A number of financial, medical and nutritional benefits for seniors are available.
As a senior citizen, you may qualify for assistance programs that can help with health care costs, nutrition, and access to community volunteer activities and employment opportunities, among other benefits. Benefits.gov is home to a range of information on senior related resources offered by our Federal Partners.
Benefits for Seniors Through SSA
Our Partner, the Social Security Administration (SSA), is responsible for many programs focusing on the health and financial stability of senior citizens.
The Social Security Medicare Program is our country’s health insurance program for citizens age 65 or older, or those with a qualifying disability.
The Medicare Savings Programs help eligible recipients with limited income and resources to pay for some or all of their Medicare premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
And Social Security Retirement Insurance Benefits are available for individuals who have earned enough credits and are at least age 62. Visit the Benefits.gov “Social Security Retirement” category to learn more about retirement options. If you would like to find out if you’re eligible for any of the Social Security benefits, take the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool questionnaire.
Disaster Resources & Nutritional Benefits for Seniors
The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), managed by the Department of Agriculture (USDA), provides low-income seniors with coupons to access eligible fresh foods at farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture (CSA) programs.
Also, the Department of Health and Humans Services’ (HHS) Administration on Aging offers an overview of topics, programs, and services related to aging, including Disaster Resources for Older Americans.
Employment Opportunities for Seniors
Seniors can access employment opportunities through the Department of Labor (DOL) Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). The program provides part-time community service training positions to low-income people age 55 or older.
Participants work an average of 20 hours per week in a variety of community service activities and are paid at least the Federal minimum wage. Also, the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program, managed by the Department of Treasury (USDT), offers free tax assistance from IRS-certified volunteers to people age 60 and older.
Benefits.gov is dedicated to connecting senior citizens to available benefit programs like the ones listed above. With information on over 1,000 programs, the program you’re looking for could be just a few clicks away.
We encourage you to visit our Benefit Finder to begin answering questions about your current situation, and instantly view a list of benefits that you may be eligible for.
