Retirement can often feel like walking on a tightrope. You have to balance bills, health care, and daily expenses on a fixed income.
What many people don't realize is that there are many straightforward government programs that can help trim expenses. These retiree entitlements aren't buried in fine print. They're accessible aids meant to smooth out those unexpected bumps.
Knowing where to look could help you maximize your senior benefits and stretch those limited dollars further.
Get instant access to hundreds of discounts
Over 50? Join AARP today— because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks like discounts on travel, dining, and even prescriptions.
Get 25% off membership — just $15 for your first year with auto-renewal — and a free gift if you join today.
Medicare savings programs
/images/2025/09/10/stethoscope-with-medicare-form.jpg)
Health expenses might sneak up fast in retirement, but Medicare Savings Programs might step in to cover premiums and more. These state-run initiatives could help low-income seniors afford Parts A and B of Medicare, potentially including deductibles or copays too. Eligibility often hinges on income (approximately $1,325 monthly for a single person in 2025) and limited assets of around $9,660. However, the exact limits vary by state.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
/images/2023/09/20/pennies-and-bulb-over-electric-bill.jpeg)
Winter chills or summer heat might strain any budget, but the Low-Income Home
Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) could offer relief. This federal aid may help
cover part of your energy bills, fund weatherization, or even assist with
repairs to keep your home energy-efficient. You may qualify if your household
income falls below state limits (often automatic if you're on SNAP or Supplemental Security Income) and
includes at least one vulnerable member, like a senior.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
/images/2024/05/09/snap-welcomed-here-sign-at-store.jpeg)
Empty pantries shouldn't be a retirement worry, and the Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program (SNAP) could stretch your food dollars further. Seniors might
receive an EBT card loaded monthly to purchase nutritious items at stores.
Income caps sit at about $1,580 monthly for individuals in 2025, with deductions
for medical costs boosting chances.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Extra standard deduction
/images/2024/11/22/income_tax_return_forms_nDX7jgy.jpg)
Taxes might feel like a distant chore post-retirement, but the IRS's extra standard deduction for those over 65 could lower your bill noticeably. It tacks on $1,600 for singles or $3,100 for joint filers who are both seniors, simplifying returns without itemizing. You're eligible simply by reaching 65 by year-end, no income test needed.
Older Americans Act services
/images/2024/08/02/cleaning-table-using-rag-adobe.jpg)
Who hasn't wished for a hand with laundry or errands after a long day? Under the Older Americans Act, local agencies might provide homemaking help to keep things manageable without dipping into savings. If you are 60 or older, you could access these if you need support to stay independent, and many areas have no strict income cutoff.


Digital Checking
Property tax relief
/images/2025/02/15/staack_of_coins_wooden_blocks.jpg)
Owning your home outright feels secure, but property taxes could nibble away until relief programs enter the picture. Many states offer exemptions or credits that might cut your bill by hundreds, tailored for fixed-income retirees. The exact income limit varies widely from area to area. In some states, it could be as low as $15,000 or as high as $90,000.
Section 202 housing
/images/2025/09/24/real_estate_agent_estimates_housing_costs.jpg)
Downsizing shouldn't mean compromising on comfort, and Section 202 supportive housing could provide just that. These HUD-backed apartments for low-income seniors often feature accessibility tweaks and on-site help, with rents scaled to income.
Head-of-household must be 62+, income below 50% of the area median (around $30,000 in many spots). Search listings on HUD.gov, then apply directly with property managers. Waitlists exist, but it's worth making a call to local HUD offices.
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
/images/2024/08/06/fresh-and-organic-vegetables-adobe.jpg)
Farmers markets brim with healthy options, and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) could put coupons in your hands for them. Seniors 60 and up might snag $20 to $50 worth of vouchers annually for fruits, veggies, honey, or herbs from local vendors.
Eligibility typically ties to income under SNAP levels, around 185% of the federal poverty guidelines. Contact your state agriculture department to apply. Applications typically run during the summer months, when the fresh produce is available.
Medicare flex card
/images/2023/05/23/doctor-writing-medicare-with-marker-on-mirror.jpeg)
Some Medicare Advantage plans include a flex card that might ease everyday costs without out-of-pocket hits. It could load $50 to $300 quarterly for groceries, utilities, or over-the-counter items, depending on the plan. Available to enrollees in participating plans, often those with low to moderate income. Check the details of your policy to see if you apply.
In 2023 Americans lost over $10 billion to identity theft and fraud
That's right. According to the FTC, Americans lost over $10 Billion to fraud and identity theft in 2023.
But you can safeguard your data with all-in-one identity theft protection services from Aura which comes with $1,000,000.00 in identity theft insurance2 <p>Identity Theft Insurance underwritten by insurance company subsidiaries or affiliates of American International Group‚ Inc. The description herein is a summary and intended for informational purposes only and does not include all terms‚ conditions and exclusions of the policies described. Please refer to the actual policies for terms‚ conditions‚ and exclusions of coverage. Coverage may not be available in all jurisdictions.</p> per adult, to cover you should you have eligible identity theft-related losses.
An individual plan starts at $9 per month, and you can choose a family plan that outmatches most others - includes Dark Web monitoring to scour data breaches and leaks for your sensitive personal data — such as Social Security numbers (SSN), Medicare information, and phone numbers.
Before you make your next online purchase, protect what you’ve built for a fraction of what it could cost you if your data were compromised.
Veterans aid and attendance
/images/2025/07/10/soldier-and-businessman-shaking-hands.jpg)
If you're a wartime veteran or surviving spouse, the VA's Aid and Attendance benefit might boost your pension to cover care costs. It could help veterans who require help with a daily task, like bathing, or who must spend the majority of their time in bed due to illness.
Eligibility requires wartime service and medical need. Veterans who are currently in an assisted living situation may also qualify.
Bottom line
/images/2025/08/22/woman-filling-out-financial-statements.jpg)
Retirement might be a challenge to navigate on a fixed income, but programs like Medicare Savings and Veterans Aid might help ease some of the stress. Exploring these programs may help you pay for some essentials, like food and health care costs.
Nearly six to eight million older Americans live in poverty, a number that
programs like Social Security help keep from doubling. Tapping into these
overlooked senior benefits could help lower your financial stress.
- Huge discounts on travel, groceries, prescriptions and more
- Access to financial planning resources and health tools
- Join AARP and get 25% off your first year
Subscribe Today
Learn how to make an extra $200
Get vetted side hustles and proven ways to earn extra cash sent to your inbox.