BENEFITS & PROGRAMS
Programs that may help
39 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 →Medicare: getting started
Medicare (CMS)Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides coverage for hospital care, medical services, prescription drugs, and other healthcare needs. Eligibility and specific coverage details are determined by Medicare itself.
may help with hospital stays, medical services and visits, prescription drug costs, and help address healthcare needs for qualifying individualsWhat it is →Medicare home health care
Medicare (CMS)Medicare home health care can cover part-time skilled nursing and physical or occupational therapy services provided at home, when a doctor determines it is medically necessary and the person is homebound. Specific eligibility requirements and coverage details are determined by Medicare.
may help with skilled nursing care at home, physical or occupational therapy, help reduce hospital or facility visits, and help support recovery from illness or injuryWhat it is →Medicare hospice benefit
Medicare (CMS)Medicare hospice benefit is a comfort-focused care option for people with a terminal illness when a doctor certifies a prognosis of six months or less. It covers symptom-relief medicine, nursing, counseling, and short respite care for family members—though specific eligibility and coverage details are determined by Medicare.
may help with help manage pain and symptoms, help provide nursing and medical support, help offer counseling and emotional support, and help give family members brief respiteWhat it is →Medicare skilled nursing facility care
Medicare (CMS)Medicare skilled nursing facility care covers a limited period of specialized care in a nursing facility following a qualifying hospital stay. This is short-term rehabilitation support rather than ongoing long-term custodial care, and specific eligibility requirements and coverage details are determined by Medicare.
may help with recovery and rehabilitation after hospitalization, short-term skilled nursing support, therapy and medical care during transition, and temporary assistance with daily activitiesWhat it is →Medicare chronic care management
Medicare (CMS)Medicare chronic care management offers monthly care-coordination services provided by a healthcare team for people who have two or more ongoing chronic conditions. Specific eligibility requirements and program details are determined by Medicare.
may help with coordinating care across providers, managing multiple chronic conditions, planning and tracking health goals, and supporting ongoing health needsWhat it is →Medicare durable medical equipment
Medicare (CMS)Medicare durable medical equipment helps cover medically necessary equipment that a doctor prescribes for use at home, such as walkers, wheelchairs, hospital beds, and oxygen. Eligibility requirements and specific coverage details are determined by Medicare.
may help with mobility equipment, prescribed home medical devices, help reduce out-of-pocket costs for equipment, and oxygen and respiratory aidsWhat it is →Extra Help with Medicare drug costs
Social Security AdministrationExtra Help is a Social Security program that assists with Medicare Part D prescription drug costs for people with limited income and savings. The program's specific eligibility requirements and benefit details are determined by Social Security.
may help with medicare Part D premiums, prescription drug deductibles, copayments for medications, and out-of-pocket drug costsWhat it is →Medicaid self-directed care
Medicaid (CMS)Medicaid self-directed care is a program available in many states that allows people who qualify for Medicaid long-term services to make choices about their own care within a set budget. This may include the option to select and pay family members as caregivers. Specific eligibility requirements and program details are determined by each state's program.
may help with choosing your own caregivers, family members as paid caregivers, managing care within a set budget, and greater control over long-term care decisionsWhat 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 →Social Security retirement benefits
Social Security AdministrationSocial Security retirement benefits provide monthly income based on a person's work history. Benefits can begin as early as age 62, though waiting until full retirement age results in a larger monthly amount; the Social Security Administration determines specific eligibility requirements and benefit calculations.
may help with regular monthly income, basic living expenses, help provide financial stability in retirement, and help supplement other retirement savingsWhat it is →Social Security Disability Insurance
Social Security AdministrationSocial Security Disability Insurance provides monthly benefits to people who have worked, paid Social Security taxes, and can no longer work due to a qualifying long-term disability. The Social Security Administration determines eligibility and benefit details on a case-by-case basis.
may help with monthly income needs, basic living expenses, financial stability during disability, and family benefits in some casesWhat it is →Benefits.gov: find programs
U.S. government (Benefits.gov)Benefits.gov is a free official screening tool that asks a few questions to help identify federal benefit programs you may be eligible for. Each program sets its own eligibility requirements and application details.
may help with finding federal benefit programs, understanding what you may qualify for, locating application information, and exploring assistance optionsWhat it is →For veterans
VA Aid & Attendance and Housebound
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)Aid & Attendance and Housebound are added amounts on top of a VA pension for qualified Veterans and surviving spouses who need help with daily activities or are largely confined to home. The VA also offers geriatric and long-term care services for older Veterans.
may help with the cost of daily personal care and in-home or facility care for eligible Veterans and survivors — check eligibility with the VAWhat it is →VA caregiver support programs
U.S. Department of Veterans AffairsVA caregiver support programs are resources from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs designed to assist family members who care for veterans. These programs may include a monthly stipend, training, and counseling support, along with access to a dedicated support line—though specific eligibility requirements and program details are determined by the VA itself.
may help with caregiver training and skill-building, financial support for eligible caregivers, access to counseling and peer support, and information and resources via support lineWhat it is →VA long-term care
U.S. Department of Veterans AffairsVA long-term care provides nursing home, assisted living, adult day, and home-based care options for veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system. Specific eligibility requirements and program details are determined by the VA.
may help with nursing home placement, assisted living arrangements, adult day care options, and in-home care servicesWhat it is →Housing & energy
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
Administration for Children and Families (ACF)LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps households with low income pay their home heating and cooling bills. It can also help during an energy crisis and with some weatherization or energy-related repairs.
may help with home heating and cooling bills and avoiding energy shut-offsWhat it is →HUD Section 202 senior housing
U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban DevelopmentHUD Section 202 provides subsidized rental apartments designed for very-low-income adults aged 62 and older, often with supportive services included. Each program sets its own eligibility requirements and specific details.
may help with affordable housing costs, access to supportive services, independent living arrangements, and housing stability for seniorsWhat it is →Weatherization Assistance Program
U.S. Department of EnergyThe Weatherization Assistance Program offers free home energy-efficiency improvements to households that meet income requirements. The goal is to lower utility bills while making homes safer and more comfortable. Specific eligibility and program details are determined by the program itself.
may help with reducing monthly utility costs, improving home comfort and safety, increasing energy efficiency, and addressing insulation and air sealingWhat it is →USDA rural home repair (Section 504)
USDA Rural DevelopmentThis USDA program offers loans to help homeowners repair their homes or address health and safety hazards in eligible rural areas. For homeowners age 62 and older with very low income, grants may be available instead of loans. The program itself determines eligibility and specific terms.
may help with home repairs and maintenance, removing health and safety hazards, and essential home improvements in rural areasWhat it is →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 →Older Americans Act nutrition services
Administration for Community LivingThis program provides nutrition services for older adults through the Administration for Community Living, including congregate meals at senior centers and home-delivered meals like Meals on Wheels, along with nutrition guidance. Specific eligibility requirements and program details are determined by the program itself.
may help with regular meal access, nutritional guidance and support, social connection through congregate dining, and nutrition for homebound individualsWhat it is →Meals on Wheels America
Meals on Wheels America (national network)Meals on Wheels America is a nationwide network of local community programs that deliver meals to homebound older adults. The program also provides friendly check-ins during deliveries. Specific eligibility requirements and program details are determined by individual local programs.
may help with meal access at home, social connection and wellness checks, help reduce food insecurity concerns, and nutritional support for limited mobilityWhat it is →National Family Caregiver Support Program
Administration for Community LivingThe National Family Caregiver Support Program funds local agencies to provide family caregivers with information, counseling, training, and short breaks from caregiving responsibilities. Specific eligibility requirements and program details are determined by the individual program.
may help with caregiver training, counseling support, respite care access, and caregiver information needsWhat it is →Lifespan Respite Care
Administration for Community LivingLifespan Respite Care is a state-based program that helps families locate respite care services, which provide temporary care for a loved one so the primary caregiver can have rest and time away. Each state program sets its own eligibility requirements and what services or financial assistance it offers.
may help with finding respite care providers in your area, understanding respite care options available locally, potential financial help with respite care costs, and supporting caregiver rest and reliefWhat it is →Aging & Disability Resource Centers
Administration for Community LivingAging & Disability Resource Centers are local offices designed to help people understand and access long-term services and supports available in their community. Each center operates as a 'no wrong door' resource, meaning people can contact them regardless of where they start their search. Specific eligibility and available services are determined by each local program.
may help with understanding long-term care options, locating community services and supports, and navigating aging and disability resourcesWhat it is →Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Administration for Community LivingThe Long-Term Care Ombudsman program provides trained advocates who work to resolve complaints and protect the rights of residents living in nursing homes and assisted-living communities. Specific eligibility requirements and program details are determined by the program itself.
may help with help address resident complaints, help protect resident rights, help resolve care concerns, and facility issue advocacyWhat it is →Senior Community Service Employment Program
U.S. Department of LaborThe Senior Community Service Employment Program offers paid, part-time positions in community service roles designed to help job seekers aged 55 and older gain work experience and skills. Specific eligibility requirements and program details are determined by the program itself.
may help with building job skills through hands-on work, gaining recent work experience, exploring different career paths, and developing confidence for future employmentWhat 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 →Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline
Alzheimer's Association (national nonprofit)The Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline is a free service offering access to care consultants, local support groups, and educational resources about dementia caregiving. Specific eligibility and program details are determined by the Alzheimer's Association itself.
may help with dementia caregiving questions, help locate local support groups, help understand dementia-related challenges, and help access care consultationWhat it is →Family Caregiver Alliance
Family Caregiver Alliance (national nonprofit)Family Caregiver Alliance is a national nonprofit that provides caregiver education, a state-by-state services locator, and support resources for people caring for adults with chronic or disabling conditions. Specific eligibility requirements and program details are determined by the organization itself.
may help with finding caregiver support in your state, learning about care strategies and skills, connecting with educational resources, and locating services for care recipientsWhat it is →National Center on Elder Abuse
Administration for Community LivingThe National Center on Elder Abuse provides guidance on recognizing, reporting, and preventing elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. The center offers information and connections to local resources, though specific eligibility and available services are determined by the program itself.
may help with understanding signs of elder abuse, learning how to report suspected abuse, finding local support resources, and exploring prevention strategiesWhat it is →Programs and official links verified 2026-07-10. Programs change — always confirm details on the official page.
Gathering paperwork before you apply saves real stress — the documents-to-gather checklist lists what most programs ask for. New to all of this? Start with your first week as a caregiver.