11 Free Programs That Help Fixed Income Seniors Save Money Each Month
In this resource guide, you will learn about 11 basic needs programs that help senior citizens.
Many of these programs are provided by the government, so they do not have any out-of-pocket costs to senior citizens. The free programs cover home delivery services, hearing impaired phones, help with Medicare premiums, and much more.
There is a lot to cover so let’s get started!
1.) Extra Help Program
The Extra Help (aka Low Income Subsidy program) is a free assistance program that helps seniors pay for their medications. The program is administered by the Social Security Administration, and it provides low-income seniors with extra help in paying for prescription drugs.
To be eligible for the Extra Help Low Income Subsidy program, seniors must have an income that falls below a certain threshold. In addition, they must be enrolled in Medicare Part D, the prescription drug coverage program offered by Medicare.
Seniors who qualify for the Extra Help Low Income Subsidy program can save a lot of money on their prescription drugs. The program can potentially cover all of the costs associated with prescription medications, including the premiums, deductibles, and co-payments.
To apply for this program you can visit the Social Security Administration website.
2.) Medicare Savings Program
The Medicare Savings Program helps Medicare beneficiaries who have limited income and resources to pay for Medicare Part A and B premiums.
In order to qualify, you need to be actively enrolled in Medicare Part A and/or Part B, you must have a limited income and countable resources, and meet other requirements as well.
To apply for this program you will need to contact the health and human services department in your state.
3.) Medical Alert Systems
Medical alert systems help keep seniors safe but they can be very expensive. Fortunately, there are options for seniors on a fixed income.
If you have access to Medicaid, Medicare, or health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs, this is the first place you should check. These organizations may be able to help you get a free medical alert device from them.
If you do not have health insurance, your best option is to contact an organization like Area Agency on Aging or the Easter Seals. They may have connections to local programs that can help you get a free medical alert system.
4.) Free Dentures And Dental Care
The Dental Lifeline Network offers free dental care to senior citizens and individuals with disabilities.
If you are age 65 or older you may be able to get free dental care services and possibly even free dentures through this program.
To learn more about how you may be able to get free dentures or free dental care you can visit the Dental Lifeline Network.
5.) Meals On Wheels
Meals On Wheels is a free program that helps seniors with the cost of food. The program provides seniors with free meals, which can help them save money on groceries.
In addition, the program also offers social interaction, which can be beneficial for seniors who may be isolated.
To apply for MOW visit the Meals on Wheels America website.
6.) Free Hearing Aids
There are many programs that help seniors get free hearing aids.
If you receive health care benefits through Medicare, Medicaid, or the Department of Veterans Affairs, you may be able to get free hearing aids from them. But if you do not have access to those benefits you may still be able to get free hearing aids through programs like the Miracle-Ear Foundation, The Hearing Aid Project, or Starkey Hearing Foundation.
To apply for MOW visit the Meals on Wheels America website.
7.) Caption Call (A Phone For Hearing Loss)
If you have hearing loss, you should be familiar with Caption Call, because this can be a tool to help you communicate more easily.
With this service, you can read captions of what other people are saying over the phone so that you can understand those conversations more easily.
This service is free to those who qualify however your doctor may need to refer you to this program.
For more information, you can visit the Caption Call website or call them at 833.691.1600 to see if you qualify for this phone for hearing loss.
8.) Free Trackers
The main purpose of Project Lifesaver is to provide tracking systems for those with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, autism, Down Syndrome, brain injuries, and other cognitive disorders.
This project distributes bracelets with radio frequency tracking technology to assist caregivers to find at-risk persons who have gone missing.
If you are interested in getting a tracker for a parent or family member, you are encouraged to contact your local sheriff’s department. The Project Lifesaver program typically partners with local police departments that distribute the free trackers.
Editor’s Note: If you are in Houston, the Harris County Sheriff’s Department has a Project Lifesaver Program.
9.) Free Ombudsman Services
Ombudsman services help protect the rights of seniors who live in nursing homes and other assisted living facilities.
These advocates can help you find a facility, resolve problems and ensure that you get quality care.
The service is administered by the Administration on Aging so contact them for details. If you have Medicaid, you can also contact your state health department to connect with your ombudsman.
Editor’s Note: Our guide called How To File A Complaint On A Doctor can also help you to navigate situations where you disagree with the treatment you are receiving in the hospital.
10.) Free Senior Support Groups
Senior support groups help people connect over common interests, life circumstances, or even specific health challenges. These groups can help you get through tough times, make friends and feel connected with other people.
There are many groups available and they can be found by contacting local senior centers, libraries, physicians, neighborhood and community organizations, or even just by reaching out on social media.
If you cannot find support groups for seniors using the organizations above you can visit the Eldercare Locator website to find an Area Agency on Aging location near you.
11.) LIHEAP
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep senior citizens safe and healthy through programs that assist with energy costs.
This program offers federally funded assistance in managing costs linked with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and minor home repairs.
Qualifying for LIHEAP can help you stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer through programs that reduce the risk of health and safety problems that arise from unsafe heating and cooling practices.
To apply for LIHEAP you can call the National Energy Assistance Referral hotline at 866.674.6327.
Conclusion
Seniors are a growing population and many programs have been put into place to help them live comfortably and safely.
In this article, you learned about 11 free programs that can assist seniors in various ways from obtaining hearing impaired phone systems, helping paying utility bills, free advocacy organizations, and more.
One way to learn more about senior citizen resources is by contacting your local Area Agency on Aging program. You can find a local chapter by visiting the Eldercare Locator website.
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- 9 Supportive Services That Houston Area Agency On Aging Helps With
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Nick Bryant is the author of Understanding Healthcare Is Half The Battle and a Senior Counselor with 13+ years of experience working in community health and mental health. He enjoys spending time with his family, watching WWE on Friday nights, and working toward a Google Data Analytics certification. If you have additional questions about community resources or government assistance programs, simply leave a comment below and he will follow up as soon as possible.
I am a single 68 Senior living on social security, and I am looking for help to get my ATTIC INSULATION to keep my light and gas bill down.
Hi Mrs.Dolores consider checking out a website called eldercare dot Gov they can connect you to the area agency on aging program in your zip code. Area agency on aging programs can connect you to supportive services for seniors. If it’s easier just let me know your zip code and I’ll send you the contact information with the area agency on aging program in your town. Not sure if you are a part of a church but if so consider seeing if they help with things like that. Especially if they have a men’s program you may find men who may be able to donate their time and money to help you get attic insulation.
thanks for being there for the many but i started getting ssi at 62 had a job foor 3 year had a stroke at 65 my job tryed to help and had to let me go last month now i have bills i cant pay where can i look for help soon
I would say start with your state’s health and human services department. They can let you know about food stamp, meals on wheels and other food assistance programs.
There is another website called Eldercare Locator that can connect you to the Area Agency on Aging that services your area. There are nonprofits in your area that receive medical equipment, provide some home care giver services and more.
Also consider downloading an app called Nextdoor. Its like Facebook but you only interact with neighbors. I see lots of neighobers helping others in my community so consider creating a profile.