Best Government Programs To Help Seniors Financially

Sometimes senior life isn’t as financially comfortable as expected. It can be difficult to stretch a weekly budget with rising costs and the potential for unexpected expenses. There are lots of different schemes out there with various aims and benefits that can add up to big savings.

Of course, the best starting point is to get your tax allowances and Social Security benefits in order. There are standard tax deductions for seniors and some credits. Your Social Security can then allow for personal or spousal retirement benefits. But, there is so much more out there. Here are some of the best government programs to help seniors financially to get the ball rolling.

Government Financial Assistance For Food.

With food costs continuing to rise, it gets harder and harder to stretch a tight food budget. Some seniors find themselves cutting back on the things they love, and others go as far as skipping nutritious meals to save money. Food-based financial aid can help.

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program is a great starting point for those aged 60 and above. Those that meet the criteria can receive food packages to help save money on weekly shopping. Alternatively, you might choose to apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps, to lower costs when grocery shopping.

You might also want to apply for the Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program. This one is means-tested based on income, as you have to have a total household income within 185% of the federal poverty level. Still, if you qualify, you get access to locally grown produce, which adds high-end ingredients to your meals for better health.

Don’t forget that there are also plenty of non-governmental schemes out there to help put food on the table. Feeding America provides access to meals through foodbanks, and there are always the Meals on Wheels delivery services for a hot meal straight to your door.

Government Assistance For Medical Costs.

Medical bills are another cause for concern with the high costs of medical visits, medication, and other services. Old age can bring other needs with vision and hearing impairments that require corrective aids. There may also be the need for mobility devices for independent living. That is where medical programs can help.

Recipients of Medicaid and Medicare should take the time to see what all-inclusive programs are available. The Extra Help Medicare system is great for dealing with prescription costs, while Medicaid home care services can support those struggling at home.

Again, there are many additional schemes not affiliated with the government that you can try. National PACE Associate works hard on medical and rehabilitation care for those that qualify. There is also the Dental Lifeline Network And Senior Living, with the latter helping with both independent and hospice-based care.

Government Schemes To Help With Housing Expenses.

Another important area that can drain financial resources in senior years is housing costs. It can be expensive to maintain a home, especially an old family home that may be overdue for maintenance and repairs. Where possible, we want to be secure in the home we love rather than having to consider alternative residential services.

The USDA Housing Repair Grants scheme helps provide grants and loans to seniors to make necessary repairs to their property. The Department of Housing and Urban Development has options to help seniors supplement their income, such as subsidies for rental properties. Seniors in the rental market may also benefit from Housing Choice Vouchers Program.

Then there is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help cover energy bills. On a similar line, seniors can also get help lowering energy bills through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program. This includes access to new water heaters, insulation, and thermostats.

Government Financial Programs To Help In Other Areas.

Then, there are additional support services out there that can help you cut costs in other areas. Every little helps when it comes to making savings and affording the lifestyle you deserve. It never hurts to speak to people in all kinds of areas to see what they can offer to make life a little easier.

One example that is increasingly important in this modern age is iCanConnect. This nationwide scheme works to help seniors cover the costs of tech so they can stay up to date with trends and keep in touch with family. This includes training on how to use it.

Of course, there is also the option of getting back into the workplace if you want to earn some extra money and pay your own way. The Senior Community Service Program is a great starting point for access to training in various areas for minimum-wage jobs.

Check Your Entitlement As You May Be Surprised At What You Qualify For.

It is easy to dismiss a lot of these schemes and assume you are already getting all you are entitled to. You have your Social Security and Medicaid and feel you aren’t struggling as much as others in need, so why get greedy. Well, it isn’t greedy to get what you are entitled to if it means living comfortably and healthily in your own home.

That is why the final tip in this guide to finding the best government programs to help seniors financially is the BenefitsCheckUp. This directory is a one-stop shop for a range of options, with more than 2,500 schemes listed. Even if there is just one there that proves to be of worth, it is worth your time and effort. The directory comes direct from the National Council of Aging, so you know it is trustworthy.

Take the time to check out all your options, and maybe enlist the help of family members to make sure you can find all the right information and apply for all appropriate schemes. You might also find it helpful to talk to financial planners specializing in senior care. These short-term stresses could pay off with long-term financial benefits for increased security and peace of mind.