Financial Assistance Programs for Senior Women

There are many senior women who find that they have financial difficulties. Paying the bills can become increasingly difficult for senior women, because they are on fixed and limited incomes. Plus, they may have more medical costs that they have to contribute to financially, which leaves them less money for paying for other things. The good news is that there are financial assistance programs for senior women.

Those who are experiencing financial difficulties do not need to suffer. By reaching out to multiple financial assistance programs for senior women they will be able to get help paying their bills and making ends meet each month. Most government-based programs do require that those applying be legal citizens, although some do offer some level financial assistance to those who are legal immigrants. Financial assistance programs for senior women that are offered through independent organizations typically do not have a strict application process or strict eligibility requirements. They generally provide financial assistance to those who contact them and express the need for it.

Senior women who need financial assistance should start out by seeing what type of government programs they can qualify for. All senior women should start out by applying for their Social Security benefits. This is a government program that people pay into while they are working during their younger years, and then when they are a senior they get a monthly check back from the fund. Check with the Social Security office to ensure that senior women are receiving their benefits and if they qualify for any other type of benefits, such as a spouse’s benefits.

There are financial assistance programs for senior women that will help get bills paid. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps those with low incomes to get their home energy bills paid. They will also provide financial assistance for senior women to help with heating unit repairs. To apply for this program, you can contact your local LIHEAP office or the office where it is administered in your state, which may be your social services department or through your local energy provider. If you have difficulty paying your energy bills you should also contact your energy provider to see what financial assistance programs they offer, because most do have options that will help you.

The government offers a financial assistance program for senior women that will help pay rent and locate affordable housing. The programs are offered through the Housing of Urban Development (HUD), and are open to those who meet low income requirements. You can apply for the program by contacting your local HUD office.

Senior women who need financial assistance to purchase food can apply for the government program called Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Those who qualify will receive a monthly grant that can be used to purchase groceries. You can apply at your local social services office. Additionally, many nonprofit organizations offer financial assistance programs for senior women who need food. They offer food pantries, where you can obtain bags of food each week, as well as provide hot meals. Locate your local food bank to see what type of assistance is available.

It’s important that senior women have a telephone, yet they may have difficulty affording one. There is a government-funded program called Lifeline that will help senior women be able to afford having a phone. Those who are approved for Lifeline will have a discounted phone rate of only $9.25 per month. The discount can be used on wireless and landline services.

Those who need help purchasing prescription medicine can apply for the RxHope program. The program offers senior women, and others, assistance with paying for the medications that they need and are having difficulty affording. Although senior women are eligible for the government healthcare assistance program Medicaid, they sometimes still need help paying for necessary medications, which is something RxHope can help with.

There are numerous charities around the country that provide financial assistance programs for senior women. The financial assistance they provide can help with emergencies, paying bills, purchasing food, obtaining transportation to medical appointments, and more. Catholic Charities and the Salvation Army both have locations around the country, and they offer assistance with obtaining food, disaster services, affordable housing, and more.