Programs for People Living on Social Security Alone

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.

Important

Eligibility requirements and benefit amounts may change. Always verify current information with the official program website or by contacting the program directly.

Federal Programs

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.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Provides additional income for elderly, blind, or disabled people with limited income and resources.

Eligibility

  • Age 65+ or blind or disabled
  • Very limited income and resources
  • U.S. citizen or qualified alien


Benefits

  • Up to $967 per month for individuals (2025)
  • Some states provide supplemental payments

Contact Information
Social Security Administration
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
Website: SSA.gov/ssi

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Provides monthly benefits to eligible low-income individuals to purchase food at authorized retailers.

Eligibility

  • Income and asset limits apply
  • Social Security income is counted
  • Certain expenses may be deducted


Benefits

  • Maximum benefit for a household of one varies by state (approximately $281 in 2025)
  • Benefits provided on an EBT card

Contact Information
SNAP Hotline
Phone: 1-800-221-5689
Website: SNAP State Directory

Medicare Savings Programs

Help pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments for eligible beneficiaries.

Eligibility

  • Medicare Part A eligible
  • Monthly income limits for 2025: $1,325 (individual), $1,783 (couple)
  • Resource limits for 2025: $9,660 (individual), $14,470 (couple)


Benefits

  • Help with Part A and B premiums
  • Help with deductibles and coinsurance
  • Automatic enrollment in Extra Help for Part D

Contact Information
Medicare
Phone: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
Website: Medicare.gov

Healthcare Assistance

Healthcare costs can be a significant burden for those living on Social Security alone. These programs help make healthcare more affordable and accessible.

Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs

Assists with Medicare Part D prescription drug costs for people with limited income and resources.

Eligibility

  • Income below $23,475 for individuals (2025)
  • Income below $31,725 for married couples (2025)
  • Resources below $17,600 for individuals, $35,200 for couples


Benefits

  • Worth approximately $5,000 per year
  • Helps pay premiums, deductibles, and copayments
  • Maximum copay of $12.15 in 2025 for covered drugs

Contact Information
Social Security Administration
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
Website: SSA.gov/benefits/medicare/prescriptionhelp

Medicaid

Health insurance program for low-income individuals that covers doctor visits, hospital care, and other medical services.

Eligibility

  • Varies by state
  • Generally available to low-income seniors
  • May have asset limits


Benefits

  • Comprehensive health coverage
  • Minimal out-of-pocket costs
  • May cover services not covered by Medicare

Contact Information
Medicaid
Phone: 1-877-267-2323
Website: Medicaid.gov

Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs)

Programs offered by pharmaceutical companies to provide free or discounted medications to people without prescription coverage.

Eligibility

  • Varies by program
  • Generally for those without prescription coverage
  • Income requirements vary


Benefits

  • Free or low-cost medications
  • Some programs cover multiple medications

Contact Information
RxAssist
Website: RxAssist.org
NeedyMeds
Website: NeedyMeds.org

Food and Nutrition Programs

Access to nutritious food is essential for maintaining health. These programs help ensure that seniors have enough to eat, even on a limited income.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

Provides monthly food packages to low-income seniors containing nutritious USDA Foods.

Eligibility

  • Age 60+
  • Income at or below 150% of Federal Poverty Level (2025)
  • Must reside in a participating area


Benefits

  • Monthly box of nutritious USDA Foods
  • May include canned fruits, vegetables, meat, cereal, and more

Contact Information
USDA Food and Nutrition Service Website: USDA FNS CSFP

Meals on Wheels

Delivers meals to seniors who have difficulty shopping for or preparing meals, providing nutrition and social connection.

Eligibility

  • Adults 60+ who are homebound
  • Unable to shop for food or prepare meals
  • Requirements vary by local program


Benefits

  • Regular delivery of prepared meals
  • Social contact through delivery volunteers
  • Some programs offer special diet options

Contact Information
Meals on Wheels America
Phone: 1-888-998-6325
Website: MealsonWheelsAmerica.org

Mom's Meals

Home-delivered meals for eligible Medicare Advantage or Medicaid members, with options for special diets.

Eligibility

  • Must be covered by a participating Medicare Advantage plan or Medicaid plan
  • May require recent hospital discharge or chronic condition


Benefits

  • Regular delivery of prepared meals
  • Options for special diets (diabetic, heart-healthy, etc.)
  • No cost to eligible members

Contact Information
Mom's Meals
Phone: 1-877-508-6667
Website: MomsMeals.com

Housing and Utility Assistance

Housing costs often consume a large portion of Social Security income. These programs help make housing more affordable and assist with utility bills.

Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)

Helps very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled afford housing in the private market.

Eligibility

  • Very low income (typically 50% of area median)
  • U.S. citizen or eligible immigration status
  • Priority often given to elderly and disabled


Benefits

  • Vouchers that cover a portion of rent
  • Choice of housing in the private market
  • Tenant typically pays 30% of income toward rent

Contact Information
USU.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Website: HUD.gov

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Helps low-income households with energy costs, including heating and cooling bills and energy-related home repairs.

Eligibility

  • Income at or below 150% of Federal Poverty Level
  • Responsible for home energy costs
  • Priority often given to elderly and disabled


Benefits

  • Assistance with heating/cooling bills
  • Energy crisis intervention
  • Energy-related home repairs

Contact Information
LIHEAP
Phone: 1-866-674-6327
Website: https://www.liheap.org/directory

Weatherization Assistance Program

Helps low-income households reduce energy costs by improving home energy efficiency through insulation, repairs, and upgrades.

Eligibility

  • Income at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Level
  • Priority often given to elderly and disabled
  • Both homeowners and renters may qualify


Benefits

  • Free home energy assessment
  • Insulation and air sealing
  • HVAC repairs and upgrades

Contact Information
Weatherization Assistance Program
Phone: 1-202-586-1411
Website: Energy.gov/Weatherization

Employment and Income Support

For those able to work, these programs provide job training and employment opportunities to supplement Social Security income.

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

Part-time job training program for low-income seniors that provides paid training and work experience at community service organizations.

Eligibility

  • Age 55+
  • Unemployed
  • Income not exceeding 125% of Federal Poverty Level


Benefits

  • Paid training at minimum wage
  • Average of 20 hours per week
  • Job search assistance and support

Contact Information
U.S. Department of Labor
Phone: 1-877-US-2JOBS
Website: DOL.gov/Agencies/ETA/Senior-Community-Service-Employment-Program

Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)

Allows SSI recipients to set aside money for a work goal or to start a business without affecting SSI eligibility.

Eligibility

  • SSI recipient or potential recipient
  • Have a specific work goal
  • Have a plan for achieving self-support


Benefits

  • Money saved doesn't count toward SSI resource limits
  • May qualify for higher income limits
  • Support for education, training, or starting a business

Contact Information
Social Security Administration
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
Website: SSA.gov/ssi/spotlights/spot-pass.htm

Helping Americans navigate Social Security and Medicare nationwide