Government help for senior citizens

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If you are retired and don’t have a pension or much of a 401(k) pension, you might need help besides Social Security Retirement benefits.

Can the government help you out?


1.    Social Security and Medicare are the most significant government help you’ll probably get. The earliest you can get social security benefits is age 62. Of course, it will be at a considerably lower rate than if you reached your full retirement age, which is usually after 67. And that may change soon. Medicare is 65, and the cost of that will be taken out of your SS check.  Numerous programs in each state offer Medicare Advantage Programs.

2.    Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program—Energy costs always go up. The government has a program called LIHEAP that helps with the cost of keeping warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) | The Administration for Children and Families

3.    Medicaid- the Affordable Care Act helps Medicaid, much like Medicare. However, Medicaid is based on your income, family size, and disability. Like Medicare, each state has its requirements

4.    Government home Repair Assistance Programs—like Medicaid, are determined by income, age, and certain groups, such as Veterans, Native Americans, and rural residents. Front Page – USA Funding Applications

5.    Home Reverse Mortgages—These are for homeowners over the age of 62. State and local programs specific to your area may also exist.



6.    Housing for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities – A HUD program that helps with housing for seniors and persons with disabilities HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) |

7.    The Emergency Food Assistance Program provides emergency food assistance to low-income households. The Act was created to use surplus food with lower-income folks. The Emergency Food Assistance Program | Food and Nutrition Service

8.    Pension Counseling and Information Program—If you have a problem with retirement benefits or savings programs, this organization can help. Pensions Counseling and Information Program | Pension Rights Center

These are just a few programs that help senior citizens and low-income individuals.

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