11 Benefits Seniors Are Entitled to but Often Forget To Claim

Your retirement plan hinges on having enough money to tide you over for the rest of your life. Luckily, you aren't on your own when it comes to making every penny count.

Here are some senior-specific government programs and company discounts that can help you get ahead financially even after you leave the workforce. All you have to do is remember to take advantage of them.

Medicare savings programs can help you pay for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (health insurance) costs.

These programs also might help you pay for Part B premiums, and Part A and Part B deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.

Most programs have income limits. They include:

• Qualifying Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program
• Qualifying Individual (QI) program
• Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a benefits program that helps members of low-income American households afford groceries.

SNAP eligibility requirements and application processes differ from state to state. To find out if you qualify for grocery assistance, check with your state's SNAP office.

Paying for utilities can be a struggle when you're on a fixed income. Certain government programs — including the federally sponsored Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) — may be available to help you pay for utilities such as gas and electricity.

Recent federal cutbacks mean it's not clear how much longer LIHEAP will be funded. So, keep an eye on developments.

Seniors also might be eligible for the Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).

With this program, certain low-income individuals can qualify for assistance weatherizing their homes, making the abodes more energy-efficient in an effort to reduce utility costs.

Depending on where you live, your state might offer a ratepayer-funded utilities program that helps low-income households afford utility bills.

Start by checking in with your utility company to find out if it advertises any assistance programs for customers. If you don't see anything, check in with your state government to see if other options might be available.

If you're older — typically at least age 65 — you might be able to take advantage of a senior-specific property tax deduction in your state.

In fact, RetireGuide says at least 12 states currently offers seniors a break on property taxes:

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• New York
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Texas
• Washington

Some banks offer senior-specific perks such as free checking accounts, lower-cost safe-deposit boxes, free checks, and waived monthly fees.

Check in with your bank directly to find out about any senior discounts. If your current bank doesn't offer any such price breaks, retirement is a great time to start shopping around for a financial institution that better suits your needs.

AARP offers a host of resources for seniors, including free tax-filing services every tax season.

Swing by an AARP tax clinic and work with an AARP volunteer to file your taxes at no cost.

The federal government also offers free tax preparation help to those who qualify through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs.

Meals on Wheels is a nationwide service that delivers food to seniors.

The specific services your local Meals on Wheels partner offers will differ based on where you live. Many member programs make meals available on an income-based sliding scale for those who don't have many resources.

Plenty of popular grocery stores offer monthly (or even weekly) senior discount days.

For instance, individuals 55 and older qualify for a 10% discount on certain groceries at Fred Meyer on the first Tuesday of the month. And some Grocery Outlet stores offer 10% off for seniors every Tuesday of the month, although savings programs can differ from store to store.

Many of the popular attractions and cultural centers in your city likely offer senior-specific perks.

Check with the nearest zoos, aquariums, theaters, and museums to find out about discounted senior pricing for annual memberships. Also, look for days when entry is free or discounted for seniors.

Saving a handful of cash here and there might not seem like a big deal. However, over time, the money you save with senior discounts adds up.

Putting that money toward something you care about — such as moving closer to your kids or booking your first cruise — will help boost the odds that you enjoy a long and happy stress-free retirement.