9 Government Benefits for Seniors Over 65: A Guide to What You Get

As you grow older, you may qualify for increasingly more government benefits. It's well worth pursuing these benefits - even if you think you don't need them, they'll likely at least be helpful. From help with groceries to health care, here's a list of government benefits for seniors over 65 for which you may be eligible.

9 government benefits for seniors over 65

1. Legal, tax and income support

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The SSI program provides monthly payments to individuals 65 and older with limited income and resources. You may be eligible if you're 65 and older, you're blind, or you have a disability.

• Social Security Retirement Benefits. Social Security benefits come in the form of a check that older adults receive monthly. This check replaces some of the income you may have been earning before retirement. It can help you be financially stable if you reduce your working hours, retire, or become unable to work due to a disability.

2. Food assistance

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) SNAP is a government program that provides low-income older adults with benefits to help them purchase nutritious food. You'll receive a monthly deposit on an electronic benefits card that you can use to pay for groceries.

• Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). The TEFAP program connects people with limited resources to emergency food assistance at no cost. Namely, TEFAP's funds go to public food pantries, soup kitchens, and similar locations that offer free food.

• Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program. Through the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, you'll get vouchers to purchase fresh produce at your local farmers' market. To qualify, you must be at least 60 years old and have a household income below 185% of the federal poverty income guidelines.

3. Health care benefits

• Medicare Savings Programs (MSP). State-level Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) help older adults cover their Medicare premiums. If you qualify, your state may cover your Medicare premiums, deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance. However, in some cases, you may still owe a small co-payment.

• Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap). Medigap is a private benefit you can purchase to help pay your out-of-pocket Medicare costs. Typically, you'll need both Medicare Part A and Part B to purchase a Medigap policy.

4. Housing and utilities assistance

• HUD Programs. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers numerous programs to help older adults with different housing needs. These programs can help you afford to stay in your home, find an apartment, or combat housing discrimination.

• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Through LIHEAP, you can get financial assistance with your fuel bill. The amount of aid you receive depends on where you live - federal agencies provide funding for states to disburse. Any low-income household can apply to LIHEAP with the appropriate state agency.

Government benefits for seniors over 65 FAQs

What is the 10-year rule for Social Security?

You earn credits toward your Social Security benefits when you work and pay Social Security taxes. You can receive retirement benefits after you exceed 40 credits, which is equivalent to 10 years of work.

Is Social Security retirement income taxable?

Yes, Social Security retirement income can be taxable. If you're married, how much you have to pay depends on whether you file separate or joint returns. No matter your marital status, your taxes also depend on how much retirement income you receive.

What is the full retirement age for Social Security?

The full retirement age is 66 if you were born between 1943 to 1954. If you were born in 1960 or later, you can receive full retirement benefits at age 67. For anyone born in the years between these two periods, your full retirement age is somewhere between 66 and 67.

How can older adults get around without a car?

You don't need a car to run errands, go to appointments, or visit your loved ones. From public transportation and non-emergency medical transportation to family and caregivers, there are plenty of options you can use to get around with ease. Many states also operate government agencies with the primary goal of getting you to and from medical appointments, grocery stores, and older-adult centers.

Is there a grocery stimulus for older adults?

Some regions offer grocery stimulus benefits for adults over the age of 65, such as the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program and local programs. These benefits provide a nutritious diet for older adults while alleviating financial stress. If you can't quite reach a farmers' market, though, there are other options.

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