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Many Americans assume government assistance programs are only for people in severe financial hardship. But millions of retirees and near-retirees may qualify for programs that could help them get ahead financially without realizing it. And, a surprising amount of aid goes unused every year.
According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), older Americans leave an estimated $30 billion in benefits unclaimed annually. Many people simply assume they earn too much, own too many assets, or do not meet the requirements. Here are some of the most commonly overlooked programs.
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Medicare Extra Help
Medicare Extra Help, also called the Part D Low-Income Subsidy, helps eligible individuals pay for prescription drug premiums, deductibles, and copays.
Despite that, millions of eligible Americans may not be enrolled. Retirees may assume they do not qualify because they own a home or have modest savings. Additionally, the application process may also discourage people from exploring the benefits further.
Medicare Savings Programs
Medicare Savings Programs help eligible beneficiaries pay Medicare Part A and Part B premiums and, in some cases, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments too. These programs are generally administered through state Medicaid offices.
For retirees on fixed incomes, these savings can add up quickly. Yet many eligible seniors never apply because they are unaware that the program exists. Income and asset limits can vary by state, which can also create confusion.
SNAP benefits
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, helps lower-income households pay for groceries. According to the USDA, many eligible older adults still do not participate in the program.
Some seniors may avoid applying because of outdated assumptions about eligibility or stigma surrounding food assistance. Others may believe their Social Security income automatically disqualifies them. In reality, many retirees living on modest fixed incomes may still qualify for monthly benefits.
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LIHEAP assistance
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, helps households cover heating and cooling costs. The program can also assist with energy emergencies and weather-related utility issues.
This benefit can be especially important for retirees dealing with rising utility costs. However, many eligible households may never apply because they assume the assistance is only for extreme situations. Funding and eligibility rules can also vary by state.
Property tax relief programs
Many states offer property tax relief programs for older homeowners, including exemptions, credits, or tax freezes. These programs are designed to help retirees remain in their homes despite rising property values and taxes.
Because these programs are often administered locally, awareness can be limited. Some retirees may not realize they need to apply each year to continue receiving relief. Others may incorrectly assume their income is too high to qualify.
Weatherization Assistance Program
The federal Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) helps low-income households improve energy efficiency through upgrades such as insulation, air sealing, and heating system improvements.
For retirees, these improvements can lower monthly utility bills and improve home comfort. In fact, the average household saves about $372 or more each year. Yet, many people may never hear about the program or assume it only applies to renters or public housing residents. The long-term savings can be meaningful for households on fixed incomes.
Supplemental Security Income and free tax counseling
Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, provides monthly payments to qualifying adults age 65 or older and people with disabilities who have limited income and resources.
At the same time, many retirees may also overlook the IRS Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program, which offers free tax help for people age 60 and older. Both programs may be largely underused because people assume they will not qualify or are unaware that the services exist.
Bottom line
Many government benefits go unclaimed simply because people never check whether they qualify. Programs tied to Medicare, food assistance, housing costs, and taxes can provide meaningful financial relief for retirees and near-retirees.
Taking time to review available programs and understand where you stand financially could help uncover support that makes retirement more manageable over the long term.
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