Thousands of public and private programs are available to help eligible low-income older adults pay for health care, prescriptions, food, and utilities. Yet millions of eligible older adults are missing out on these benefits because they don’t know about the programs or how to apply.

Assistance may come in the form of a voucher, discount for goods, and free or reduced-price services. Many of these resources are offered through federal, state, and local benefit programs and nearly all are available nationwide.

Guide to benefits for seniors

This You Gave, Now Save guide provides detailed information about the benefits programs available, who may be eligible, and how to get further information and application assistance. Developed in partnership with USAging (formerly the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging or n4a), the guide includes benefits related to:

• Health care and prescriptions: Learn about the Medicare Part D Extra Help program, Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid, and more
• Food: A variety of programs can help you buy nutritious food at the grocery store and farmers' markets, and assist in an emergency
• Housing and household utilities: There are benefits that can help you pay for home heating and cooling costs, as well as weatherizing your home and getting help with paying your mortgage and rent
• Income, tax, and legal support: Find how to get a reduction on your property taxes and where to go for free or low-cost legal services
• Other benefits: Discover information on transportation programs, and special benefits for certain populations, including Veterans.

The guide was updated in December 2021 with new information and contact details.

Please contact the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 to request print copies of this guide.

Get help finding benefits online and in your community

Several resources are available to help seniors and their loved ones get assistance in identifying and applying for programs that can save them money on health care, food, household utilities, and more.

• NCOA’s BenefitsCheckUp® is the nation’s most comprehensive free, online service to screen seniors with limited income for more than 2,000 public and private benefits available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
• The Eldercare Locator is a public information service of the U.S. Administration for Community Living and administered by USAging. The Locator’s National Call Center is open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET and serves as a trusted gateway for older adults and caregivers searching for information on benefits, home and community-based services, transportation, and more. Call toll-free 1-800-677-1116.
• NCOA also supports a network of Benefits Enrollment Centers, which offer personalized, one-on-one assistance to people with Medicare to find and enroll in all of the benefits for which they may be eligible.