An estimated 25 million senior citizens in the United States have difficulty paying for basic living expenses. The rising cost of healthcare combined with inflation has made it challenging for some senior veterans to make ends meet.
Financial assistance programs have been developed to help senior veterans get the help they need. Learn more about three of these programs so that you can take advantage of the financial aid they can provide.
1. SNAP
If you are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of food, applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can be beneficial.
The SNAP program provides senior veterans with a monthly grant. The amount of this grant is calculated based on household size and income needs. Grant money is automatically deposited to a special debit card, and can be used at any grocery store or farmer's market.
Qualifying for SNAP benefits will allow you to maintain a nutritionally sound diet as you age.
2. Lifeline Assistance
Having access to a telephone is critical for senior citizens. It's impossible to keep in touch with family and friends, schedule medical appointments, or call for emergency assistance without a working telephone.
The cost of maintaining a working phone line can be too much for some senior veterans to shoulder. The Lifeline Assistance program was developed to help ensure all senior citizens can have access to an affordable telephone.
Once you qualify for the program, you only pay a small portion of your monthly phone bill. The Lifeline Assistance program will cover the remaining balance each month.
3. HEAP
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally-funded resource that can help senior veterans cover energy costs.
All you have to do is fill out a questionnaire and provide documentation showing that your income is low enough to qualify if you want to take advantage of HEAP benefits. Once approved, the government will pay your energy provider directly.
HEAP can also provide financial aid for weatherizing your home or replacing your heating or cooling systems.
With the average American household spending $4,400 each year on utility costs alone, utilizing the HEAP program to reduce your energy costs can free up money in your budget to be used for other living expenses.
There are many resources available to senior veterans who need financial help. Contact the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to learn more about sources to apply for veteran financial assistance in your community.
