Senior assistance programs by state that help older adults pay bills
Older adults often face unique financial pressures, especially when living on a fixed income, managing health needs, or aging in place. No matter your state, there are programs specifically designed to help seniors and older adults pay essential bills, access medical and home care, secure safe housing, and remain independent for as long as possible. These resources, some of which are for specifically for people over the age of 60, are offered through a combination of government agencies or nonprofit organizations. The information below is a guide on what types of help is available for senior citizens, with many of the programs that were identified by the team at needhelppayingbills as being unique to older adults.
The types of assistance available to seniors vary by state and local area, but commonly include help with housing and rent, utility bills, food and nutrition, health care costs, transportation, and home repairs. Many programs are coordinated through Area Agencies on Aging, state aging offices, public benefit agencies, and trusted nonprofit partners that focus on the needs of people age 60 and older.
Some assistance programs are income-based, while others are age-based or tied to disability, health status, or caregiving needs. In many cases, programs are limited by funding and availability, so understanding what exists and where to apply locally is an important first step. Of course, if you need help right now, use our application checklist to find most effective steps to take. This guide, with categories below to help you navigate, explains the main types of senior assistance programs, what they generally help with, and how older adults or caregivers can find support in their area.
Financial assistance programs for seniors
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Rent assistance vouchers can be provided to senior citizens from programs such as Section 202 or 8, though many have waiting lists due to demand. Both are funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), but are administered by public housing agencies that process applications for Section 202 housing vouchers. A local area of aging office or PHA can often provide details on this voucher service. Or they offer referrals to other housing resources as well as government grant money that will help senior citizens with rent or a mortgage.
- Subsidized housing or assisted living homes may be available in many states for the elderly as well as lower income senior citizens. There are apartments, condos, townhomes, and nursing facilities available among other options from the senior citizen and elderly subsidized housing programs. The federal government will also help pay for caregivers to help seniors live independently in their current, own homes.
Get help with food from programs focused on the elderly. Common options include a free box or groceries to pet food or home delivered meals. Government and charity organizations help seniors get healthy, nutritional support for their specific dietary needs, often in partnerships with local pantries and find food programs for seniors.
Low-income senior citizens can apply for utility bill help. Government programs, such as LIHEAP (or a state’s equivalent), local charity organizations as well as utility companies themselves all offer financial resources, with priority often for seniors on a fixed or low-income. As the goal of utility assistance, with a focus on seniors, is to help older people, who are often most at risk if their heat or electric goes off, to keep their power on.
- An energy crisis can be addressed too, if the lack of power can lead to a health concern. This may result from an unpaid utility or heating bill, the receipt of a shut off notice, or lack of fuel or wood. There will be free emergency money to pay utility provided to the elderly over the age of 60, or those age 50 or older if they have a disability. Locate same day crisis LIHEAP applications.
Non-profits often giveaway AC units to senior citizens during the summer months. These programs, that give free air conditioners to seniors, rely on donations from a local community and of course resources are limited. It is generally a small window air conditioner or maybe a box fan that will help keep the elderly person cool during a heatwave.
Low income senior citizens over the age of 50 often get help from the government with their property taxes, based on income and state of course. Most states offer rebates, payment plans, or Homestead Exemptions to the elderly who often live on a low fixed income or social security as paying taxes on a fixed income can be challenging. Find more information on senior citizen property tax exemptions by state.
Free home care can be sometimes provided to the elderly, if their income and insurance allows it. This can be an option of going to a nursing home or assisted living facility. As an example, free home care from PACE is for lower income seniors on Medicare and/or Medicaid, and it pays for some or all of the care they need in their own home or apartment so they can continue to be independent.
Home repair programs are often offered for senior citizens including those with mobility issues. The goal is to help the elderly person stay in their current house and not have to go to a “care home”. There may be repairs done around safety, such as wheelchair ramps, grab bars and similar updates. Or repairs can help make the home livable, including free grant money for seniors to pay for roof repairs, insulation, plumbing and other critical needs. Learn more about home repair for senior citizens for free if medically needed.
- Home furnace repairs, or a replacement, will help low-income seniors or those with no funds keep their home warn and/or cool. Government grant money as well as volunteers will help either fix or furnace or give a new HVAC system to very-low income elderly homeowners, with more details here on how to get free furnace replacement for seniors.
Free cellular or home phones, as well as discounts on monthly bills, are available to lower income senior citizens or those on benefits. Each state uses federal government grants to offer this program in partnership with national and regional telecommunication companies. Both Lifeline and a related benefit known as Link-Up, which are mandated, help with paying monthly costs and hook up fees, or they give people over the age of 60 a free smartphone as  part of senior citizen free telephone programs.
Caregivers can often get financial help too (or paid for their work) for caring for someone over the age of 60. Some state Medicaid programs and related services may allow certain family caregivers to be paid, depending on eligibility and assessment. When qualified/allowed, the government assistance programs for caregivers can help pay qualified caregivers for respite, housing costs, transportation expenses they incur and basic medical too. The goal is to ensure the senior citizen is healthy and safe and the caregiver has the income they need as well.
Get financial advice for seniors, which can in effect serve as a “quasi” form of assistance with paying bills. Applications to these programs are normally sponsored by local charities, social services, the AARP Foundation as well as Aging on Aging centers. Services offered to people over the age of 50 will often include money management or budgeting advice to help low-income senior citizens that have difficulty paying routine bills. As part of this, oftentimes individuals can learn about emergency financial assistance programs, grants, government money that is “free” for seniors age 55 to 65. or additional social security retirement benefits.
Support services and resources for seniors
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Oftentimes Medical or General Transportation can be arranged. Some senior centers will provide transportation to health care and doctor appointments for persons 60 years old and older. Other charity organizations, such as a church, may provide transportation services for seniors so they can get to a local store, pharmacy or other location in an emergency as well. It is usually offered at a minimal cost, but some locations may offer the rides for free.
Federal and state mandated senior citizen legal aid programs can offer free or low cost legal advice, counseling and representation to older Americans - no matter their income. Certified elder law attorneys can be a great option as well for people over the age of 60 or 65. There are no income restrictions, but only civil cases are handled. There is also assistance from Elder Law Attorneys which are above and beyond the legal aid by state.
YMCA centers often give out free membership in local communities. The national non-profit, which operates in every state, will allow a senior citizen to use the gym, pool, or health facilities. There will also be workshops held, meal programs and other services for the elderly as part of a YMCA free membership for seniors.
Low cost or free healthcare services help senior citizens, whether they are low-income or not, get the medical care they need. There is assistance for low-income senior citizens, those over the age of 62, and people with little or no money. Everything from Medicare to healthcare clinics, SHIP and other services are available as part of senior focused health care programs.
Information from Eldercare Locator is targeted at senior citizens and is available in most states. The service is usually administered by area agency on aging offices. All of the advice is distributed for free to the client. Some of what can be provided by Eldercare Locator includes referrals tips on how apply for financial help, local transportation, senior citizens, places for free daily meals, housing/rent assistance, and food pantries.
Non-profit Representative Payees can help senior citizens who receive social security manage their money. This is a federal government approved program in which anyone who receive social security payments, whether SSI, retirement, or something else can get assistance. It is supervised by the Social Security Administration, and that families should ask questions before assigning anyone.
- Representatives payees are meant to help older adults who lack the ability (either physical or mental) to manage their funds on their own Everything coordinated by a non-profit representatives payee near you is approved and verified by the SSA (Social Security Administration).
There is of course social security. Senior citizens can start receiving their first check from this government benefit as early as the age of 62. But the later they wait to file for benefits, the more in effect “free money” they will get each month from the government, and we have a guide in which we provide tips about a good age to start collecting social security payments.
Senior Centers operate in many towns, cities, and counties. Any older adult can use them, no matter their income. Various resources are administered from the locations. For example, they can provide free and low-cost health screenings. Or a senior citizen center near you can be a place for people to stop by to get a meal or pick up an emergency food box or lunch. The centers are also a place to go for social activities, including workshops and seminars on issues such as accessing low cost housing, medical bill programs like Medicare, and budgeting classes.
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a federal government funded “job-employment” program that is administered by many agency on aging offices as well as corporations. Enrollees in the SCSEP program will be offered free physical examination and placement into job training opportunities that pay an income. They will be placed into part time jobs, in which they will gain an income, learn new skills, and have the opportunity to transition into full time employment. There are many job opportunities from the senior employment program.
Work from home and flex jobs can allow seniors to increase their income, and the funds from those “positions” can supplement a pension, 401K or other retirement money. The extra cash from one of these jobs can be effective for paying some bills, taking a trip, or postponing the use of retirement funds (among other benefits). Even the elderly with mobility or health care issues can get a freelance, part time, or work from home job. Find a list of senior income producing opportunities.
Abuse, scams, and fraud are often targeted at senior citizens. Whether it is an income tax or investment scheme or pressure from predatory lenders, there are many companies as well as individuals that target the elderly as well as disabled. Since this is the case, there are non-profits as well as state laws that protect older individuals. Find how to get help from senior scams.
Senior assistance programs by state
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Senior assistance programs are administered locally, even when funding comes from federal or statewide sources. Each state (listed below) coordinates services through its own aging agencies, nonprofit partners, and community organizations, which means eligibility rules, application steps, and available programs differ by location. Selecting a state below (or look here for information on other Agency on Aging resources) will take you to resources specific to that area, including housing help, food programs, utility assistance, health services, and other support for seniors and older adults.
Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Nebraska
New Mexico
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Do you need additional help or advice on finding programs? Send an email to [email protected]. As there are many other community resources as well as financial programs for the elderly. Include your state in the email. The information is needed to send a helpful reply - but we do nothing else with your email and if you have questions, read our privacy policy. Or visit or register in the community forum. The link is on the lower margin.
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