Federal Government Services for Seniors and Their Families
Helping seniors and their families find U.S. government benefits and services for health care, housing, food, financial assistance, legal help, transportation, and caregiving.
Explore ServicesHow We Help
Health Care
Medicare, Medicaid, veterans benefits, and medical services
Housing
Affordable housing programs and home modification assistance
Food Programs
SNAP, senior nutrition programs, and meal delivery services
Financial Aid
Social Security, SSI, energy assistance, and income support
Legal Help
Free legal aid, elder rights, and fraud protection
Transportation
Public transit discounts, medical rides, and mobility services
Caregiver Support
Resources, respite care, and training for family caregivers
All Benefits
Complete directory of available programs and services
Start Here – Find the Help You Need
Not sure where to begin? This page helps you explore available support based on your needs.
Who Is This Help For?
Seniors
Resources and benefits for older adults
Family Members
Help for those supporting a loved one
Caregivers
Support for professional and family caregivers
What Do You Need Help With?
Select a category below to find relevant programs and resources:
Find Government Benefits for Seniors
Answer a few questions to discover programs that may be right for you.
Tell Us About Your Situation
Health Care Services for Seniors
Federal programs that help seniors access medical care, prescriptions, and preventive services.
Quick Tip: Most people become eligible for Medicare at age 65. Apply 3 months before your 65th birthday to avoid gaps in coverage.
Available Programs
- Medicare (Parts A, B, D) - Health insurance for people 65+ covering hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription drugs. Visit Medicare.gov
- Medicaid - Health coverage for low-income seniors. Eligibility varies by state. Learn more
- Veterans Health Benefits - Comprehensive health care for eligible veterans. VA Health Care
- Mental Health Services - Medicare and Medicaid cover mental health counseling and treatment
- Preventive Screenings - Free preventive services including cancer screenings, vaccines, and wellness visits
How to Apply
- Online: Apply at SSA.gov for Medicare
- Phone: Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
- In Person: Visit your local Social Security office
- State Medicaid: Find your state's application at Medicaid.gov
Need Help Choosing? Contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free, unbiased counseling. Find your local SHIP
Housing Assistance for Seniors
Programs that help seniors find safe, affordable housing and remain independent.
Available Programs
- Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly - Subsidized housing for low-income seniors 62+. HUD Section 202
- Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) - Rental assistance vouchers to help pay for private housing. Learn about Section 8
- Public Housing for Seniors - Affordable apartments managed by local housing authorities
- Home Repair and Modification Programs - Grants and loans for home improvements like ramps, grab bars, and accessibility modifications
How to Apply
- Contact Your Local Public Housing Authority (PHA): Find your local PHA at HUD.gov
- Apply for Section 8: Applications are submitted through local PHAs - waiting lists may apply
- Senior Housing Search: Use Eldercare Locator to find housing options near you
Warning: Be cautious of housing scams. Never pay fees to "guarantee" housing placement. Legitimate government programs don't charge application fees.
Food Assistance Programs for Seniors
Nutrition programs that help seniors access healthy food.
Available Programs
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) - Monthly benefits to buy groceries. Seniors may qualify even with Social Security income. SNAP Benefits
- Senior Nutrition Programs - Hot meals at senior centers or delivered to your home (Meals on Wheels). Find meal programs
- Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) - Free monthly food packages for low-income seniors 60+
- Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program - Vouchers for fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs at farmers markets
- Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) - Emergency food from local food banks and pantries
How to Apply
- SNAP: Apply online at your state's SNAP website or call 1-800-221-5689
- Meals on Wheels: Call 1-888-998-6325 or visit MealsOnWheelsAmerica.org
- Find Local Food Programs: Call 211 or visit Eldercare Locator
Financial Assistance and Income Support for Seniors
Programs that help seniors manage living expenses and maintain financial stability.
Available Programs
- Social Security Retirement Benefits - Monthly income for workers 62+ who have paid into Social Security. SSA Retirement
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) - Monthly payments for seniors with limited income and resources. Learn about SSI
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) - Benefits for people who can't work due to disability
- LIHEAP (Energy Assistance) - Help paying heating and cooling bills. Energy assistance
- Medicare Savings Programs - Help paying Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copayments
- Property Tax Relief - Many states offer property tax exemptions or deferrals for seniors
How to Apply
- Social Security/SSI: Apply at SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213
- Energy Assistance: Contact your state's LIHEAP program (find at ACF.HHS.gov)
- Medicare Savings: Apply through your State Medicaid office
Legal Help and Elder Protection Services
Resources that protect seniors' rights and prevent exploitation.
Available Services
- Free Legal Aid - Legal assistance for low-income seniors on issues like housing, benefits, and consumer protection. Find Legal Aid
- Elder Rights Advocacy - Protection from abuse, neglect, and exploitation through state and local programs
- Fraud and Scam Protection - Report fraud to the FTC and get help avoiding scams targeting seniors
- Advance Directives - Free resources to create living wills, health care proxies, and powers of attorney
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman - Advocates for residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities
How to Get Help
- Legal Services: Call Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116
- Report Elder Abuse: Contact Adult Protective Services in your state or call the Eldercare Locator
- Report Fraud: Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Find an Ombudsman: LTCOmbudsman.org
If you suspect elder abuse: Don't wait. Contact your local Adult Protective Services immediately or call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.
Transportation Services for Seniors
Programs that help seniors get to medical appointments, grocery stores, and community services.
Available Options
- Public Transportation Discounts - Reduced fares on buses, trains, and subways for seniors (usually 50% off)
- Paratransit Services - Door-to-door transportation for seniors with disabilities who can't use regular public transit
- Non-Emergency Medical Transportation - Free or low-cost rides to medical appointments through Medicaid and Medicare Advantage plans
- Community Ride Programs - Local volunteer driver programs and senior transportation services
- Veterans Transportation - VA provides transportation to VA medical facilities
How to Access
- Local Transit: Contact your city or county transit authority for senior discount cards
- Paratransit: Apply through your local transit agency (requires disability certification)
- Medical Rides: Call your health insurance plan or ask your doctor's office about transportation benefits
- Find Local Programs: Call 211 or the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116
Support for Caregivers of Seniors
Resources that help family caregivers manage stress and responsibilities.
Available Services
- National Family Caregiver Support Program - Information, counseling, training, and respite care. ACL Caregiver Support
- Respite Care - Temporary relief for caregivers through in-home care or adult day programs
- Caregiver Education and Training - Free classes on caregiving skills, disease management, and self-care
- Support Groups - Connect with other caregivers facing similar challenges
- Care Coordination - Help navigating the health care system and community resources
- Financial Guidance - Information about benefits, tax credits, and financial assistance for caregivers
How to Get Support
- Caregiver Resources: Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116
- Online Support: Family Caregiver Alliance
- Veterans Caregivers: VA Caregiver Support or call 1-855-260-3274
- Local Programs: Contact your Area Agency on Aging through the Eldercare Locator
Caregiver Burnout is Real: Taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's necessary. Use respite care services to get the breaks you need.
Complete Benefits & Services Directory
Browse all available federal programs and services for seniors.
Health Care
- Medicare - Health insurance for 65+
- Medicaid - Health coverage for low-income seniors
- Veterans Health Benefits - VA health care
- Prescription Drug Coverage (Medicare Part D)
- Mental Health Services
- Preventive Care & Screenings
Housing
- Section 202 Supportive Housing - Senior housing
- Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
- Public Housing for Seniors
- Home Modification Programs
- Reverse Mortgage Counseling
Food Assistance
- SNAP (Food Stamps)
- Senior Nutrition Programs - Congregate and home-delivered meals
- Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
- Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
- Emergency Food Assistance (TEFAP)
Financial Assistance
- Social Security Retirement
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
- Medicare Savings Programs
- Property Tax Relief
- Veterans Pension Benefits
Legal Help
- Free Legal Aid
- Elder Rights Programs
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman
- Adult Protective Services
- Fraud Prevention Resources
Transportation
- Public Transit Discounts
- Paratransit Services
- Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
- Veterans Transportation Services
Caregiver Support
- National Family Caregiver Support Program
- Respite Care Services
- Caregiver Training & Education
- Support Groups
- Veterans Caregiver Programs