Government Assistance for Senior Citizens
- Food stamps, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP, are available to anyone who meets the financial and residency requirements. But special rules apply to the elderly or disabled. For example, while a household can't have more than $2,000 in countable assets -- cash, savings, etc. -- in order to qualify for SNAP, elderly individuals (anyone 60 or older) can have as much as $3,000, and retirement funds aren't included as countable resources. Elderly individuals also can deduct medical expenses over $35 a month from their income. Apply at the Department of Human Services (or Department of Social Services) nearest you.
- Remember that amount of money taken out of each and every paycheck for Social Security? Now you can actually benefit from it. You must be at least 61 years and nine months old (if you plan to receive benefits within the next four months) and a U.S. citizen to apply. How much you qualify for depends on how much you paid in.
- Medicare helps elderly people -- 65 or older -- meet health-care costs and is offered in four plans, called A, B, C and D, according to Medicare.gov. Medicare A covers hospital care, which includes home health, hospice and nursing facilities. Medicare B covers doctor's visits, inpatient hospital care, home health care and some preventative care. Medicare D covers medical prescription costs. Medicare C combines all of these plans into one plan, for a higher monthly fee. Medicare A is available to most people as soon as they turn 65 for free, because Medicare is paid for during working years.
- The Supplemental Security Program helps blind, disabled and elderly people who have little or no income afford their basic needs. Those who qualify receive cash to pay for food, clothing and shelter. This program is funded by the federal government and is separate from Social Security.
