Financial Assistance Programs for Senior Veterans

Many senior veterans around the country find that they need financial assistance at times. With the rising costs of health care and other common expenses, many seniors are struggling to make ends meet each month. Whether they are having difficulty paying for their monthly prescriptions or their heating bill, it can be a stressful situation for senior veterans to experience. The good news is that there are financial assistance programs for senior veterans, and they can help make it easier to make ends meet each month.

The National Council on Aging, reports that around 25 million seniors in the country are considered to be economically insecure. This means they are struggling with meeting their basic needs, because they do not have enough money to cover the high cost of living. Many seniors choose to go without the things they need, simply because they cannot afford them. By reaching out to financial assistance programs for senior veterans, they can help reduce the stress, and get help to meet their basic needs.

Types of Financial Assistance Programs for Senior Veterans

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Veterans who need assistance obtaining food may qualify for help through SNAP. Formerly known as food stamps, the program provides those who qualify with a monthly grant that can be used to purchase food at the grocery store or farmer’s market. The size of your grant depends on the number of dependents in your household and your current income. To qualify for SNAP, you have to meet the low income requirements, and be a citizen or legal immigrant. To apply for food assistance through SNAP, contact your local social services office. To apply, click here.

 Lifeline Assistance – Having a phone is essential, if only for emergency purposes. Senior veterans can get phone bill assistance through the federally funded Lifeline Assistance program. Those who are qualified for the program will only have to pay $9.25 per month for their phone, and the government pays the rest. This program helps make it more affordable for senior veterans to have a phone. To apply, click here.

General Assistance – Many states offer cash assistance to those who do not have dependent children. They do this through a program called General Assistance, which is part of the nationwide program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The program provides cash assistance that can be used to help pay living expenses, including buying food, paying rent, transportation, and paying bills. Not all states offer General Assistance, but many do. To qualify, you have to meet the low income guidelines and be a citizen or legal immigrant. Contact your local social services office to inquire about if they offer a General Assistance program in your state. To apply, click here.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This federally funded program offers financial assistance for senior veterans. The program helps pay for energy bills, including for heating and cooling. Some states refer to the program as Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). There are application windows when you need to apply to see if you qualify for help. If you qualify, they will pay your energy provider directly on your behalf. Most provide one-time payments per season or year. You will need to re-apply each year to get more financial assistance. To qualify for LIHEAP financial assistance for senior veterans, you need to meet the low income requirements. LIHEAP will also help with weatherization and paying for heating and cooling system repairs and replacement. To apply, contact your local community action center or social services office for information. To apply, click here.

Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Senior veterans who need housing assistance may qualify for financial help through HUD. The federally funded program helps people avoid homelessness. They help senior veterans locate affordable housing options, pay rent, avoid foreclosure, and obtain necessary home repairs.  To qualify for the programs through HUD, you need to meet the low income requirements. To apply for HUD financial assistance programs for senior veterans, contact the office in your state. To apply, click here.

There financial assistance programs for senior veterans provide an important safety net for those who need help. They will make it easier to get by each month, easing the burden of living on a low income that is fixed and unable to pay for all of your basic needs.