12 Free In-Home Help Programs for Seniors

Budget Seniors,
🏠 🤝 💙

Millions of older Americans are eligible for free or low-cost help at home — with daily activities, meals, transportation, caregiving support, and more — through federal programs they have never applied for. This guide covers all 12 major programs with verified contacts, eligibility facts, and exactly how to apply, so you or a loved one can find the right help today.

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Independent Educational Guide — Not Affiliated with Any Government Agency. BudgetSeniors.com is an independent educational publication. Program availability, eligibility, and funding vary by state and location. Always verify current eligibility and program availability at official government sites: eldercare.acl.gov, medicare.gov, va.gov, and medicaid.gov.
🌐 National Network
629 Area Agencies on Aging Nationwide
The Older Americans Act (OAA) network includes 56 state agencies, 629 area agencies on aging, approximately 20,000 service providers, 244 tribal organizations, and 2 Native Hawaiian organizations — representing 400 tribes. This network delivers in-home services, meals, transportation, caregiver support, and more to seniors in every U.S. community. Sources: kdads.ks.gov (confirmed); congress.gov CRS R43414 (confirmed); ACL.gov (confirmed).
🎖️ Veterans Benefit
Up to $2,873/Month — VA Aid and Attendance
The VA Aid and Attendance pension provides tax-free monthly payments to wartime veterans who need help with daily activities. Maximum rates for 2026: single veteran up to $2,424/month; married veteran up to $2,873/month; surviving spouse up to $1,558/month. This benefit can be used to pay for home care, assisted living, or any care-related cost. Source: americanveteransaid.com (Jan 23 2026); va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/ (confirmed).
📞 Start Here
1-800-677-1116 — Eldercare Locator
The Eldercare Locator is a free public service of the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL) — a single phone number connecting seniors to every local resource: in-home care, meals, transportation, legal aid, caregiver support, and more. Available Monday through Friday, 9am–8pm ET. The fastest first step for any senior or caregiver seeking in-home help. Source: eldercare.acl.gov (confirmed); acl.gov (confirmed).
📋 10 Key Takeaways — What Every Senior and Caregiver Needs to Know
#What to KnowThe Short Answer
1 The single fastest way to find all in-home help near you is one phone call Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 (Monday–Friday, 9am–8pm ET) or visit eldercare.acl.gov. This is a free public service of the U.S. Administration for Community Living. One call connects you to your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA), which coordinates access to every in-home service program available in your county — meals, personal care aides, chore services, transportation, caregiver respite, and more. You do not need to know which program you qualify for before calling. Source: ACL.gov; Eldercare Locator (confirmed).
2 The Older Americans Act prohibits denying services based on income — no one over 60 is turned away Under the Older Americans Act (OAA), no one over age 60 can be denied services funded by OAA programs based on income. These programs include in-home personal care, homemaker services, chore assistance, meal delivery, caregiver support, and transportation. While the most intensive services (long hours of personal care) may have wait lists, basic information, referral, and limited in-home assistance are available to all seniors 60+. Source: Wikipedia/OAA (confirmed Dec 2025, citing OAA statute); ACL.gov (confirmed).
3 Medicare covers skilled home health care — but does NOT cover ongoing personal care (bathing, dressing) without a medical need Medicare Parts A and B cover skilled home health care when: the person is homebound, a doctor has ordered the care, and the service is provided by a Medicare-certified agency. Covered services include: skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and home health aide services when skilled care is also being provided. Medicare does NOT cover ongoing custodial personal care (help with bathing, dressing, cooking) without a parallel skilled need. For personal care without a skilled need, Medicaid HCBS Waivers and OAA programs are the appropriate source. Source: NIA/NIH nia.nih.gov (confirmed); medicare.gov (confirmed).
4 Medicaid HCBS Waivers fund the most extensive in-home care — but most states have wait lists Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers allow states to fund personal care aides, homemaker services, adult day care, home modifications, and other supports for seniors who would otherwise require nursing home care. This is how Medicaid pays for extensive in-home help. The challenge: most states have wait lists of months to years, and income/asset limits apply (typically income up to $2,982/month, assets under $2,000 in most states). Apply early — wait lists require an application, and your place is held from the application date. Source: medicaidplanningassistance.org (confirmed 2026); eldercaredirectory.org (confirmed).
5 Veterans and surviving spouses have access to the most generous in-home care benefit available The VA Aid and Attendance pension pays up to $2,873/month for a married veteran who needs help with daily activities. It is tax-free, does not need to be repaid, and can be used to pay any caregiver — including a family member. Many veterans who qualify have never applied. Key eligibility: 65+ (or disabled), 90+ days active duty with at least one wartime day, honorable discharge, functional need for help with daily activities (bathing, dressing, eating, mobility), and net worth below $163,699. Apply by calling 1-800-827-1000 or at va.gov. Source: va.gov (confirmed); americanveteransaid.com (Jan 2026); usmilitary.com (Feb 2026).
6 PACE provides comprehensive all-inclusive care for seniors who need nursing home-level care but want to stay home The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a Medicare/Medicaid program operating in 33 states + DC that provides all health and personal care services needed to keep a senior safely at home. Services are coordinated by a team of professionals and delivered at home, in the community, and at PACE centers. For Medicaid-eligible participants, the cost is typically $0 or a small premium. The average PACE participant is 76 years old, and approximately 90% are dual Medicare/Medicaid eligible. Find a PACE program at npaonline.org or call 1-800-MEDICARE. Source: CMS.gov; medicare.gov/PACE; npaonline.org (all confirmed).
7 Family caregivers can access free support, respite care, and counseling through the NFCSP The National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP), funded through OAA Title III-E, provides family and informal caregivers with: information about available services, counseling and peer support, training to manage caregiving tasks, and respite care (temporary relief from caregiving duties). ACL data shows this program has provided over 6 million hours of respite care, served more than 100,000 caregivers with counseling, and research shows it reduces caregiver depression and stress. Access through your local Area Agency on Aging: call 1-800-677-1116. Source: ACL.gov/NFCSP (confirmed).
8 Meals on Wheels is available to all seniors 60+ with no income test — and it counts as in-home help Meals on Wheels delivers nutritious daily meals to seniors who have difficulty shopping or cooking. It requires no income eligibility — only being 60+ with difficulty maintaining independent living. The delivery staff also provide regular wellness checks. According to the 2021 OAA National Survey, more than 50% of home-delivered meal recipients report one OAA meal provides more than 50% of their entire daily food intake, and 51% live alone. Free or low-cost sliding scale contribution. Call 1-888-998-6325 or visit mealsonwheelsamerica.org to find your local program. Source: NIA/NIH (confirmed); OAA National Survey 2021 (confirmed).
9 Multiple in-home help programs can be used simultaneously — they are not mutually exclusive A senior can simultaneously receive: OAA personal care/chore services, Meals on Wheels home-delivered meals, Medicare skilled home health, SNAP food assistance, LIHEAP utility help, Senior Companion volunteer visits, and caregiver respite support through the NFCSP. None of these programs requires you to give up the others. Using multiple programs is the design intent — each covers different needs. The local Area Agency on Aging (1-800-677-1116) can help coordinate the full range of services for a single senior and their family. Source: NIA.NIH.gov (confirmed); ACL (confirmed).
10 Free benefit-screening tools can identify every program a specific senior qualifies for in minutes The National Council on Aging (NCOA) offers BenefitsCheckUp at benefitscheckup.org — a free, confidential online tool that identifies all federal and state programs a senior qualifies for based on their individual situation. It covers food, healthcare, housing, utilities, transportation, in-home care, and legal services. Benefits.gov is the official federal benefits screener. Both take about 10 minutes and require no personal information submission without your consent. Millions of eligible seniors are missing programs they qualify for due to lack of awareness. Source: NCOA.org (confirmed); benefits.gov (confirmed).
Sources: ACL.gov / Eldercare Locator (eldercare.acl.gov, 1-800-677-1116, confirmed); OAA Wikipedia (confirmed Dec 2025): no denial based on income; NIA.NIH.gov (confirmed): Medicare home health rules, Meals on Wheels; medicare.gov (confirmed): Medicare home health benefit; medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-hcbs-waivers/ (confirmed 2026): HCBS waiver rules, income $2,982/mo, assets $2,000; va.gov (confirmed): Aid and Attendance; americanveteransaid.com (Jan 23 2026): $2,424/$2,873/$1,558 2026 rates; usmilitary.com (Feb 9 2026): $163,699 net worth limit; cms.gov, medicare.gov/PACE, npaonline.org (all confirmed): PACE program details, 33 states; acl.gov/NFCSP (confirmed): respite hours, counseling data; mealsonwheelsamerica.org / 1-888-998-6325 (confirmed); OAA National Survey 2021 (confirmed, via Wikipedia): meal recipient statistics; ncoa.org/benefitscheckup.org (confirmed); benefits.gov (confirmed).
🏠 The 12 Free In-Home Help Programs — Full Details and Contacts
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Click Any Program to Expand Full Details and Contacts

Each of the 12 programs below includes: what it provides, who qualifies, how to apply, and verified contact information. Click any program card to expand it. Start with your local Area Agency on Aging (Program #1) — they can coordinate access to multiple programs in a single call.

All 12 programs verified March 2026. Primary sources: ACL.gov/eldercare.acl.gov (confirmed); medicaid.gov (confirmed); cms.gov/PACE + npaonline.org (confirmed); va.gov (confirmed); medicare.gov (confirmed); americorps.gov (confirmed); USDA FNS fns.usda.gov (confirmed); shiphelp.org (confirmed); mealsonwheelsamerica.org (confirmed); ncil.org + ilru.org (confirmed). All phone numbers verified operational as of March 2026.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Free In-Home Help for Seniors

The fastest and most accurate way to identify every program you qualify for is to use two free tools together:

  • Call the Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116 (Mon–Fri, 9am–8pm ET). This single call connects you to trained staff who can assess your needs, identify local programs you qualify for, and connect you to your local Area Agency on Aging. They have access to your county's full inventory of services — including programs that are not widely advertised.
  • Use BenefitsCheckUp at benefitscheckup.org (NCOA's free tool). This confidential online tool screens for all federal and state benefit programs — SNAP, Medicaid, LIHEAP, VA benefits, Medicare programs, and more — based on your individual situation. It takes about 10 minutes and does not require submitting personal information without your consent.
  • Visit benefits.gov for the official federal government benefits finder. It identifies programs based on your age, income, health status, and other criteria.
  • If you are a veteran or a surviving spouse of a veteran, also call the VA at 1-800-827-1000 specifically to ask about Aid and Attendance eligibility — many veterans who qualify have never applied.
  • If you have Medicaid or think you might qualify, also contact your state Medicaid office to ask specifically about HCBS Waiver programs and consumer-directed personal care options in your state.
Sources: Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116 (ACL.gov, confirmed); benefitscheckup.org (NCOA, confirmed); benefits.gov (confirmed); VA 1-800-827-1000 (confirmed); medicaid.gov (confirmed).

No — many of the most important in-home help programs have no income requirement at all:

  • Meals on Wheels: No income test. Available to any adult 60+ with difficulty preparing or obtaining food.
  • Older Americans Act (OAA) homemaker and personal care services: The OAA explicitly prohibits denying services to anyone 60+ based solely on income. Services are prioritized for those with greatest social and economic need, but no one is turned away based on income. Highest-need individuals may be served more quickly or receive more hours.
  • Medicare home health benefit: No income test. Medicare covers skilled home health care based on medical need and homebound status, not income.
  • VA Aid and Attendance: Income is considered, but it is offset by unreimbursed medical expenses. A veteran with high care costs may qualify even with moderate income.
  • PACE program: No income eligibility is required to determine program eligibility — though payment (premium or not) depends on Medicare/Medicaid status.
  • Senior Companions and volunteer programs: No income test for recipients.
  • SHIP counseling: Free for any Medicare beneficiary.
  • Income-tested programs: Medicaid HCBS Waivers and LIHEAP do have income and asset limits. However, Medicaid's limits are higher for long-term care ($2,982/month income, $2,000 assets in most states), and many states have additional assistance programs for those slightly above these limits.
Sources: OAA Wikipedia (confirmed Dec 2025, citing OAA statute): no denial based on income for 60+; nia.nih.gov (confirmed): Meals on Wheels no income test; medicare.gov (confirmed): Medicare home health medical eligibility only; npaonline.org (confirmed): PACE no income eligibility criteria; medicaidplanningassistance.org (confirmed 2026): Medicaid income limits.

This is one of the most common challenges in elder care. Here is what actually helps:

  • Frame it around their values, not their limitations. Instead of “you need help,” try: “This program would give me peace of mind” or “The meal delivery would mean I can visit more and worry less.” Appealing to their desire to protect family relationships is often more effective than emphasizing need.
  • Start with the lowest-threshold option. A friendly phone call from the Telephone Reassurance program, a volunteer companion visit, or a single meal delivery trial involves no commitment and often leads to acceptance of more help over time. Do not start with the most intensive service.
  • Involve the doctor. Many seniors are more willing to accept services when their own doctor recommends them. Ask the doctor to suggest home health, SHIP counseling, or other specific services at the next visit.
  • Contact the NFCSP for caregiver support. Call 1-800-677-1116 (Eldercare Locator) to be connected to the National Family Caregiver Support Program, which provides counseling and strategies specifically for caregivers navigating family resistance.
  • If there is concern about safety or neglect, Adult Protective Services (APS) can conduct a welfare check and safety assessment. APS is state-administered — find your state APS through the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116).
  • Family Caregiver Alliance: Visit caregiver.org or call 1-800-445-8106 for research-based guidance on navigating family resistance to care.
Sources: ACL.gov NFCSP (confirmed): caregiver support programs; ACL National LTCOP (Long-Term Care Ombudsman): elder rights protection; Family Caregiver Alliance caregiver.org / 1-800-445-8106 (confirmed): caregiver navigation resources. APS: state-administered, confirmed accessible via Eldercare Locator.

This is a critical distinction because it determines which program pays for which service:

  • Home health aide: A certified aide who assists with personal care tasks directly related to medical conditions — bathing, dressing, grooming, transferring from bed to wheelchair, medication reminders, and toileting. Under Medicare, a home health aide can be covered when the person is also receiving skilled nursing care or therapy. The aide is considered part of the medical/clinical care team.
  • Homemaker: A person who helps with household tasks that do not involve direct personal care — cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, meal preparation (but not feeding), and errands. Homemakers are not typically covered by Medicare. They are covered by OAA programs (through your Area Agency on Aging) and Medicaid HCBS Waivers for eligible seniors.
  • Personal care attendant (PCA): Similar to a home health aide but operating under Medicaid (not Medicare). PCAs provide help with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring) for Medicaid-eligible seniors at home. Often funded through Medicaid HCBS Waivers or consumer-directed Medicaid programs — where the senior themselves may hire and manage a family member as a paid PCA.
  • The funding gap: Medicare covers skilled medical care at home. Medicaid covers personal care for qualifying low-income seniors. OAA covers limited homemaker and personal care services for all seniors 60+. For moderate-income seniors who do not qualify for Medicaid but need more than OAA provides, private pay, long-term care insurance, or the VA Aid and Attendance pension (for veterans) are the main options.
Sources: nia.nih.gov (confirmed): home health aide, homemaker, companion services distinctions; NIA: Medicare does not cover homemaker services; medicare.gov (confirmed): home health aide only with skilled care; ACL (confirmed): OAA homemaker and personal care services; medicaidplanningassistance.org (confirmed): Medicaid personal care through HCBS waivers.

Yes — several programs allow family members to be paid as caregivers for their older relatives:

  • Medicaid consumer-directed programs (most states): Many states offer consumer-directed or self-directed personal assistance programs that allow Medicaid-eligible seniors to hire and manage their own caregivers — including family members. The senior controls who provides care, when, and how. Payment rates vary by state. Contact your state Medicaid office to ask about “consumer-directed,” “self-directed,” or “participant-directed” personal care programs.
  • VA Caregiver Support Program: The VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) pays a monthly stipend to primary family caregivers of eligible post-9/11 veterans with serious injuries or illness. Also includes health coverage for the caregiver, respite care, mental health services, and caregiver training. Call VA Caregiver Support Line: 1-855-260-3274 or visit caregiver.va.gov.
  • VA Aid and Attendance: The VA Aid and Attendance pension benefit pays the veteran (or surviving spouse) monthly — and the veteran can choose to use that money to pay a family caregiver. There is no requirement that the caregiver be a licensed professional.
  • Long-term care insurance: Some policies allow benefit payments to family caregivers. Review the specific policy language or contact the insurance agent.
  • State paid family leave programs: Some states provide paid family leave that compensates family members who take time off work to care for a senior relative. Contact your state labor office for current state-specific programs.
Sources: usa.gov/disability-caregiver (confirmed): consumer-directed Medicaid, VA Veteran-Directed HCBS, state paid family leave; va.gov/family-member-benefits/programs-comprehensive-assistance-family-caregivers/ (confirmed): PCAFC program, 1-855-260-3274; caregiver.va.gov (confirmed); va.gov (confirmed): Aid and Attendance cash usage flexibility; medicaidplanningassistance.org (confirmed): consumer-directed Medicaid programs.

Elder abuse, neglect, and self-neglect are serious concerns that require immediate action. Here is what to do:

  • For immediate danger: Call 911. If a senior is in immediate danger of harm, law enforcement is the appropriate first response.
  • Adult Protective Services (APS): APS is the primary state agency responsible for investigating reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults, including seniors. APS investigations are confidential. Find your state APS through the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or at eldercare.acl.gov.
  • National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA): Call 1-800-677-1116 (Eldercare Locator) for referral to elder abuse resources and APS. The NCEA, administered by ACL, provides information, resources, and training on elder abuse prevention.
  • Long-Term Care Ombudsman: For abuse or neglect occurring in a care facility (nursing home, assisted living), contact your state Long-Term Care Ombudsman. They are mandated by the OAA to investigate and resolve complaints about long-term care facilities. Find your ombudsman through the Eldercare Locator or ACL.
  • Financial exploitation: If you suspect financial fraud or exploitation, also contact your state Attorney General or local law enforcement. Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
  • Self-neglect: If a senior is failing to maintain their own basic care (not eating, not taking medications, unsafe living conditions), a report to APS triggers a welfare assessment and connection to services — even if there is no abuser involved.
Sources: eldercaredirectory.org (confirmed): APS role, Ombudsman role, elder abuse investigation; acl.gov (confirmed): NCEA program, Long-Term Care Ombudsman mandate under OAA Title VII; Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116 (confirmed): APS referral. reportfraud.ftc.gov (confirmed).
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📞 Quick Reference Contact Directory — All 12 Programs
🏠 #1 Eldercare Locator / AAA
1-800-677-1116
Free public service of ACL — connects to all local senior services. Mon–Fri 9am–8pm ET. Also: eldercare.acl.gov. Text-capable. Email: [email protected]. Single best first call for ANY in-home help need.
🏥 #2 Medicaid HCBS Waivers
medicaid.gov
Find your state Medicaid office at medicaid.gov. Apply as early as possible — most states have wait lists. Also accessible via Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116 or 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for initial guidance.
🏥 #3 PACE Program
npaonline.org / 1-800-633-4227
Find a PACE program: npaonline.org/find-a-pace-program OR medicare.gov/plan-compare (search PACE). Also call 1-800-MEDICARE. Available in 33 states + DC. All-inclusive Medicare/Medicaid care to stay home.
👨‍👩‍👧 #4 Caregiver Support (NFCSP)
1-800-677-1116
National Family Caregiver Support Program — via Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116. Also: Family Caregiver Alliance 1-800-445-8106 / caregiver.org. Free counseling, respite care, and training for family caregivers.
🍱 #5 Meals on Wheels
1-888-998-6325
Free home-delivered nutritious meals for adults 60+. No income test. mealsonwheelsamerica.org/find-meals to find your local program. Also available via Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116. Daily wellness checks included.
🎖️ #6 VA Aid and Attendance
1-800-827-1000
VA main line — ask for Aid and Attendance pension eligibility assessment. Apply: va.gov/pension/apply/. Info: va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/. Up to $2,873/month tax-free for in-home care. Wartime veterans and surviving spouses.
💊 #7 Medicare Home Health
1-800-633-4227
1-800-MEDICARE — 24/7. Find certified home health agencies at medicare.gov/care-compare. Ask your doctor to order home health services if you are homebound with a medical need. TTY: 1-877-486-2048. 100% covered when eligible.
⚡ #8 LIHEAP Energy Help
1-866-674-6327
National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) line. Also: benefits.gov. Seniors 60+ get priority. Emergency disconnection grants: 48-hour approval. Pays utility company directly — seniors never handle funds. Only 1 in 6 eligible households enrolled.
🤝 #9 Senior Companions
1-800-942-2677
AmeriCorps Seniors — 1-800-942-2677. Website: americorps.gov/serve/americorps-seniors. Free volunteer companion visits for homebound seniors. Also find local programs via Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116. No income requirement.
♿ #10 Independent Living Center
ncil.org / 1-202-207-0334
National Council on Independent Living: ncil.org / 1-202-207-0334. ILRU directory: ilru.org. Free navigation, Medicaid application help, self-directed care support, peer mentoring. All core services free. Find local CIL via ncil.org directory.
🥕 #11 CSFP and SFMNP
fns.usda.gov / usa.gov
CSFP: Free monthly food package, 60+, 150% FPL. fns.usda.gov/csfp. SFMNP: Farmers market vouchers, 60+, 185% FPL. fns.usda.gov/sfmnp. Check state availability at usa.gov/senior-food-programs. Not all states participate.
📋 #12 SHIP Medicare Counseling
shiphelp.org
Free, unbiased Medicare counseling. Find your local SHIP at shiphelp.org/find-local-ship or via Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116. Some programs offer in-home visits. Cannot sell insurance. Helps identify all Medicare/Medicaid home care benefits.
All contacts verified March 2026. Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116 (ACL.gov confirmed). Medicare: 1-800-633-4227 (medicare.gov confirmed, 24/7). VA: 1-800-827-1000 (va.gov confirmed). Meals on Wheels: 1-888-998-6325 (mealsonwheelsamerica.org confirmed). NFCSP: via Eldercare Locator, Family Caregiver Alliance 1-800-445-8106 (caregiver.org confirmed). AmeriCorps Seniors: 1-800-942-2677 (americorps.gov confirmed). LIHEAP/NEAR: 1-866-674-6327 (budgetseniors.com with source citation). NCIL: 1-202-207-0334, ncil.org (confirmed). ILRU: ilru.org (confirmed). USDA FNS: fns.usda.gov (confirmed). SHIP: shiphelp.org (confirmed).
✅ Summary — How to Get Free In-Home Help for Seniors
  • Call first: 1-800-677-1116 (Eldercare Locator, Mon–Fri 9am–8pm ET) — this single call unlocks access to all 12 programs through your local Area Agency on Aging.
  • If you are a veteran: Call VA at 1-800-827-1000 to ask about Aid and Attendance — up to $2,873/month tax-free for married veterans needing daily care.
  • If you are on Medicaid: Ask your state Medicaid office specifically about HCBS Waiver programs and consumer-directed personal care. Apply immediately — wait lists start at application date.
  • For all-inclusive care: Check PACE program availability at npaonline.org if you need nursing home-level care but want to stay home.
  • For immediate food help: Call Meals on Wheels at 1-888-998-6325 — no income test, available to all seniors 60+.
  • To identify all benefits: Use benefitscheckup.org (NCOA, free, 10 minutes) or call AARP Foundation at 1-888-687-2277.
⚠️ Disclaimer

This widget is provided for educational and informational purposes only. BudgetSeniors.com is an independent educational publication not affiliated with any government agency, VA, Medicare plan, or service provider. Program availability, eligibility rules, contact numbers, and funding levels change. Always verify current availability and eligibility at official government sources: eldercare.acl.gov, medicare.gov, va.gov, medicaid.gov, and benefits.gov before applying to any program. All in-home help programs are free to learn about and apply for — if anyone charges a fee to apply for government-funded in-home services, report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Primary sources: ACL.gov/Eldercare Locator (eldercare.acl.gov, 1-800-677-1116, confirmed); acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/area-agencies-aging (confirmed); acl.gov/programs/support-caregivers/national-family-caregiver-support-program (confirmed): NFCSP 6M+ respite hours, 1.3M+ contacts, 100,000+ counseling; acl.gov/about-acl/authorizing-statutes/older-americans-act (confirmed): OAA network; congress.gov CRS R43414 (confirmed): OAA 629 AAAs, 20,000 providers, 56 state agencies; usaging.org/olderamericansact (confirmed): 1-800-677-1116; kdads.ks.gov (confirmed): OAA network numbers including 244 tribal; OAA Wikipedia (confirmed Dec 2025): no income denial 60+, 2021 National Survey data; nia.nih.gov (confirmed): home health aide, homemaker, companion distinctions, Meals on Wheels, Medicare home health; medicare.gov + medicare.gov/PACE (confirmed): Medicare home health rules, PACE program; medicaid.gov/medicare/medicaid-coordination/about/pace (confirmed); npaonline.org (confirmed): 194 programs, 87,750 participants, 90% dual eligible, 76 avg age; ncoa.org/pace (confirmed); medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-hcbs-waivers (confirmed 2026): HCBS waiver rules, income/asset limits; va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound (confirmed): eligibility; americanveteransaid.com (Jan 23 2026): 2026 rates confirmed; usmilitary.com (Feb 9 2026): $163,699 net worth confirmed; medicaidplanningassistance.org (confirmed 2026): VA pension rates; mealsonwheelsamerica.org / 1-888-998-6325 (confirmed); americorps.gov / 1-800-942-2677 (confirmed); ncil.org / 1-202-207-0334 (confirmed); ilru.org (confirmed); USDA FNS fns.usda.gov/csfp + fns.usda.gov/sfmnp (confirmed); usa.gov/senior-food-programs (confirmed); shiphelp.org (confirmed); Family Caregiver Alliance caregiver.org / 1-800-445-8106 (confirmed); budgetseniors.com (confirmed with cited sources): LIHEAP 1-866-674-6327, 1-in-6 statistic; benefitscheckup.org NCOA (confirmed); AARP Foundation 1-888-687-2277 (confirmed); reportfraud.ftc.gov (confirmed).

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