15 Resources
Apply for retirement, SSI, SSDI, Medicare, and replacement cards. 1-800-772-1213. Useful for older adults whose income dropped at retirement or after a spouse's death, and who don't know what they qualify for. Benefits screening tools take 10–15 minutes and surface programs by name with application links and contact information. SSDI back pay can be substantial — the application takes 3-5 months on average, but benefits date back to the disability onset. Free service; donations support but never gate...
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Federal program for low-income seniors 65+ and disabled people. Monthly cash benefit. Worth contacting for anyone facing eviction, utility shutoff, or a sudden out-of-pocket prescription cost they can't cover. Benefits screening tools take 10–15 minutes and surface programs by name with application links and contact information. SSDI back pay can be substantial — the application takes 3-5 months on average, but benefits date back to the disability onset. No cost to older adults or the people helping them.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Free database of patient assistance programs for prescription drugs and medical care. Useful for older adults whose income dropped at retirement or after a spouse's death, and who don't know what they qualify for. LIHEAP applications open in late fall in most states; apply early — funds run out before the cold sets in. SSDI back pay can be substantial — the application takes 3-5 months on average, but benefits date back to the disability onset. All services free of charge to qualifying seniors and...
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Case management and financial aid for people with chronic, life-threatening, or debilitating illness. Built for low-income seniors and adults with disabilities applying for SSI, SSDI, food assistance, energy aid, and prescription help. Many programs require proof of income (tax return, Social Security statement) and proof of residency (utility bill, lease). Most seniors leave $5,000-10,000 a year in benefits on the table because no one tells them what they qualify for. Free service; donations support...
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Patient assistance program directory for free or low-cost medications. Useful for older adults whose income dropped at retirement or after a spouse's death, and who don't know what they qualify for. LIHEAP applications open in late fall in most states; apply early — funds run out before the cold sets in. SSDI back pay can be substantial — the application takes 3-5 months on average, but benefits date back to the disability onset. Free, confidential, and available to any Michigan resident who needs the...
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Free tax preparation help for taxpayers, especially those 50+. Operates February-April. Relevant for veterans (Aid & Attendance pension), homeowners (property tax relief), and renters (Section 8 senior housing waitlists). Extra Help (Part D Low-Income Subsidy) can be applied for online at ssa.gov in under 15 minutes. Most seniors leave $5,000-10,000 a year in benefits on the table because no one tells them what they qualify for. Free of charge — no eligibility paperwork required to call or browse.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly — free tax help. Built for low-income seniors and adults with disabilities applying for SSI, SSDI, food assistance, energy aid, and prescription help. Benefits screening tools take 10–15 minutes and surface programs by name with application links and contact information. SSDI back pay can be substantial — the application takes 3-5 months on average, but benefits date back to the disability onset. No cost to older adults or the...
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Federal government's portal for finding benefits and assistance programs. Relevant for veterans (Aid & Attendance pension), homeowners (property tax relief), and renters (Section 8 senior housing waitlists). LIHEAP applications open in late fall in most states; apply early — funds run out before the cold sets in. Patient assistance programs run by drug manufacturers often cover the full cost of expensive prescriptions for low-income seniors. Free of charge — no eligibility paperwork required to call...
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Financial coaching, credit counseling, and small business assistance. Useful for older adults whose income dropped at retirement or after a spouse's death, and who don't know what they qualify for. Benefits screening tools take 10–15 minutes and surface programs by name with application links and contact information. SSDI back pay can be substantial — the application takes 3-5 months on average, but benefits date back to the disability onset. Free service; donations support but never gate access.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
NFCC — find a nonprofit credit counselor in your area. A first stop for families discovering the senior never applied for benefits they've qualified for, sometimes for years. Benefits screening tools take 10–15 minutes and surface programs by name with application links and contact information. Most seniors leave $5,000-10,000 a year in benefits on the table because no one tells them what they qualify for. No cost to older adults or the people helping them.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Free prescription discounts at most US pharmacies — often beats insurance copays. Worth contacting for anyone facing eviction, utility shutoff, or a sudden out-of-pocket prescription cost they can't cover. LIHEAP applications open in late fall in most states; apply early — funds run out before the cold sets in. Patient assistance programs run by drug manufacturers often cover the full cost of expensive prescriptions for low-income seniors. Free service; donations support but never gate access.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Small emergency grants for low-income workers facing temporary crisis. Built for low-income seniors and adults with disabilities applying for SSI, SSDI, food assistance, energy aid, and prescription help. Many programs require proof of income (tax return, Social Security statement) and proof of residency (utility bill, lease). VA Aid & Attendance can add up to ,800/month to a wartime veteran's pension or surviving spouse's pension — most never apply. Free, confidential, and available to any Michigan...
Nationwide · Online
Find your local Michigan Social Security office. Apply for retirement, SSI, SSDI, Medicare. Worth contacting for anyone facing eviction, utility shutoff, or a sudden out-of-pocket prescription cost they can't cover. Phone-based intake is often faster than online for seniors without computer access; most state agencies offer both. SSDI back pay can be substantial — the application takes 3-5 months on average, but benefits date back to the disability onset. Free, confidential, and available to any...
Statewide · Varies · Visit Website
Energy assistance for Michigan households. Apply via your state LIHEAP office. 1-866-674-6327. Built for low-income seniors and adults with disabilities applying for SSI, SSDI, food assistance, energy aid, and prescription help. Phone-based intake is often faster than online for seniors without computer access; most state agencies offer both. Most seniors leave $5,000-10,000 a year in benefits on the table because no one tells them what they qualify for. No cost to older adults or the people helping them.
Statewide · Varies · Visit Website
Free NCOA tool to find Michigan benefits programs you may qualify for. Useful for older adults whose income dropped at retirement or after a spouse's death, and who don't know what they qualify for. Phone-based intake is often faster than online for seniors without computer access; most state agencies offer both. VA Aid & Attendance can add up to ,800/month to a wartime veteran's pension or surviving spouse's pension — most never apply. No cost to older adults or the people helping them.
Statewide · Varies · Visit Website