Free and Low-Cost Services for Seniors

If you want help with meals, rides, home care, benefits or Medicare questions, start with two free doors: the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 and your local area agency on aging. Both can point you to services in your own community, often at no cost or for a voluntary contribution. You don't have to know exactly what you need before you call.

Many people never ask because they assume programs are only for others. This guide explains where to start, what each service does, and how to get the most from one phone call.

Start with the Eldercare Locator

The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration for Community Living (ACL), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It connects older adults and their families to services in their area. You can call 1-800-677-1116, send a text message, chat online or send an email, and trained staff will respond.

It works well when you aren't sure what is available. Tell them your ZIP code and what you need, such as meals, transportation or help at home. They can then connect you with the right local office.

Families also use it from far away. If you live in one state and your parent lives in another, you can search by your parent's location.

What your area agency on aging does

An area agency on aging (AAA) is, in ACL's words, "a public or private nonprofit agency designated by a state to address the needs and concerns of all older persons at the regional and local levels." Names vary, so yours might be called a council on aging, a regional planning council or something similar.

According to ACL's description of AAAs, these agencies coordinate and offer services that help older adults stay in their homes if that is their preference. Examples include home-delivered meals and homemaker assistance.

Services and costs differ from place to place. Some are free, some ask for a donation, and some have waiting lists. Ask each time what the cost is, who qualifies and how long the wait is.

Questions to ask when you call

• What services do you offer for someone my age in my county?
• Do I have to meet an income or health requirement?
• Is there a cost, or is a voluntary contribution suggested?
• Is there a waiting list, and can you put me on it today?
• Who else in the community should I call?

Meals: congregate and home-delivered

The Senior Nutrition Program is one of the most widely used services. ACL's nutrition services page says it serves nearly one million nutritious meals every day through about 5,000 local providers.

There are two main types:

• Congregate meals are served in group settings such as senior centers and faith-based facilities. They give you a hot meal and a chance to be around other people.
• Home-delivered meals are brought to your door, often by volunteers, and are meant for people who have trouble getting out.

ACL says local services are available to people 60 and older, and to their spouses of any age. Some people with disabilities may also qualify under certain conditions.

Meals are not the only benefit. ACL notes that these programs offer nutrition screening, education and links to other supports such as transportation, home health services and falls prevention classes. Home-delivered meal volunteers can also act as a regular check-in, which matters if you live alone. If loneliness is part of the picture, see our guide on easing loneliness in later life.

For more on eating well, see simple nutrition tips after 60.

Find money-saving benefits with BenefitsCheckUp

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) runs BenefitsCheckUp, which NCOA describes as "a free, confidential online tool that helps older adults and people with disabilities find benefits programs they might be eligible for depending on their location."

NCOA notes that many older adults who don't think they qualify end up being approved. Programs it lists include:

• The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps with food costs
• The Medicare Low-Income Subsidy, also called Part D Extra Help, which helps with drug plan costs
• Medicare Savings Programs, which can help pay Medicare premiums and other costs

How it works

1. Enter your ZIP code and pick the categories that interest you, such as food or health care.
2. Review your first results, or answer more questions for a personalized report.
3. Use the report to apply online through the agency's website or call the agency directly.

You don't need to type in a Social Security number to browse. If you would rather talk to someone, NCOA lists a Benefits HelpLine at 1-800-794-6559. Our guide to cutting prescription drug costs on Medicare explains more about Extra Help.

Free Medicare counseling through SHIP

If your questions are about Medicare, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is a strong first stop. According to the SHIP Technical Assistance Center, SHIPs "provide local, in-depth, and objective insurance counseling and assistance to Medicare-eligible individuals, their families, and caregivers." It also states: "There is no cost to consumers to use SHIP services."

A SHIP counselor can help you:

• Understand when and how to enroll in Medicare
• Make changes during the Annual Election Period (open enrollment)
• Apply for Medicare Savings Programs and Part D Extra Help
• Learn what Medicare does and doesn't cover
• Make an appeal or complaint

Your state's SHIP may use a different name, such as HICAP, SHICK, SHINE or VICAP. You can find yours at the SHIP site or by calling 1-877-839-2675. SHIP counselors give unbiased guidance, so they are a good place to compare plans. See also our explainers on Medicare enrollment periods and Medicare Advantage vs Original Medicare.

For other Medicare questions, Medicare.gov's Talk to Someone page says you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or use live chat any day, all day, except some federal holidays. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. The same page notes that your state office can tell you about Medicare Savings Programs and other state programs.

A simple plan for this week

You don't need to do everything at once. Try this order:

1. Write down your top two needs. It might be meals and a ride to appointments, or help with Medicare costs.
2. Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 and ask for your local area agency on aging.
3. Call your AAA and ask the questions listed above. Ask to be put on any waiting lists.
4. Run BenefitsCheckUp with a family member or at a senior center, and save the report.
5. Book a SHIP appointment if you have Medicare questions, especially before open enrollment.
6. Keep a notebook with names, dates and phone numbers of everyone you speak with.

If you have a caregiver or an adult child who helps, invite them to the calls. The Eldercare Locator also serves families.

Staying safe while you look for help

Real services from the agencies above do not require you to pay a fee just to get information. Be cautious if someone calls you unexpectedly, asks for payment up front, or pressures you for your Social Security or bank details. When in doubt, hang up and call the agency yourself using a number from its official website. Our guide to common scams targeting older adults explains what to watch for.