💙 Help for Seniors Millions of older adults miss out on benefits simply because they don’t know they’re eligible. We’re here to help you discover and access the government programs, grants, and assistance you deserve.Did you know? The average senior can save over $6,200 annually through available benefits programs. Many seniors qualify for multiple programs including Medicare Savings Programs, SNAP benefits, housing assistance, and more.💬 Live Chat Support AvailableNeed help right now? Chat with our specialistsStart Your Conversation Specialists Available NowAvailable Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm ETAfter hours? Leave a message and we’ll respond within 24 hours📢 2026 COLA Update: 2.8% Benefit Increase Now in EffectNearly 71 million Social Security beneficiaries are receiving higher payments in 2026. The average retiree sees about $56 more per month. SSI recipients saw increased payments starting December 31, 2025.🆕 New for 2025-2028: Seniors 65+ can claim up to $6,000 in bonus tax deductions under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act!📞 Essential Contact NumbersMedicare1-800-633-4227TTY: 1-877-486-2048Available 24/7For Original Medicare claims, premiums, coverage questionsSocial Security1-800-772-1213TTY: 1-800-325-0778Mon-Fri, 8am-5:30pm ETRetirement, disability, Medicare enrollmentEldercare Locator1-800-677-1116Mon-Fri, 9am-8pm ETConnect to local services, meals, transportation, home careBenefits HelpLine1-800-794-6559Business hoursNCOA’s BenefitsCheckUp support specialists 🎯 Start Your Benefits Check Today!Over 2,000 federal, state, and local benefit programs are waiting for you. Use the free tools below to discover what you qualify for in just minutes.Find Your Benefits NowFree, confidential screening tools to help you save thousands BenefitsCheckUp® Benefits.gov Eldercare Locator🏛️ Major Government Programs💊 Healthcare AssistanceMedicare Savings Programs (MSPs) — Updated for 2026QMB: Covers Parts A & B premiums, deductibles, copays (income under $1,350/month)SLMB: Covers Part B premiums (income under $1,616/month)QI: Part B premium assistance (income under $1,816/month)Extra Help: Prescription drug savings (~$5,700/year value). Copays capped at $5.10 generic / $12.65 brand-nameMedicaid: Comprehensive health coverage for 7.2 million low-income seniorsMedicare Part B Premium (2026): $202.90/month🍎 Food & NutritionSNAP: Monthly food benefits for eligible seniorsCSFP: Free monthly food packages for seniors 60+ (income ≤185% FPL)Senior Farmers Market: Fresh produce vouchers at farmers marketsMeals on Wheels: Home-delivered nutritious mealsCongregate Meals: Free/low-cost meals at senior centers🏠 Housing AssistanceSection 202: Supportive housing for elderly 62+ with low incomeHousing Choice Vouchers: Rental assistance (pay 30% of income)Public Housing: Affordable apartments for low-income seniorsLIHEAP: Help with heating/cooling energy billsWeatherization Program: Free home energy improvementsHome Repair Grants: Fix safety hazards at 1% interest over 20 years💰 Income SupportSocial Security: Retirement benefits (max $5,181/month at age 70 in 2026)SSI: Cash assistance for low-income seniors 65+ (up to $994/month)FERS: Federal employee retirement systemSCSEP: Job training & employment for seniors 55+Senior Tax Deduction: NEW $6,000 bonus deduction for 65+ (2025-2028) NEWTax Credits: Credit for elderly/disabled ($3,750-$7,500)🚗 Transportation DiscountsPublic Transit: 50% fare discount for seniors 65+ on most systemsFree Transit: Some cities (Chicago, etc.) offer free senior ridesGoGoGrandparent: Concierge service for Uber/Lyft without smartphoneParatransit Services: Door-to-door service for mobility-limited seniorsMedicaid Transportation: Medical appointment rides coveredVolunteer Driver Programs: Faith-based & nonprofit transportation⚖️ Legal & CounselingLegal Services Corp: Free legal assistance nationwideSenior Legal Hotlines: Free telephone legal advice by stateSHIP: State Health Insurance Assistance (1-877-839-2675)Area Agencies on Aging: Local resource connectionsElder Abuse Protection: Advocacy and legal supportFree Tax Help: IRS Tax Counseling for Elderly (TCE) program💡 Additional Services & Discounts🔌 Utility Bill AssistanceUtility Discounts: Many cities offer 10-20% off water/electric for seniors 65+LIHWAP: Water & wastewater bill assistanceLifeline Program: $9.25 monthly credit on phone billsGeorgia Power: Income-qualified discount for households under 200% FPLConnection Fee Waivers: Free utility hookups for qualifying seniors🏥 Health & WellnessDental Lifeline Network: Free dental care through volunteer dentistsVision Care: State programs for eye exams and glassesHearing Aids: State assistance programs and AARP discountsiCanConnect: Free equipment for seniors with vision/hearing lossPACE: Medical & social services for frail seniors living at homeNegotiated Drug Prices: 10 medications now at lower Medicare-negotiated prices NEW📋 Tax Relief Programs — 2026 UpdatesSenior Bonus Deduction: NEW $6,000 deduction ($12,000 for couples), income limits apply NEWHigher Standard Deduction: Extra $2,050 (single) or $1,650/spouse (married) if 65+Standard Deduction 2026: $16,100 (single) / $32,200 (married filing jointly)Property Tax Exemptions: State/local discounts for senior homeownersFree Tax Preparation: AARP Foundation Tax-Aide for seniorsIRS Tax Counseling: Free help from IRS-trained volunteers👥 Social & VolunteerAmeriCorps Seniors: Community service opportunities for 55+Foster Grandparents: Paid volunteer mentoring childrenSenior Companions: Visit isolated seniors, earn stipendFriendly Visitor Programs: Social interaction with volunteersAdult Day Care: Recreation, meals, supervision during day🎓 Employment & TrainingAmerican Job Centers: 2,500+ centers with employment servicesComputer Skills Training: Free technology courses for seniorsRetirement Jobs: Match seniors with age-friendly employersOn-the-Job Training: Paid 20-hour/week positions through SCSEPResume Help: Free resume reviews and job placement assistanceEarnings Test 2026: Earn up to $24,480/year without benefit reduction (under FRA)👨👩👧 Caregiver SupportRespite Services: Temporary relief for family caregiversCaregiver Counseling: Free emotional support and trainingAdult Day Programs: Supervised activities while caregivers workSupport Groups: Connect with other caregivers in your areaInformation Services: Help navigating benefits and resources🧮 Helpful Tools & Calculators 💵 Social Security CalculatorEstimate your retirement benefits based on your earnings history 🏥 Medicare Plan FinderCompare Medicare plans, costs, and coverage in your area ✅ Benefits Eligibility CheckerFind out which programs you qualify for in minutes 🏠 Rent Assistance LocatorFind affordable housing and rental assistance programs near you 📊 IRS Tax AssistantInteractive tool to determine eligibility for tax credits and the new senior deduction 🎁 AARP Discount FinderDiscover thousands of member discounts on travel, dining, shopping 📊 2026 Benefit AmountsProgramMaximum BenefitEligibilitySocial Security (Age 70)$5,181/month35+ years max earnings, age 70Social Security (Full Ret. Age)$4,152/month35+ years max earnings, age 66-67Average Retirement Benefit$2,071/monthBased on individual work historySSI (Individual)$994/month65+, limited income/resourcesSSI (Couple)$1,491/monthBoth 65+, limited income/resourcesExtra Help (Rx Drugs)~$5,700/yearAutomatic with MSP enrollmentSenior Bonus Deduction NEWUp to $6,000 ($12,000 couples)65+, MAGI under $75K single / $150K jointTax Credit for Elderly$3,750-$7,50065+ or disabled, income limits applyMedicare Part B Premium$202.90/monthAll Part B enrollees (higher for high income)Earnings Test Limit (Under FRA)$24,480/year$1 withheld per $2 over limit🛠️ Free Tools & Calculators ✅Benefit CheckerQuickly check your eligibility for federal and state benefits programs. Get instant results on which programs you may qualify for. FREE TOOL 🚨Emergency Info SheetCreate and print a personalized emergency information sheet with medical history, contacts, and important documents for caregivers. PRINTABLE 💰IRS RMD CalculatorCalculate your Required Minimum Distribution from retirement accounts to avoid IRS penalties. Updated for current tax year. TAX TOOL 🏡Reverse Mortgage CalculatorEstimate your reverse mortgage loan balance over time. See how much you can borrow and plan your home equity strategy. PLANNING TOOL 📊Purchasing Power CalculatorSee how inflation affects your retirement income. Compare what your dollar bought in the past versus today. INFLATION TOOL 📰 Latest Articles & GuidesLoading latest articles… View All Articles →🗺️ Find Resources by State 📍 Local Resources Matter!Many benefits vary by state. Use these tools to find programs specific to your location: 🔍 Eldercare LocatorFind local Area Agency on Aging, meal programs, transportation, legal services by ZIP code 🏛️ State Benefits FinderSearch programs by state and category – food, housing, healthcare, utilities 📞 Find Your SHIP OfficeFree Medicare counseling in all 50 states – help choosing plans and reducing costs 🆘 Call 211 or 211.orgConnect to local emergency assistance – food, shelter, utilities, crisis support 🏠 State Housing OfficesFind housing authorities, Section 8 waitlists, rental assistance in your state 🍽️ Local Food Banks166 million meals for seniors annually – find food pantries and meal programs near you 🔗 Essential Government Portals ✅ BenefitsCheckUp®Screen for 2,000+ programs. Free, confidential tool by NCOA 🏛️ Benefits.govOfficial federal benefits portal – search all government programs 🏥 Medicare.govOfficial Medicare site – plans, coverage, costs, preventive services 💳 My Social SecurityView benefits, earnings history, apply online, request replacement card 🍎 Senior Food ProgramsSNAP, CSFP, Senior Farmers Market – eligibility and state contacts 🎖️ VA Health CareVeterans benefits – healthcare, pensions, disability, survivors benefits ⚠️ Beware of Scams!Warning: There is NO “$900 grocery stimulus” or “$3,300 government allowance card” for seniors. These are scams. Medicare and Social Security will NEVER call you unsolicited asking for personal information or money.If someone threatens to cancel your benefits: Hang up immediately and call the official numbers listed above.❓ Common Questions AnsweredQuick Answers to Your Most Important QuestionsQ: How do I know which programs I qualify for?Use BenefitsCheckUp.org (free, takes 5-10 minutes) or call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 to speak with a benefits specialist who can help identify programs in your area.Q: What is the new $6,000 senior tax deduction?The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (signed July 2025) created a new bonus deduction of up to $6,000 for individuals 65+ ($12,000 for married couples filing jointly). It applies to tax years 2025-2028 and phases out for incomes above $75,000 (single) or $150,000 (joint). You can claim it whether you itemize or take the standard deduction.Q: How much did Social Security increase for 2026?Benefits increased by 2.8% (COLA) starting January 2026. The average retiree receives about $56 more per month. However, Medicare Part B premiums also rose to $202.90/month, which reduces the net increase for most beneficiaries to about $38/month.Q: Can I get free transportation to medical appointments?Yes! If you have Medicaid, transportation is covered. Many Area Agencies on Aging offer volunteer driver programs. Public transit offers 50% discounts for seniors 65+. Some cities like Chicago offer FREE transit for seniors.Q: Are utility discounts available for seniors?Many cities and states offer 10-20% utility discounts for seniors 65+ or low-income households. LIHEAP helps with heating/cooling bills. Contact your utility company or local Agency on Aging to apply.Q: What if I don’t have enough work credits for Social Security?You may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) which provides up to $994/month in 2026 for low-income seniors 65+ regardless of work history. Spouses may also qualify based on their partner’s work record.Q: Can I get help with prescription drug costs?Extra Help covers prescription costs (saves ~$5,700/year). In 2026, copays are capped at $5.10 for generics and $12.65 for brand-name drugs. After $2,100 in total drug spending, you pay $0 for the rest of the year. Plus, 10 high-cost drugs now have lower Medicare-negotiated prices. Contact 1-800-MEDICARE for information.Q: Is there free dental care for seniors?The Dental Lifeline Network provides free care through volunteer dentists. Many states have senior dental programs. Medicaid covers dental in some states. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging for options.Q: How long does it take to get approved for benefits?Varies by program: SNAP (30 days), Social Security (3-5 months), SSI (3-6 months), Housing assistance (often has waiting lists of several months to years). Apply early and follow up regularly.Q: Can I work while receiving Social Security?Yes! In 2026, if you’re under full retirement age, you can earn up to $24,480 annually without affecting benefits ($1 withheld per $2 over that limit). If reaching FRA in 2026, the limit is $65,160. After full retirement age, there’s no earnings limit. Your benefits may increase based on additional earnings. 💡 Pro Tips for Maximizing Benefits in 2026✓ Claim the new senior deduction – If you’re 65+ with income under $75K (single) or $150K (joint), claim the $6,000 bonus on your 2025 return filed this year✓ Apply for multiple programs – Many seniors qualify for 5-10 different benefits✓ Check Medicare drug costs – 10 medications now have lower negotiated prices; $2,100 out-of-pocket cap in effect✓ Keep copies of everything – Save applications, approval letters, and correspondence✓ Reapply if denied – Many applications are denied due to missing paperwork; try again✓ Ask for help – Benefits counselors at Area Agencies on Aging assist for FREE✓ Check annually – New programs launch and eligibility rules change every year✓ Report scams – Never give personal information to unsolicited callers📝 How to ApplyStep-by-Step Application ProcessStep 1: Use BenefitsCheckUp.org to identify programs you may qualify forStep 2: Gather required documents (ID, proof of income, Social Security card, tax returns)Step 3: Apply online through program websites or call the numbers aboveStep 4: Contact your local Area Agency on Aging for application help (1-800-677-1116)Step 5: Follow up on applications – keep copies of all documents submitted💡 Pro Tip: Many seniors qualify for multiple programs. Applying for one program (like Medicaid) can automatically qualify you for others (like Extra Help for prescriptions). In 2026, enrolling in a Medicare Savings Program also automatically qualifies you for Extra Help with Rx drugs.