Financial help for seniors: 25 essential resources
If you are finding that finances are a cause of stress even after retirement, you are not alone.
The nation is facing a retirement crisis. According to the National Council on Aging, 80% of households with seniors are struggling financially or are at risk of economic insecurity as they age. Ways to help with this include government grants for seniors, housing assistance programs, nonprofit organizations, and community fundraising options for seniors of all income levels.
If you or a senior citizen you care for is struggling financially, know that there are resources available to provide help and financial support.
Read on to discover ways to find financial help for seniors.
Emergency financial assistance for seniors
When an unexpected expense threatens your ability to pay for essentials like food, utilities, transportation, or housing, knowing where to turn for help can make a difference. Many forms of financial assistance for low-income seniors are available, but finding the right program can be overwhelming.
A good starting point is the Eldercare Locator, a free national service that connects seniors and caregivers with local resources, including emergency financial aid, meal programs, transportation assistance, and other support services. You can also call 1-800-677-1116 to speak with a specialist.
If you’re unsure which benefits you may qualify for, the NCOA’s BenefitsCheckUp tool can identify federal, state, and local programs in minutes. Seniors facing utility shutoffs or difficulty paying energy bills may be eligible for help through LIHEAP, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (resource 10 below), which offers crisis assistance and ongoing support with home energy costs.
Organizations that help seniors
There are many fundraising platforms and nonprofit organizations that help senior citizens with programs and benefits. Below, we’ve listed six of these resources and charities you can turn to when you need emergency financial assistance.
Volunteers of America
Volunteers of America provides help for senior citizens through a series of service programs. They offer senior benefits such as meal programs, transportation, Medicare enrollment support, nursing care services, affordable housing, and more benefits programs for low-income seniors.
Senior Living
Senior Living is one of the most complete databases of senior living options, including everything from independent living to long-term care.
Feeding America
Feeding America helps feed the hungry in the US. They provide meals to more than 7 million seniors each year. This nonprofit organization works with a nationwide network of food banks to distribute nutritious meals to those in need.
Retirement Jobs
Retirement Jobs helps seniors beat age bias by matching them with companies looking for skills and expertise. They also offer resume reviews to help you land the job you want.
Dental Lifeline Network
A nonprofit dedicated to providing benefits programs such as access to dental care, the Dental Lifeline Network offers help with dental costs through its state or nationwide dental programs. Most of their programs operate through a network of volunteer dentists and dental labs across the US.
Government grants and financial assistance programs for seniors
Retirement should be a peaceful time, spent free from the stresses of working life. Unfortunately, many in retirement worry about how to get help with bills, both for everyday necessities and unexpected emergencies. Thankfully, the government programs listed below provide much-needed financial help for senior citizens. These include senior housing assistance programs, energy grants, nutrition programs, healthcare coverage, and tax relief designed specifically for low-income seniors and senior citizens.
iCanConnect
Located in all 50 states, iCanConnect provides training and equipment for senior citizens with significant hearing and vision loss. The program helps cover the cost of computers, braille displays, smartphones, tablets, and more.
USDA Housing Repair Grants
Government benefits programs for seniors offered by the USDA come in the form of single-family housing repair loans and grants. These grants come with eligibility requirements, and loans are offered at a 1% fixed interest rate over a 20-year term.
Housing and Urban Development programs
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers several programs for low-income seniors who need help supplementing their income. Homeowners aged 62 and up who have paid off their mortgage may qualify for HUD’s reverse mortgage program, or a subsidized property if you rent.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides federally funded assistance for families. This program also offers help for low-income seniors who need assistance managing the cost of home energy bills.
Medicaid
Medicaid offers all-inclusive health care programs for seniors, ranging from nursing home care to medical care and prescription drugs. They also provide home and community-based attendant care services that would otherwise be too costly to pay out of pocket.
Medicare
Beneficiaries of Medicare health insurance with limited income may be eligible to participate in the Extra Help program, which provides prescription drug assistance worth an estimated $5,700 per year. The state also offers financial assistance for senior citizens through the Medicare Savings Programs, which can help pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket costs. In addition, Social Security benefits increased by 2.8% in 2026 through the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), helping seniors keep pace with rising living expenses.
Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program ensures that low-income individuals have access to locally grown produce. Eligibility restrictions apply, and your total household income must be within 185% of the federal poverty level.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program
Individuals aged 60 and up may be able to receive food assistance from the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. Eligibility restrictions apply.
Social Security
Social Security beneficiaries can apply for personal or spousal retirement benefits, provided that they are at least 62 years old. In 2026, Social Security benefits increased by 2.8% through the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), helping beneficiaries keep pace with rising living expenses. If you’re looking for additional government resources besides Social Security, seniors can also try applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both options may provide some relief to seniors in need, such as food assistance or other resources.
BenefitsCheckUp
The National Council of Aging’s program called BenefitsCheckUp is a directory of government programs that are available nationwide. From medications and health care to tax relief and senior employment, there are more than 2,500 benefits programs offering help for low-income senior citizens.
IRS Elderly Tax Credit
The IRS Elderly Tax Credit may help reduce the amount of tax you owe each year if you meet certain eligibility criteria.
Help for seniors living alone
Many seniors want to continue to live independently in their own homes but may need assistance with everyday activities like cooking and shopping. Thankfully, many community-based programs help seniors who are living by themselves.
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels operates throughout the nation, serving home-cooked, nutritious meals to seniors aged 60 and above. People with limited mobility are served at their homes, while those mobile enough are encouraged to join others for a meal in a group setting.
AmeriCorps Seniors
AmeriCorps Seniors are volunteer workers who are seniors themselves. They help with a variety of programs, such as offering assistance with daily tasks as well as providing much-needed companionship to seniors.
National PACE Association
PACE, the Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, offers medical, rehabilitation, personal, and other types of care so your loved one can continue to live at home.
ADA Paratransit
The ADA Paratransit program offers complimentary services to eligible seniors, with no limit on the number of trips requested.
National Adult Day Services Association
The National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA) has centers nationwide that offer numerous services to individuals who want to remain living within the community. These health and social services provide supervised care outside of the home during the daytime to seniors. Additionally, these adult day care centers can also be a more cost-effective solution.
Benefits programs for seniors with pets
For seniors, owning a pet can provide a level of companionship that is essential to health and well-being. But owning a pet is costly, and some owners may find themselves worrying about how to get help with vet bills, pet food costs, and vaccinations. Thankfully, there are plenty of organizations that provide financial help for seniors with pets.
Elder Paws Senior Dog Foundation
Elder Paws Senior Dog Foundation is a nonprofit that strives to make a positive impact on people, veterans, and senior dogs in their community through the implementation of their innovative programs.
The Humane Society
The Humane Society offers a comprehensive list of resources by state that can help when you are having trouble affording your pet. Aside from assistance with spaying and neutering, these organizations offer support with vaccinations, medications, vet care, and pet food.
Best Friends Animal Society
Best Friends Animal Society is a nonprofit organization that offers low-cost spay and neuter services, adoption, and educational programs for pet owners. They also have a database of state and national resources that offer extra financial aid for pet owners.
How to raise money for a senior on GoFundMe
Government programs and nonprofit organizations can provide valuable support for seniors, but eligibility requirements, application reviews, and wait lists may delay receiving assistance. GoFundMe offers individuals and families seeking financial assistance for seniors a simple way to get support.
Many families use GoFundMe every day to help cover expenses such as in-home care, medical bills, housing costs, mobility equipment, and daily necessities. Supporters can contribute and share a fundraiser through social media, email, or text, helping friends, family members, and communities come together around a specific need.
GoFundMe can complement the government and nonprofit resources listed above, especially when applications are pending, waiting lists are long, or a need falls outside program eligibility. If you are looking for financial help for elderly loved ones, consider starting a fundraiser for yourself or a senior you care about.
Crowdfunding success stories
Read about how others are using the power of crowdfunding to raise money for seniors needing financial assistance.
Elderly Couple Injured in House Fire
After grandparents Vincenzo and Felicia were seriously injured in a house fire, their granddaughter Sarah set up a fundraiser to help pay for their medical treatment and hospital bills. Through her fundraiser, she raised nearly $3,000 to help her grandparents recover.
Helping the Elderly
After her husband tragically passed away, Dolores found herself struggling to pay her bills. Dolores was a customer of Seth, who noticed she was experiencing financial hardship. He set up a fundraiser to help Dolores pay for groceries and housing costs. Through his efforts, Seth raised over $27,000, more than five times his original goal.
Find financial assistance for the elderly in need
If you’re a senior or family caregiver, we’re here to help by providing financial assistance and support. With GoFundMe, you can help seniors without any lengthy applications or deadlines. Start your fundraiser and see what kind of difference you can make in the life of a friend or loved one.
Financial help for seniors FAQs
Seniors facing financial hardship have several options depending on the urgency of their situation. Government programs such as Medicaid, Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI), SNAP food assistance, and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provide ongoing support for low-income seniors. For immediate needs, the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) connects senior citizens to local emergency resources. The NCOA’s BenefitsCheckUp tool at benefitscheckup.org can help identify programs you qualify for.
Federal programs available to elderly and senior citizens include Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicare and Medicaid, SNAP food assistance, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), USDA housing repair grants, the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. Eligibility varies by program, household income, and state. Use the NCOA’s BenefitsCheckUp tool at benefitscheckup.org to find senior financial assistance programs you qualify for.
GoFundMe offers a way for families to raise money for a senior’s care and living expenses, including in-home care, medical bills, housing expenses, and daily necessities. There are no eligibility requirements and no application waiting period. You can share a fundraiser through social media, email, or text to reach friends, family, and community members who want to help. GoFundMe works alongside government grants and nonprofit programs, not instead of them.
Low-income seniors may qualify for several federal and state programs: Medicaid for healthcare costs, LIHEAP for energy bill assistance, SNAP for food support, Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for additional income, and USDA housing repair grants for home improvements. The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program also provide food assistance specifically for low-income senior citizens. Use benefitscheckup.org to identify which programs apply to your situation.