We’ve found 7 helpful programs that offer free cash for seniors! Here’s what you need to know.
ABD Program
ABD stands for Aged, Blind and Disabled. There are several states with ABD programs, although they sometimes go by different names.
For example, in Washington this is a state-funded program that provides cash assistance to low income individuals who are at least 65 years old or blind or disabled. This program provides up to $197 for an individual or up to $248 for a married couple. In order to be eligible, you must meet income, resource and citizenship requirements.
These programs obviously vary by state, but I was able to find similar programs that provide cash benefits to seniors in Colorado, Nebraska and a few other states.
Social Security
Of course, any article about free cash for seniors needs to include Social Security. Social Security retirement benefits, Social Security disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income have been instrumental in helping low income seniors across America.
Of course, we have tons of other content on Social Security, so you may want to check those articles out if you’re interested in applying for those programs.
TANF
TANF is a cash grant program designed to help low income families. In order to get these benefits, you must have a minor child in your household… but since there are 2.7 million grandparents raising their grandchildren in America, there are many seniors that can also benefit from this program.
In fact, AARP has found that 20% of grandparents raising grandchildren are living in poverty. Many do not have any support from the parents of the children and many don’t know that TANF can also provide free cash for seniors who are raising children. If you are currently raising your grandchildren or other young people, please look into the TANF program. Households receive an average of $447 per month from this program and it can make a big difference.
Farmer’s Market Vouchers
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program provides vouchers that can be spent like free cash at farmer’s markets. This program is designed to help seniors afford healthy, locally-sourced food while also encouraging spending at local farmer’s markets. Contact your local Senior Center for more information.
Tax Credits
The IRS provides a tax credit for the elderly! This tax credit is available for those who received taxable disability income and are at least age 65 or retired with a permanent disability. There are income limits for this program, but I encourage you to look into it if this describes your situation.
LIHEAP
Low income seniors can get help from LIHEAP, which can pay money toward your utilities! Although it doesn’t necessarily put cash in your hand, this program can help free up your funds by paying down utilities for you.
USDA Housing Repair Grants
Seniors may be eligible for home repair grants, which can help improve the comfort of your home and lower your utility expenses. Some programs can also install mobility ramps and other disability modifications. The funds provided for this program must be used to repair, improve or modernize your home, or to remove health or safety hazards.
Hi Stefany Alcala,
Thanks for replying, I’ve been looking for a lawyer for the past 12 years. What I’ve had realized I’ve been put on a black list for me not to find one. I’ve had my phone and Internet this way of unfairness, torture, sickness, etc. I have found lawyers in the past bc children were involved. Now that I’m solo I can’t find one.
Happy Holidays
Hi Nicole,
I’m 59 yrs old, living now in North Carolina. I’d made a comment on one of your questionnaire/ratings, why your seeking help if you think your safe to tell in your channel. Again I got followed by opposition. I’ve realized, and confirmed I’ve been in this situation at home and online nearly for 2 decades and because of it I have new physical conditions on top of my childhood conditions. I’ve been looking for a Lawyer for 12 years.
Sincerely
We’re so sorry to hear that you’ve been dealing with this—it sounds incredibly difficult, and no one should have to go through that. You may be able to find help through free or low-cost legal aid services listed here: https://lowincomerelief.com/legal-aid/. And if you ever need help finding other resources, we’re here and always happy to help however we can.
Are there any programs in Tennessee that helps with auto repair?
Hi. Here are a few possible national resources:
https://lowincomerelief.com/free-car-repair-for-low-income-families/
I hope one helps!
I live in Tulsa, and I do not see Tulsa listed on the list for low cost car repairs. Oklahoma is entirely left out of this huge benefit. Was wondering if anyone reading this comment, knows of a private business in the state of Oklahoma in which I could reach out for help with car repairs? I could certainly use the help, as I am an elderly woman living alone and struggle each month trying to make ends meet. I have health problems as well and need to drive over 15 miles to my current Dr’s office. Have been stranded on the road several times and know first hand how unsafe that feels. Please, if anyone has any information regarding help with car repairs, please let me know! Thanks so much and God bless you!
I live in Indiana. I’m in a financially abusive marriage. I’ve been waiting for over 2 yrs to get approved for disability. I can’t “just leave” due to no income. Is there any assistance for someone in my situation? I also would need the help getting a divorce.
Hi. Here are some resources that may be worth looking into. Often, they can offer suggestions. https://lowincomerelief.com/resources-for-domestic-violence-victims/
I live in Ohio and I have a senior neighbor that has bed bugs. He says he can’t afford it and you know that they will spread through the building. I paid $100 out of my pocket just to have my apartment inspected and now I am short on bill money. Where can I find someone to help him get his apartment exterminated before something starts proofing around to the other apartments? I am at my wits and I’m not sleeping because of this. I am lost
Here’s some info. I hope it helps! https://lowincomerelief.com/how-to-kill-bed-bugs/
@Gay Eddy, there is a way to get rid of bed bugs that is cheap and may be easy depending on your mobility. we had them quite a few years ago when they were everywhere in my area. i worked in a store and eneded up bringing them home, at least thast where i think they came from.
what you do is buy crystal kitty litter, it was 14.994 A BAG AT THE TIME, NOT SURE HOW MUCH NOW, GET A BLENDER AND PUT A LITTLE BIT AT A TIME IN AND GRIND IT UP TO A POWDER, THEN SPREAD IT ALL OVER CARPETS, AROUND BASEBOARDS, IN AND AROUND LIGHT SOCKETS, IN NOOKS OF FURNITURE, AND WHERE YOU HAVE NOTICED THEM . sorry about the caps. i wanted instructions to be highlighted. anyway…. in three days time all the bugs that went through the powder will die, i left mine out for two wekks, which is a pain because it feels dirty. then i cleaned it all up from everywhere, except light sockets and they were gone within three days and have never returned. i know this is a year later, but i hope you dint getthem and maybe this will help someone who is searching.
@Gay Eddy, You can also use diatomaceous earth which is very cheap on Amazon (must buy food grade only). Sprinkle this around your bed, furniture, carpets and baseboards it will kill them and other bugs that might be in your home. Then after a day or two vacuum it up along with the dead bugs. I use it to kill fleas in my home. Also use a light that stands over a bowl of water with a dash of soap in it. The fleas and other insects are attracted to the light then fall into the water and drown. Both options are safer than using sprays and other pesticides in the home.
I just wished that the state that I live in in North Carolina I wish it was more money they gave seniors for food stamps they only give $16 for a month for you to live on you can’t do that nobody can live off of $16 for one month if they can I would like to see them do it
Hi Dean. Here’s some info on getting help with home repairs. I hope some of it can help!
https://lowincomerelief.com/free-home-repair-grants/
Yes I am a senior citizen disabled on low income and I’m trying to get my car to fix the pass inspection and I can’t afford it it’s too much out of my ballpark basically and I can’t get it inspected and police have given me a summons to get it fixed right away. I was wondering if you can help me find someone that can help me
Hi Joseph.
One of the options in these articles may be helpful: https://lowincomerelief.com/?s=emissions
Or you can call 211 to see if they know of anything in your area.
I agree with Susan on this. William, this is definitely a scam. Please consult with an attorney. We have a directory of free and low cost legal aid providers here.
Hello I’m 67 years old with a disabled daughter I’m also disabled..Diabetes 2 please we’re hungry we have no funds for meat,eggs,bread,fruits we hungry.Thank you for listening stay safe and well.
@Isaac, I get it your both disabled aren’t you both entitled to food stamps I get them. Unfortunately they took the extra 100 away recently in NY. I’m sorry your are struggling, I am too. In two years my rent went from 1500 to 1881. Pure greed less for my daily needs more for their GREED.