The rising cost of everyday goods, along with high interest rates, has made it harder for many Americans to stick to a monthly budget — especially retirees on a fixed income.
Many of these seniors may qualify for federal assistance. But the process of actually claiming it can be confusing, if not downright frustrating.
Approximately 9.1 million Americans age 65 and older are eligible for aid through three government programs, the National Council on Aging reported in May. Collectively, they’re missing out on an estimated $58 billion in relief.
But many older Americans don’t know they qualify or have trouble navigating the application process.
“The larger problem is that the assistance system is fragmented,” said Tiara Green, president of Accessia Health, a nonprofit that helps people afford medical care.
Green said paperwork and health care expenses already overwhelm many in need of assistance. Navigating another set of applications, eligibility requirements and government agencies can seem like more trouble than it’s worth.
Thousands in potential savings
Federal and state programs can help offset costs for health care, food, energy and more. Medicare Savings Programs, for example, can help eligible beneficiaries cover their Medicare Part B premiums.
The standard Part B premium in 2026 costs $202.90 per month, so assistance that would cover this expense could result in savings of up to $2,435 annually for qualifying beneficiaries. People receiving this aid through a Medicare Savings Program also automatically qualify for Extra Help, which reduces Medicare prescription drug costs.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, provides low-income households with monthly food benefits, while the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, helps qualifying households with heating and cooling costs.
However, changes to SNAP eligibility rules have already caused millions of Americans to lose food assistance. The Trump administration also moved to eliminate LIHEAP and laid off its federal staff, although Congress ultimately preserved funding for 2026.
A confusing system
Courtney Bragg, co-founder and CEO of Fabric Health, described the American social safety net as an “alphabet soup” of programs and agencies. And with each program having a bewildering array of eligibility requirements, those in need are susceptible to scams, especially during open enrollment periods.
Bragg recalled in an interview how Henry, whose last name she withheld to protect his privacy, had been paying $65 a month to someone who promised to help get him insulin. The scammer informed Henry there was a different deadline to apply but never delivered the insulin pump.
By working with a local nonprofit, Bragg said, she was able to help Henry secure emergency diabetes supplies and enroll him in SNAP and Medicaid. He was also able to switch to a Medicare plan that fully covered the cost of his insulin.
To help navigate what Bragg referred to as “the predatory environment for seniors,” she recommended starting with trusted organizations and official government resources rather than accepting unsolicited calls or offers.
Where to find help
You can use the National Council on Aging’s free screening tool at BenefitsCheckUp.org to help determine eligibility and locate assistance programs at the federal, state and local levels.
State Health Insurance Assistance Programs provide free, personalized counseling for Medicare-related questions, while the local Area Agencies on Aging can also connect older adults with community resources through the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116.
Finding help may take some persistence. But when hundreds or thousands of dollars a year could be at stake, it’s worth discovering what’s available before deciding whether to apply.
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