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National Council on Aging logo. We believe every person deserves to age well. That’s why we’re on a path to improve the lives of 40 million older adults by 2030.

Benefits & Assistance

Living on a fixed income can be hard, as the cost of living goes up but your income does not. Discover benefits and other assistance programs that can help pay for health care, prescriptions, food, housing, and more.

Benefits & Financial Assistance

Disaster Assistance

Disasters can strike anywhere, and older adults face extra challenges with planning and recovery. Learn how to create a preparedness plan and what disaster assistance benefits are available to help with food, housing, and other necessities after one strikes.
Get connected to resources
September is National Preparedness Month and a perfect time to revisit your own preparedness and post-disaster plans.

Energy & Utility Assistance

Paying for heating and cooling costs can be a struggle for low-income households. There are several benefits can help with energy and utility assistance needs, such as LIHEAP and weatherization programs.
Learn about what's available
Person's finger setting home energy temperature using a digital thermostat

Food Assistance

Many programs help eligible low-income older adults get the food they need. They can help seniors buy nutritious food and even get extra assistance in an emergency.
Explore food assistance resources
A female is holding a red grocery basket with produce in it in a aisle at the grocery store.

Housing Assistance

Housing costs represent the greatest expense and share of household budgets among those age 55+. If you're struggling to afford your home, there are resources and financial tools, like tapping into your home equity, that could help.
Learn about housing help
A senior Caucasian woman is at home during the pandemic, staring outside of her window.

Medicare Enrollment Assistance

Medicare covers a wide range of services to keep us healthy as we age. Learn more about the different parts of Medicare, enrollment, costs, and what services the federal program does and does not cover.
Get help understanding Medicare
Medicare scams are common and come in all different forms. Learn about the warning signs of a scam—and smart ways to keep your information safe.

Prescription Assistance

Need extra help paying for the meds you need to stay healthy? Medicare Part D provides vital prescription drug coverage and there are other programs to help pay for out-of-pocket prescription costs.
Find Rx assistance benefits
If you're taking any of these five categories of prescription or over-the-counter medications, be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to look out for.

Transportation Resources

Transportation is a critical link to employment, health care, and community services for older adults. There are local resources that can help you travel to work, volunteer, or spend time with family.
Find affordable, accessible options
A Lyft driver helps a senior man get out of the car and into a wheel chair at a COVID-19 vaccine event in Arizona.

Veterans Benefits

More than 9 million older adults have served in the military. Veterans are often eligible for a wide range of benefits both within and outside the VA system.
Learn what benefits may be available to you
Age and disability status can limit employment and lead to income-related hardships, yet many veterans aren’t aware they qualify for food stamps.

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