Comprehensive Guide to Resources and Benefits. Living on Social Security alone can be challenging, but there are dozens of programs available to help make ends meet. This guide provides information on federal, state, and local resources that can assist with food, healthcare, housing, and other basic needs.
Eligibility requirements and benefit amounts may change. Always verify current information with the official program website or by contacting the program directly.
The federal government offers numerous programs to help seniors and those living on limited incomes. These programs are designed to provide essential support for basic needs.
Provides additional income for elderly, blind, or disabled people with limited income and resources.
Eligibility
Benefits
Contact Information
Social Security Administration
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
Website: SSA.gov/ssi
Provides monthly benefits to eligible low-income individuals to purchase food at authorized retailers.
Eligibility
Benefits
Contact Information
SNAP Hotline
Phone: 1-800-221-5689
Website: SNAP State Directory
Help pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments for eligible beneficiaries.
Eligibility
Benefits
Contact Information
Medicare
Phone: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
Website: Medicare.gov
Healthcare costs can be a significant burden for those living on Social Security alone. These programs help make healthcare more affordable and accessible.
Assists with Medicare Part D prescription drug costs for people with limited income and resources.
Eligibility
Benefits
Contact Information
Social Security Administration
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
Website: SSA.gov/benefits/medicare/prescriptionhelp
Health insurance program for low-income individuals that covers doctor visits, hospital care, and other medical services.
Eligibility
Benefits
Contact Information
Medicaid
Phone: 1-877-267-2323
Website: Medicaid.gov
Programs offered by pharmaceutical companies to provide free or discounted medications to people without prescription coverage.
Eligibility
Benefits
Contact Information
RxAssist
Website: RxAssist.org
NeedyMeds
Website: NeedyMeds.org
Access to nutritious food is essential for maintaining health. These programs help ensure that seniors have enough to eat, even on a limited income.
Provides monthly food packages to low-income seniors containing nutritious USDA Foods.
Eligibility
Benefits
Contact Information
USDA Food and Nutrition Service Website: USDA FNS CSFP
Delivers meals to seniors who have difficulty shopping for or preparing meals, providing nutrition and social connection.
Eligibility
Benefits
Contact Information
Meals on Wheels America
Phone: 1-888-998-6325
Website: MealsonWheelsAmerica.org
Home-delivered meals for eligible Medicare Advantage or Medicaid members, with options for special diets.
Eligibility
Benefits
Contact Information
Mom's Meals
Phone: 1-877-508-6667
Website: MomsMeals.com
Housing costs often consume a large portion of Social Security income. These programs help make housing more affordable and assist with utility bills.
Helps very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled afford housing in the private market.
Eligibility
Benefits
Contact Information
USU.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Website: HUD.gov
Helps low-income households with energy costs, including heating and cooling bills and energy-related home repairs.
Eligibility
Benefits
Contact Information
LIHEAP
Phone: 1-866-674-6327
Website: https://www.liheap.org/directory
Helps low-income households reduce energy costs by improving home energy efficiency through insulation, repairs, and upgrades.
Eligibility
Benefits
Contact Information
Weatherization Assistance Program
Phone: 1-202-586-1411
Website: Energy.gov/Weatherization
For those able to work, these programs provide job training and employment opportunities to supplement Social Security income.
Part-time job training program for low-income seniors that provides paid training and work experience at community service organizations.
Eligibility
Benefits
Contact Information
U.S. Department of Labor
Phone: 1-877-US-2JOBS
Website: DOL.gov/Agencies/ETA/Senior-Community-Service-Employment-Program
Allows SSI recipients to set aside money for a work goal or to start a business without affecting SSI eligibility.
Eligibility
Benefits
Contact Information
Social Security Administration
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
Website: SSA.gov/ssi/spotlights/spot-pass.htm