% of the federal poverty level.
14. COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM
Individuals aged 60 and up may be able to receive food assistance from the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. Again, eligibility restrictions apply.
15. SOCIAL SECURITY + SSI/SNAP OPTIONS
Social security beneficiaries can apply for personal or spousal retirement benefits, provided that they are at least 62 years old. If you’re looking for additional government resources besides Social Security, seniors can also try applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both options may provide some relief to seniors in need, such as food stamps or other resources.
16. BENEFITS CHECK UP (BY NCOA)
The National Council of Aging’s program called Benefits Check Up is a directory of government programs that are available nationwide. From medications and health care to tax relief and senior employment, there are more than 2,500 benefits programs offering help for low-income senior citizens.
17. IRS ELDERLY TAX CREDIT
The IRS Elderly Tax Credit may help reduce the amount of tax you owe each year if you meet certain eligibility criteria.
18. MEALS ON WHEELS
Meals on Wheels operates throughout the nation, serving home-cooked, nutritious meals to older adults aged 60 and above. People with limited mobility are served at their homes, while those mobile enough are encouraged to join others for a meal in a group setting.
19. AMERICORPS SENIORS
AmeriCorps Seniors are volunteer workers who are seniors themselves. They help with a variety of programs, such as offering assistance with daily tasks as well as providing much-needed companionship to seniors.
20. NATIONAL PACE ASSOCIATION
The Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) offers medical, rehabilitation, personal, and other types of care so your loved one can continue to live at home.
Also read: Retirees, unlock new opportunities with the top 10 job hunting platforms of 2025!
21. ADA PARATRANSIT
The ADA Paratransit program offers complementary services to eligible seniors, with no limit on the number of trips requested.
22. NATIONAL ADULT DAY SERVICES ASSOCIATION (NADSA)
NADSA connects families to adult day care centers that provide health and social support during the day. These centers offer structured programming and respite for caregivers. They are often more affordable than full-time in-home care or assisted living. Seniors can remain in their homes while receiving vital services.
23. ELDER PAWS SENIOR DOG FOUNDATION
Elder Paws Senior Dog Foundation is a nonprofit that strives to make a positive impact on both people, veterans, and senior dogs in their community through the implementation of their innovative programs.
24. THE HUMANE SOCIETY
The Humane Society offers a comprehensive list of resources by state that can help when you are having trouble affording your pet. Aside from assistance with spaying and neutering, these organizations offer support with vaccinations, medications, vet care, and pet food.
25. BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL SOCIETY
Best Friends Animal Society is a nonprofit organization that offers low-cost spay and neuter services, adoption, and educational programs for pet owners. They also have a database of state and national resources that offer extra financial aid for pet owners.
Read next: Thinking of working in retirement? Here’s where seniors are thriving
