Free benefits, services and resources for seniors and their caregivers

As a senior or caregiver, finding affordable products and services is crucial. This is especially true for seniors who may be living on limited incomes from sources like Social Security benefits, a small pension, or other forms of government assistance. Yet, while numerous resources exist, many of them are difficult to find, confusing to apply for, or largely unheard of. Below is a compilation of useful and affordable products and services provided to older adults, seniors, and their caregivers, as well as a roadmap for finding them. 

Benefits counseling

Have you, either as a senior or as a caregiver, wrestled with trying to determine what type of help was available to you? Free benefits counseling is available through your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) that can point you in the right direction. You can receive answers regarding health insurance coverage, food stamps, income assistance, and other benefits through these counselors. If an in-person visit is not feasible, you can try a virtual form of benefits counseling on BenefitsCheckUp.org. If necessary, AAA’s can help with applying for benefits as well.

Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP provides monetary assistance toward affording nutritious food to low-income families. You should apply through your AAA or local SNAP office, as each state has slightly different requirements based on income, household size, and countable resource. Visit the USDA SNAP website for a list of nationwide office locations and states that offer online applications. 

Adult day care

Adult day care centers are intended to provide seniors with a safe place to socialize, engage in activities and eat a hot meal in a supervised setting. Adult day care is ideal for seniors who cannot remain alone but do not need the intensive care that a nursing home or hospice care facility provides.

Your AAA can direct you to a local provider, or you can conduct a quick search on Caring.com for a center in your area. Most facilities charge nominal fees merely to cover their operating costs and many offer services on a sliding scale, depending on a senior’s income and ability to pay. When initially contacting your AAA or a day center directly, give as much information up front regarding ability to pay and any physical considerations for the applicant so they can give the most accurate enrollment information.

State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAP)

State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs offer savings on drug costs for certain groups. If you live in Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia, Vermont or Wisconsin, you may have access to a SPAP that can provide help paying for prescription medications. Be sure to contact your state’s department of health and/or human services for details, as income and residency requirements, coverage details, and copy amounts vary from state to state.

National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)

The NFCSP provides funding to states for the support of informal caregivers. AAA’s often administer these programs in conjunction with other community-based organizations and providers. NFCSP services are designed to supplement, not replace, the efforts of family caregivers. They include counseling, training, support groups, and respite care.

Free Phone for Hearing Impaired Individuals

CaptionCall is a service funded by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that provides free captioned telephones and captioning services to those with hearing loss. To be eligible, a senior must certify that they have hearing loss and require the use of a captioned telephone. CaptionCall also offers a free mobile application through the Apple App Store that allows users to receive captioned phone calls on an iPhone or iPad.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Individuals with low income can apply for assistance to efficiently heat and cool their homes. Help is provided either in the form of weather upgrades to a residence or as direct cash assistance for energy costs based on one’s income level. Weather upgrades are provided through the Weatherization Assistance Program, which helps families install insulation, repair or replace HVAC systems, and seal doors and windows. LIHEAP is available to both homeowners and renters, making it more widely accessible for low-income seniors.

— Jamie Lim