BENEFITS & PROGRAMS
Programs that may help
13 federal and national programs that may help pay for care, cover everyday costs, or connect you to local help. We link each one to its official page — the only place that can tell you if your family qualifies.
Federal health & long-term care
Medicaid (including Home & Community-Based Services waivers)
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) with state Medicaid agenciesMedicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps cover health and long-term care costs for people with limited income and resources. Through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, states can offer care at home or in the community instead of a nursing home.
may help with long-term care, in-home care, and personal care servicesWhat it is →Medicare
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)Medicare is the federal health insurance program mainly for people age 65 and older, and for some younger people with certain disabilities. It has parts that cover hospital care, doctor visits, and prescription drugs.
may help with hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription drug costsWhat it is →Medicare Savings Programs
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)Medicare Savings Programs are state-run programs that help people with limited income and resources pay Medicare costs. There are several types that cover different premiums and cost-sharing.
may help pay Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copaymentsWhat it is →PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly)
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) with state Medicaid agenciesPACE is a program that provides coordinated medical and social services for certain older adults who need a nursing-home level of care but still live in the community. A care team manages all of a participant's needs, often at an adult day center.
may help older adults get full medical and daily-living support while staying in their own homeWhat it is →Income & food support
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
U.S. Department of AgricultureSNAP provides monthly food benefits to people with limited income through an EBT card that works like a debit card at authorized stores. States handle applications and decide who qualifies.
may help with the monthly cost of groceries and foodWhat it is →Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Administration (SSA)SSI is a federal program that pays monthly cash benefits to people with limited income and resources who are age 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability. It is meant to help meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.
may help with monthly income for basic needs like food, clothing, and housingWhat it is →For veterans
Housing & energy
Find local help
Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)
Local agencies designated under the Older Americans ActArea Agencies on Aging are local public or nonprofit organizations that plan and coordinate services for older adults in their region. They connect families to programs that support independent living at home.
may help with home-delivered meals, in-home care, transportation, and caregiver support in your areaWhat it is →Eldercare Locator
Administration for Community Living (ACL)The Eldercare Locator is a free public service that connects older adults and their families to local aging services and community resources. You can reach it by phone, online chat, or email.
may help you find local services such as meals, transportation, in-home care, and caregiver supportWhat it is →Free counseling & guidance
BenefitsCheckUp
National Council on Aging (NCOA)BenefitsCheckUp is a free, confidential online tool that helps older adults and people with disabilities search for benefit programs they might be able to get, based on their ZIP code and situation. It points you toward programs for food, medicine, utilities, and other costs.
may help with finding benefit programs you might qualify for near you — it screens; you still apply and confirm with each program (helpline 1-800-794-6559)What it is →Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for caregivers
U.S. Department of LaborThe FMLA is a federal law that lets eligible employees at covered employers take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period to care for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition. Health benefits continue during the leave.
may help working caregivers take unpaid, job-protected time off to care for an aging parent or family memberWhat it is →State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
Local/state programs funded by the Administration for Community Living (ACL)SHIP offers free, one-on-one counseling to help people with Medicare understand their coverage and options. Counselors are local and do not sell insurance.
may help you understand Medicare choices, plans, and cost-saving optionsWhat it is →Programs and official links verified 2026-07-07. Programs change — always confirm details on the official page.