Senior Benefits
Getting What You're Owed: Benefits Many Seniors Miss
For years, Neehan stretched his Social Security check as far as he could. Some days he skipped meals. In the winter, he kept the heat low even when the cold seeped in. He even cut his prescription pills in half to make them last longer.
Then one day, a volunteer at his senior center asked if he'd ever applied for SNAP—the program that helps people buy groceries.
“I didn’t think I’d qualify,” Neehan said. “I thought programs like that were for other people.”
But he did qualify. And so do millions of older adults who never apply.
Today, about **3 out of 5 seniors who qualify for SNAP never receive it.**¹
That’s nearly 5 million people missing out on help with groceries. And SNAP is just one of many programs designed to help older adults stay healthy and stable.
Why Don’t People Apply?
There are many reasons seniors don’t apply for benefits:
They don’t know the programs exist
They assume they won’t qualify
They feel embarrassed or don’t want “handouts”
The application feels confusing or overwhelming²
But here’s the truth:
These programs exist because people have earned them.
They’re funded by taxpayers—including you.
If you qualify, you deserve to use them.
Programs That Can Help
Here are some of the most helpful benefits older adults often miss.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
SNAP helps people buy groceries using a card that works like a debit card.³
Who qualifies?
Seniors 60+ may qualify if their income is below the federal poverty line. In 2025, that’s about $15,060/year for a single person.⁴
You can also have up to $4,500 in savings and still qualify.⁴
How much can you get?
The average older adult receives about $188 per month—not the $23 minimum many people believe.¹
Why SNAP matters:
Seniors who use SNAP are 23% less likely to enter a nursing home.¹
HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program)
HEAP helps low-income households pay heating and cooling costs. Some states call it LIHEAP.⁵
It may help with:
Heating fuel
Electricity
Emergency furnace repairs⁵
Many older adults on fixed incomes qualify.
Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)
MSPs can help pay:
Medicare Part B premiums
Copays
Deductibles⁶
Some seniors think their income is too high—but many still qualify.
About 5.5 million older adults qualify for both SNAP and an MSP, but aren’t enrolled.⁷
Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy)
Extra Help lowers prescription drug costs for people with Medicare Part D.⁸
It may cover:
Part D premiums
Deductibles
Drug copays⁸
This program alone can save seniors thousands each year.
Property Tax Exemptions
Many states offer property tax relief for seniors.
In New York, programs like:
STAR
SCHE (Senior Citizen Homeowners’ Exemption)
can reduce your bill if you meet age and income requirements.
EPIC (Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage)
New York only
EPIC helps Medicare beneficiaries 65+ afford medications. It works alongside Part D to lower out-of-pocket drug costs.⁵
How to Find Out What You Qualify For
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
BenefitsCheckUp
A free online tool from the National Council on Aging.
Answer a few questions and get a list of programs you may qualify for.
**www.benefitscheckup.org**²
NY Connects
A New York helpline that screens you for multiple benefits.
Call 1-800-342-9871.⁵
Your local Office for the Aging
They can explain programs and help fill out applications.⁹
Neehan’s Story Continues
After applying for SNAP, Neehan learned he also qualified for HEAP. A caseworker later helped him apply for a Medicare Savings Program—which meant his Part B premium was paid for him each month.
“I felt like a weight had been lifted,” he said. “I’m not rich, but I’m not choosing between heat and food anymore. I wish someone had told me about these programs sooner.”
A Note About Applying
Applying can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to do it alone.
A few tips:
Gather your documents: ID, proof of income, utility bill
Ask for help: Many agencies will complete the forms with you
Don’t give up: You can appeal if you’re denied or reapply if circumstances change
Where to Get Help
BenefitsCheckUp: www.benefitscheckup.org²
NY Connects: 1-800-342-9871⁵
Local Office for the Aging: www.aging.ny.gov/local-offices⁹
Social Security Administration: Apply for Extra Help at www.ssa.gov/medicare/part-d-extra-help
Local SNAP Office: www.fns.usda.gov/snap³
This article is general information only. It is not legal or financial advice. Everyone’s situation is different. Contact the programs above or your local Office for the Aging to learn what benefits you may qualify for.
References
National Council on Aging. "7 Facts About Older Adults and SNAP." https://www.ncoa.org/article/7-facts-about-older-adults-and-snap/
National Council on Aging. "Getting Help Paying for Food with SNAP." https://www.ncoa.org/older-adults/benefits/food-assistance/snap/
USDA Food and Nutrition Service. "SNAP Eligibility." https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/recipient/eligibility
Propel. "Do Seniors Qualify for Food Stamps? SNAP Income Limits & Eligibility Guide." https://www.propel.app/snap/snap-for-seniors-benefits-income-limit-eligibility/
New York State Office for the Aging. "NYSOFA Resources for Completing Benefits Applications." https://aging.ny.gov/apply-for-benefits
AARP. "Millions of Older Adults Eligible for Both SNAP and a Medicare Savings Program." https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/health/coverage-access/snap-medicare-savings-program-msp-eligibility/
AARP. "Millions of Older Adults Eligible for Both SNAP and a Medicare Savings Program." https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/health/coverage-access/snap-medicare-savings-program-msp-eligibility/
Medicare.gov. "Get Help Paying Costs." https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/help/drug-costs
New York State Office for the Aging. "Local Offices." https://aging.ny.gov/local-offices