If You Live on Social Security Alone, You May Qualify for These 10 Things

The average Social Security benefit provides $24,852 per year in income in 2026, and many people get less than this average. That's not much above the $15,960 federal poverty level for a single-person household.

If most or all of your income in retirement comes from Social Security, chances are good that you are not having a stress-free retirement. In fact, you may have many challenges affording the basics. Many retirees are facing this reality, with the Social Security Administration reporting that around 12% of men and 15% of women 65 and older get 90% or more of their income from Social Security.

However, some government benefits programs can help you make ends meet. You may not be aware of them, so it's important to look into your options.

SNAP food benefits

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps low-income households purchase groceries each month, but the National Council on Aging reports that only 38% of eligible older adults are enrolled.

Eligibility for SNAP is determined based on the following criteria:

• Income: Your gross income must be less than 130% of the Federal Poverty Level before deductions based on household size.
• Assets: Assets must be below $4,500 if you are 60 or older or disabled (or below $3,000 otherwise). Assets include resources that you could use to purchase food. Your house, retirement accounts, and most cars don't count.

Applications are submitted on the state level.

Medicare Savings Program

Medicare Part B charges a premium, and the charge is $202.90 each month in 2026. Keep in mind, there are four Medicare Savings Programs you could qualify for. Each is run by your state, and the Medicare.gov site has links you can use to find your program.

1. Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program

The QMB Program is the most comprehensive. It helps pay nearly all Medicare out-of-pocket costs, including premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. Providers can't bill you for services covered by Medicare if you're enrolled and you qualify for the Medicare Part D Extra Help Program.

Eligibility rules:

• Income: Monthly income must generally be at or below $1,350 for an individual or $1,824 for a married couple in 2026.
• Assets: Resources must generally be below $9,950 for an individual or $14,910 for a married couple. Countable assets include money in bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. Your home, one vehicle, personal belongings, and certain burial funds don't count.

Some states use higher income limits or exclude additional resources.

2. Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program

This program helps Medicare beneficiaries pay Part B premiums. Qualifying for SLMB also automatically qualifies you for Medicare Extra Help. You must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B to qualify.

Eligibility rules:

• Income: Monthly income must generally be at or below $1,616 for an individual or $2,184 for a married couple in 2026.
• Assets: Resources must generally be below $9,950 for an individual or $14,910 for a married couple.

3. Qualifying Individual (QI) Program

The QI Program helps Medicare beneficiaries pay Part B premiums if their income is slightly higher than the SLMB limits. Funding is limited, and enrollment is approved on a first-come, first-served basis. You also qualify for Medicare Extra Help automatically.

You must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B to qualify, and you can't qualify if you're eligible for Medicaid benefits. You must apply annually, and previous enrollees have preference.

Eligibility rules:

• Income: Monthly income must be at or below $1,816 for an individual or $2,455 for a married couple in 2026.
• Assets: Resources must be below $9,950 for an individual or $14,910 for a married couple.

4. Qualified Disabled and Working Individual (QDWI) Program

The QDWI Program helps disabled individuals who returned to work pay their Medicare Part A premiums. You must be enrolled in Part A.

Eligibility rules:

• Disability and work requirement: You must have a disability, be working, and have lost premium-free Part A because you returned to work.
• Income: Monthly income must be at or below $5,405 for an individual or $7,299 for a married couple in 2026.
• Assets: Resources must be below $4,000 for an individual or $6,000 for a married couple.

Some states may allow higher income or resource levels.

Medicare Part D Extra Help Program

Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs. The Extra Help program helps you pay deductibles and copays. You qualify for Extra Help automatically if you're receiving SSI payments, have Medicaid coverage, or participate in a Medicare Savings Program with the state.

If you don't qualify automatically, you can apply if you meet income and resource limits:

• The income limit for individuals is $23,940, and the resource limit is $18,090.
• The income limit for married couples is $32,460, and the resource limit is $36,100

Resources include money in a checking, savings, or retirement account, stocks, and bonds. Your house, one car, furniture, household and personal items, up to $1,500 for burial expenses, and a burial plot don't count.

SSI benefits

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) comes from the Social Security Administration and provides benefits to low-income Americans who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled. The basic monthly SSI payment for 2026 is $994 for one person and $1,491 for a couple.

You must meet income and resources limits to qualify:

• Income: The exact amount you can earn depends on your living situation, marital status, and types of income. The SSI Income Page explains what is countable. Countable income is subtracted from your benefit until it's reduced to $0.
• Resources: Maximum countable resources are $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a married couple.

LIHEAP

LIHEAP provides help covering energy costs to low-income individuals and families. You can get help paying your energy bill, or doing energy-efficient upgrades or repairs. You may also get emergency help in the event that your utilities are shut off.

LIHEAP programs are run by individual states and groups that receive funding grants. Those administering programs set their own income eligibility limits, but they cannot be more than the greater of:

• 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG)
• 60% of the State Median Income

Some state programs also impose their own eligibility requirements. For example, Osceola County requires you to submit a current bill and proof of responsibility.

Lifeline

Lifeline provides a monthly discount on phone, internet, and bundled services. Low-income subscribers receive a $9.25 monthly discount on covered services or up to $34.25 per month for eligible subscribers on tribal lands. One benefit is available per household.

You may qualify for Lifeline if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or you participate in any of the following:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Medicaid
• Federal Public Housing Assistance
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Veterans Pension Benefits
• Certain Tribal Assistance Programs

To apply online, use the National Verifier application system or call 1-800-234-9473 to get help or request a mailed form.

IRS Tax Counseling for the Elderly

Tax return preparation assistance is provided to elderly taxpayers during the normal period for filing federal income tax returns, which is from January 1 to April 15. 

Seniors 60 or over can qualify, and you can find your local programs on the IRS website.

Bottom line

Social Security benefits help seniors fund their retirement, but living on these benefits is tough.

Fortunately, there is help available, and applying for one of these programs can unlock eligibility for others. Explore all of your senior benefits to supplement your Social Security income and ensure you have the most comfortable retirement you can.

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