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💰 Income & Cash Benefits
Monthly cash from Social Security, SSI, and veterans' pension.
Social Security Retirement 62+
Anyone with 40 quarters (about 10 years) of work credits. Age 62 starts reduced benefits; full retirement age (FRA) is 66–67 depending on birth year; age 70 unlocks the maximum delayed-retirement credit.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 65+
Age 65+ (or any age if blind/disabled) with very limited income and assets. 2026 resource limits are $2,000 single / $3,000 couple (your home and one car don't count).
Social Security Disability (SSDI) Any age
Before full retirement age, you may qualify if a disability or blindness affects your ability to work for at least a year (or is expected to result in death) and you have enough work history. In 2026, substantial gainful activity is generally $1,690/month, or $2,830/month for people SSA considers blind.
VA Improved Pension & Aid and Attendance 65+
Wartime veterans age 65+ (or permanently disabled) with limited income; also surviving spouses. Aid and Attendance is an enhancement for those who need help with daily activities.
🏥 Health Coverage
Medicare, Medicaid Long-Term Care, and programs that lower drug and premium costs.
Medicare 65+
Age 65+ (or earlier for certain disabilities, ALS, or ESRD). Most people get Part A premium-free. The standard Part B premium is $202.90/month in 2026, with a $283 annual deductible; higher-income beneficiaries may pay more through IRMAA.
Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) Any age
Medicare beneficiaries with limited income and resources. For 2026, the federal monthly income limits are $1,350 individual / $1,824 couple for QMB, $1,616 / $2,184 for SLMB, and $1,816 / $2,455 for QI. The resource limit for those programs is $9,950 individual / $14,910 couple. Alaska and Hawaii are higher, and states may use more generous rules.
Extra Help (Part D Low-Income Subsidy) Any age
Medicare beneficiaries with 2026 annual income below $23,940 for an individual or $32,460 for a married couple, and resources below $18,090 or $36,100 respectively. Different limits apply in Alaska and Hawaii.
Medicaid Long-Term Care 65+
Seniors who need nursing home, assisted-living, or home-care help and meet state income/asset limits (typically $2,000 in countable assets for the applicant; spouse can keep more).
PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) 55+
Age 55+, certified as needing nursing-home level of care, but able to live safely at home with PACE support. Must live in a PACE service area.
🍎 Food & Nutrition
SNAP, senior food boxes, and farmers' market vouchers.
SNAP (Food Stamps) — Senior Track 60+
Households age 60+ have a simplified application, higher gross income limit (165% FPL in many states), and looser asset rules. Medical expenses above $35/month are deductible.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) 60+
Age 60+ with income under 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (~$1,632/month single, $2,215/month couple in 2026).
Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) 60+
Age 60+ with income at or below 185% FPL (~$2,322/month single in 2026).
🏠 Housing & Energy
Senior housing, weatherization, energy bill help, and reverse mortgages.
Section 202 Senior Housing 62+
Very-low-income households (50% of area median income or less), at least one member age 62+.
HECM Reverse Mortgage 62+
Homeowners age 62+ with significant home equity, primary residence, current on taxes/insurance.
LIHEAP — Energy Bill Assistance Any age
Households at or below 150% FPL (most states); seniors are categorically prioritized in many states.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) Any age
Income at or below 200% FPL (some states higher); seniors and disabled prioritized.
🤝 Services & Care
Meals, transportation, caregiver respite, and free Medicare counseling.
VA Aid and Attendance — In-Home Care 65+
Veterans (or surviving spouses) receiving VA Pension who need help with bathing, dressing, eating, transferring, or who are bedridden / in assisted living / in a nursing home.
SHIP — Free Medicare Counseling 65+
Anyone with Medicare or about to enroll. No income limit. Counselors are trained, certified, and unbiased — they don't sell anything.
Area Agency on Aging (AAA) 60+
Age 60+, no income limit (some specific services do means-test).
BenefitsCheckUp — Universal Screener 55+
Anyone. No income limit to use the screener.
🧾 Tax Breaks
Federal credits for older Americans plus phone/internet discounts.
Lifeline — Phone & Internet Discount Any age
Anyone receiving Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, federal public housing, or the Veterans Pension; or income at or below 135% FPL.
Credit for the Elderly or Disabled (Schedule R) 65+
Age 65+ (or under 65 with permanent disability) with very low taxable income (under ~$17,500 single, under ~$25,000 joint, both 65+).
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