Retiring can be an exciting time. It opens up opportunities to travel, spend more time with family and friends, and pursue hobbies and interests that may have been neglected during your working years. But for some seniors, the transition into retirement can also be stressful.
If you're struggling to make ends meet on a fixed income, you may worry about how you will pay your bills and keep a roof over your head. Luckily, these government grant programs, including housing grants for seniors, are available to help seniors in need.
Government grants are funds that the federal government provides to state and local governments, non-profit organizations, and individuals. Grants are typically awarded for specific purposes, such as providing housing assistance or funding medical research.
Unlike loans, grants do not need to be repaid.
Eligibility for government grants depends on the specific program. Some programs are open to seniors regardless of income level, while others are only available to those who meet low-income guidelines. Grants are also available to seniors 62 and older.
Contact your local senior center or the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to determine your eligibility for grant programs.
There are many different types of government grants available for seniors. Some common examples include:
These programs can help seniors find affordable housing and make necessary home repairs. Here are some examples:
The US government has various food assistance programs to help seniors get nutritious food. Check out SNAP, Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, and Commodity Supplemental Food Program.
These are federally-sponsored programs where eligible seniors can get food stamps, coupons, and monthly packages of healthy foods.
These programs can pay for prescription drugs and home health care services. Medicare and Medicaid can cover in-home improvements such as purchasing medical equipment like bath transfer benches to adapt seniors' living quarters to their conditions.
In addition, low-income seniors can qualify for Extra Help which gives them an extra $4,000 annually to cover medical expenses. The PACE program allows seniors to receive health care from qualified healthcare providers in the comfort of their own homes through Medicare and Medicaid.
PACE’s objective is to help seniors live independently as long as they can.
Many transportation assistance programs are available for seniors who no longer drive, including paratransit services and senior ride programs. Contact the local Area Agency on Aging for information on these services.
The Senior Community Service Employment Program provides job training and employment opportunities for low-income seniors. This program can help seniors who want to remain active in the workforce by teaching them new and in-demand skills.
These types of grants can help seniors with everything from paying their utility bills to getting needed home repairs. Most seniors qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) which gives them additional monthly benefits on top of their Social Security pension.
Seniors can also take advantage of income-based tax credits, anywhere from $3,750 to $7,500.
If you're a senior citizen struggling to make ends meet, there's no need to worry. Government grant programs are available to help you cover essential expenses like housing, food, medical bills, transportation, and more. Housing grants for seniors are abundant and readily available if you know where to look.
Contact your local senior center or the local state agency in charge of your particular need to find out if you're eligible for any type of financial assistance.
Learn how you can make the most of your golden years with the articles on the Senior Strong blog.
