ElderSource assistance programs for seniors in Northeast Florida.
ElderSource, known formally as The Area Agency on Aging of Northeast Florida, continues to be the primary nonprofit that arranges financial assistance, energy-related help, home support, counseling, and referral services for older adults as well as people with a disability across the northeastern part of the state. Find details on programs from ElderSource in NE Florida and where to apply.
The organization oversees a large network of providers and distributes government and community funding to help seniors remain safe at home, access meals, address utility emergencies, and connect to long-term care support. It serves as the Aging and Disability Resource Center for Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, St. Johns, and Volusia counties.
Financial help for seniors in NE Florida
The agency oversees programs funded by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and federal Older Americans Act dollars, along with local grants and private donations. Eligible seniors can receive assistance paying past-due electric bills, restoring disconnected service, or addressing a home energy emergency. Emergency help can include a payment to a utility company, repairs to unsafe air-conditioning units, or the purchase of box fans or similar cooling equipment during extreme heat as allowed by the Florida Agency on Aging.
- Financial assistance is targeted to low-income households with at least one resident who is sixty years of age or older. A disconnection notice, past-due bill, or other documented energy crisis is almost always required. Income limits are generally based on a percentage of the federal poverty level, and the exact benefit amount and how often a household can receive help are set by state and federal rules that change over time.
Emergency financial assistance from ElderSource can help with other bills. ElderSource manages or coordinates special funds that may help seniors in crisis who do not qualify for other programs. These resources can be used for urgent needs such as preventing eviction, addressing a health-related emergency, or stabilizing unsafe living conditions. In some counties, there are dedicated funds for emergency assistance, including rent payment help in FL, that cover Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, St. Johns, Flagler, and Volusia, with slightly different criteria depending on local donations and grant rules.
ElderSource contracts with local agencies to deliver congregate and home-delivered meals, including Meals on Wheels, for seniors who cannot easily shop or prepare food on their own. These meals help older residents remain at home and avoid premature placement in institutional care. Congregate dining sites offer a meal along with social activities, wellness checks, and opportunities for community engagement.
There are also many pantries in NE Florida that ElderSource partners with. Some of those centers can help seniors get free groceries, with limited delivery options. Find other options of where to get free food in FL.
Holiday support continues to be available in some communities, including small seasonal gifts, meals, or social gatherings arranged through local providers. These services are limited by donations and vary by county, but they remain valuable for older adults who are isolated or who lack family support.
How ElderSource helps older adults with medical needs
The agency plays a central role in connecting residents to long-term care and health insurance assistance. Through the SHINE program (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders), trained counselors help seniors compare Medicare plans, understand prescription coverage, and review medical bills.
- Counseling and information services include guidance on Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care options, prescription drug assistance, and health insurance issues. Trained counselors help seniors understand coverage, compare plans, review medical bills, and avoid errors that could lead to out-of-pocket costs.
In-home support is available for seniors who need help with personal care or household chores, often as caused by a medical issues. Services may include assistance with bathing, dressing, light housekeeping, meal preparation, and other tasks that allow an older adult to maintain independence. Respite services are offered to support family caregivers who are managing the needs of a loved one at home. These supports are funded through federal and state programs and are assigned based on individual assessments and functional needs.
ElderSource also provides referrals to long-term care programs administered by the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care system, Community Care for the Elderly, and Home Care for the Elderly. These programs can offer hands-on care, adult day services, respite, and other supports that help seniors remain in their homes when chronic health conditions make daily activities difficult.
Contact information
The main ElderSource office is located at 10688 Old St Augustine Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257. Residents of the seven Northeast Florida counties may call the ElderSource HelpLine at 1-888-242-4464 or 904-391-6699 to request utility assistance, meals, home care, counseling, or caregiver support. Services depend on available funding, documented need, and program eligibility, and each request begins with a screening through the Aging and Disability Resource Center.
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