7 Powerful Programs That Can Save Seniors Over $5,000

If you’re a senior living on Social Security, you’re probably always looking for ways to stretch your dollars. The good news is that there are several programs out there designed just for you—programs that can save you $5,000 or more every year.

1. Get Free Dental Help from Dental Lifeline Network

Dental work is expensive—and unfortunately, Medicare doesn’t usually cover it. But the Dental Lifeline Network offers free dental care for those who qualify.

To be eligible, you must:

Be unable to afford dental care on your own
Meet at least one of these criteria:
- Be age 65 or older
- Have a permanent disability
- Have a chronic or serious illness

Important: This is a once-in-a-lifetime benefit. If you receive help, you won’t be eligible again in the future.

How to apply: Visit Dental Lifeline Network to get started.

2. Save $6,200 on Medical Costs with Extra Help

The Extra Help program can save you an average of $6,200 per year by helping with Medicare costs like premiums, deductibles, and co-pays.

You automatically qualify if you:

Get full Medicaid
Receive SSI benefits
Are in a Medicare Savings Program

Even if you’re not in those programs, you might still qualify. It’s worth checking.

Bonus: Get a free Medicare book, It’s Not That Complicated by Ari Parker, courtesy of our sponsor, Chapter. You can download it at lirlinks.com/book.

3. Cut Property Taxes by $1,500 or More

Many counties offer property tax relief programs for low income seniors and people with disabilities. These can lower your tax bill—and sometimes even reduce your mortgage payment.

Some counties will even refund previous overpayments for up to three years!

How to apply: Contact your local county assessor’s office and ask about:

Property tax exemptions
Property tax relief
Property tax forbearance

Check our list of verified property tax programs here.

4. Save Up to $4,154 on Food

There are several food programs that can help you stay nourished and healthy:

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program – Get $50 in summer coupons for fresh produce.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program – Monthly food boxes worth about $600 per year for those age 60+.
SNAP (Food Stamps) – Up to $3,504 per year for a single person. Even if you qualify for the minimum amount, having an EBT card unlocks other discounts too.

To apply, contact your local Area Agency on Aging or visit your state’s SNAP website.

5. Save $300 on Transportation

Many cities offer discounted or free public transportation for seniors and people with disabilities. This includes buses, light rail, and even door-to-door paratransit.

Just show proof of your income and age or disability to get started.

6. Cut Utility Bills by $372 with Weatherization

The Weatherization Assistance Program offers home improvements that can make your home more energy-efficient. That includes:

Insulation
Window sealing or replacements
Heating and cooling repairs
Smoke detectors and safety upgrades

Average savings are about $372 per year. This program is still active and recently received $325 million in new funding.

How to apply: Contact your local Community Action Council. You can also find more options in our Home Repair Directory.

7. Save $150–$500 with Free Tax Help

Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) offers free tax prep help for anyone age 60 or older. This includes both state and federal returns—even if your income is just from Social Security.

These volunteers can help you claim money you might be owed, like past credits or stimulus checks.

Relief Recap

If you’re a senior on Social Security, you don’t have to face financial stress alone. From dental care and medical savings to help with housing, food, utilities, and taxes, there are programs out there that can put thousands of dollars back in your pocket each year. Many of these benefits are easy to overlook or assume you don’t qualify for—but taking a few minutes to explore them could lead to real, life-changing relief. Don’t wait. Reach out, apply, and claim the help you deserve.