12 Government benefits that all seniors qualify for

There are many government benefits that seniors qualify for and can enjoy. Unfortunately, not everyone is aware of these benefits and end up missing out on them, only to spend money out of their pockets.

Knowing what you’re entitled to can help you make the most of your retirement years and ensure you have the resources needed to live comfortably. Here is a list of twelve government benefits that all seniors qualify for and should be aware of.

Social Security retirement benefits

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Social Security retirement benefits are a government program that provides monthly payments to qualified individuals aged sixty-two and older. These individuals must have also worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least ten years. The retirement amount is calculated based on the thirty-five highest earning years for each individual.

As of 2024, the average monthly Social Security retirement benefit is $1907; however, this keeps changing. Those who want to benefit most from this should wait until full retirement age, sixty-six or sixty-seven, or, at the maximum, until seventy. These benefits can be collected once you hit sixty-two.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

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The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, famously known as Food Stamps, is the U.S. government’s largest nutrition assistance program. Through this program, low-income families can purchase eligible food items, reducing food insecurity. SNAP is very important and useful for seniors, the program makes sure you get a nutritious diet.

For seniors to be eligible for this program, they must be over sixty years of age, their income should be below or equal to the federal property line, and their total assets must be less than or equal to $4250.

Lifeline

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The Federal Lifeline Assistance Program provides discounted phone service to low-income individuals, including seniors in the United States. The discount is $9.25 per month.

This ensures seniors can afford to stay connected with loved ones, schedule doctor appointments, and call 911 in emergencies. Having reliable, affordable phone service is crucial for the elderly, especially those living alone.

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

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This is a government program that gives coupons to eligible seniors from low-income backgrounds so that they can buy essential foods like fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets.

To be eligible for this program, individuals must be over sixty years of age, and their household incomes should be no more than 185% of the U.S. poverty guidelines.

Eldercare Locator

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The Eldercare Locator is a public service initiative of the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the United States Administration for Community Living. It connects seniors and their caretakers with trustworthy support resources.

The Eldercare Locator helps seniors and caregivers find services such as meals, home care, and transportation. It makes it easy for seniors to access essential services and find help.

Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM)

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Seniors can get a reverse mortgage on their houses through the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), which is an initiative of the U.S. Federal Housing Authority (FHA).

This allows senior homeowners to access a portion of their home’s equity without having to make monthly mortgage payments. Through this program, seniors receive payments in a lump sum, monthly installments, or a combination. The loan balance grows over time with interest but does not become due until the homeowner moves out, sells the home, or dies.

The eligibility criteria for this benefit are that the seniors must be over sixty-two years old and must own the home.

$3000 Deposit program

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The $3000 deposit is an initiative of the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Under this benefit, seniors below the poverty line receive $3000 cash to pay their bills and take care of their needs. The money is given to eligible seniors every month, and in order to avail this benefit, seniors must be over sixty-five years of age, below the poverty line, and a permanent U.S. resident for at least five years.

Standard Deductions

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Seniors aged sixty-five or older get a tax benefit of an extra standard deduction. A standard deduction is a deduction that reduces taxable income.

This standard deduction is determined every year by the IRS, and as of 2024, the standard deduction amount for seniors is $1950. Married people get higher amounts of standard deductions, $1550 each. If a senior is both sixty-five or older and blind, they get a standard deduction of $3900.

National Park Service Lifetime Pass

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Seniors over sixty-two can avail a lifetime pass from the National Park Service. The other criteria for getting this pass are being a U.S. citizen and a permanent resident.

This pass provides access to numerous federal recreation sites, including national parks, wildlife refuges, and national forests—the lifetime Senior Pass costs just $80. The pass also provides discounts on some expanded amenity fees, like camping, and can be purchased in person at federal recreation sites or online. It is officially known as America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

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CSFP is a U.S. government nutrition program that provides monthly food packages to improve the health of low-income seniors by supplementing their food with 100% domestic and nutritious U.S. Department of Agriculture foods. To avail this benefit, seniors must be sixty or above, and their incomes must equal or below 130% of the federal poverty level.

Medicare

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Medicare is a U.S. government health insurance program for people over sixty-five. Medicare is divided into four different parts: A, B, C, and D. Each part covers different types of treatments and care, including prescription drugs. To be eligible for coverage, individuals must be sixty-five years or older, younger people with disabilities, and permanent residents of the U.S.

Thrift Savings Plan

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This benefit is a bit exclusive; Thrift Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan exclusively offered to federal employees and members of uniformed services. Under this plan, members get a tax exemption on their savings contributions. Individuals over fifty-nine can enjoy the benefits of this plan.

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