Saving & Spending Budgeting & Expenses

10 Entitlements All Seniors Should Be Claiming Because It's Easy Money

Don't miss out on senior-specific savings that can help stretch your retirement benefits further.

By Michelle Smith

Edited by Lisa Dammeyer

Updated Dec. 3, 2025

In your quest to maximize your senior benefits, it's important not to leave any stone unturned. While you're likely already aware of the biggest, most popular money-saving programs for seniors — for instance, Medicare — you don't want to overlook smaller, lesser-known benefits that could also help you save over time.

Below, we explore 10 crucial benefit programs that qualifying seniors should consider applying for to save money in the new year.

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SNAP benefits

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a government-funded program that helps low-income households afford food. You can apply if you're at least 60 years old and your net monthly income is $1,305 or lower (for a household of one). Although SNAP is a federal program, you need to apply via your state's SNAP office.

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Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program

If you struggle to cover your Medicare bills, including premiums and service costs, you might qualify for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary program, a type of Medicare Savings Program (MSP). If you qualify for Medicare and make less than $1,325 a month (or $1,783 as a couple), you can apply for the QMB program through your state's Medicaid agency.

Medicare Part D Extra Help program

If you're eligible for the QMB program, you're probably also eligible for the Medicare Part D Extra Help program, which helps you cover prescription medication expenses. You can apply for the program online via the Social Security Administration's website, or you can call 1-800-772-1213 to request help over the phone.

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Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

If you qualify for the USDA's Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, you'll get a monthly stipend to support purchases from farmers markets, roadside fruit and vegetable stands, or directly from farmers themselves. You can also use SFMNP benefits to sign up for Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs, which are subscription services offered by local farms. These programs ensure you get regular deliveries of fresh-picked crops on a consistent basis throughout the harvest season.

Medicaid

Some people mistakenly believe you can't qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, which is government-sponsored health insurance for disabled or low-income individuals and households. In fact, you may be eligible for both if your income is below a certain threshold or you have extremely limited access to resources.

You'll need to contact your state's Medicaid Agency directly to find out if you qualify. If you do, some services and costs that Medicare doesn't pay for could be covered by Medicaid instead.

Lifeline

Staying connected to your friends, family, and community is nearly impossible without solid internet and phone service. If you make less than $21,128 per year as an individual or $28,553 as a couple, you can apply for reduced monthly phone and internet service costs through the FCC's website. (Pro tip: If you already qualify for Medicaid or SNAP, you definitely qualify for Lifeline and should apply online.)

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Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

You may already be receiving Social Security benefits, but those with a low income, limited resources, or a debilitating disability may also qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This SSA-administered program is available to anyone 65 or older or those with resources lower than $3,000 for a couple or $2,000 for an individual. You can apply for assistance online via the SSA's website.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

High energy bills can take a major toll on your budget, especially as the weather gets colder and heating costs start to rise. While you can use LIHEAP to get financial assistance with utility bills, you can also use it for immediate, emergency assistance if your utilities have already been disconnected or are about to be.

To find and apply for local LIHEAP assistance, call the National Energy Assistance Referral line toll-free at 1-866-674-6327.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

If you qualify for LIHEAP, you may be able to take advantage of its weatherization program, which helps you make energy-efficient improvements to your home. Free or discounted services can include sealing leaks in your home, adding insulation, or replacing inefficient, outdated HVAC units.

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Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or Wellfare, is federally funded, but it's administered by individual states. Along with food costs, it can help you pay for essentials like housing and energy costs. TANF qualifications are set by the state, so you'll need to get in touch with your nearest TANF office to find out if you qualify and how to apply.

Bottom line

Budgeting and careful planning can go a long way toward helping you avoid wasting your retirement savings, but it's hard to overstate the financial benefits of qualifying for helpful senior-specific programs. While you might not qualify for every program on this list, it's worth finding out if you could qualify for at least one of them. Your bottom line will thank you, and so will your mental health. The reduced financial strain will make it easier to enjoy a stress-free retirement.

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