A possible government shutdown could bring devastating changes for older adults across the U.S. If lawmakers don’t pass funding legislation by September 30, many essential services could be cut or eliminated entirely.
Some programs are expected to stay funded with broad bipartisan support—but others are facing sharp reductions or complete cancellation, especially under the White House’s proposal. Here’s what’s currently on the table.
What’s Likely Safe for Now
There is some comfort in knowing that several aging programs appear to have solid support from both parties. These are expected to continue at their current funding levels regardless of what happens next.
- Aging Network Support Activities – $30.5M
Provides training, research, and technical help for the agencies that deliver senior services. Keeps programs running smoothly. - Congregate Nutrition Services – $565.3M
Funds meals served in group settings, like senior centers or community halls. These programs also provide social opportunities, which helps fight isolation. - Home-Delivered Nutrition Services – $381.3M
Delivers nutritious meals directly to the homes of seniors who can’t cook or shop for themselves. Often includes a friendly visit and wellness check. - Nutrition Services Incentive Program (NSIP) – $112M
The money can be used to buy U.S.-grown foods for congregate meals at senior centers or for home-delivered meals (like Meals on Wheels). - Preventive Health Program – $26.3M
Funds community-based activities that help older adults stay healthy, including blood pressure checks, diabetes testing, balance classes, and more. - Aging & Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) – $8.6M
“One-stop shops” where older adults and people with disabilities can find information about local services like meals, housing, transportation, and benefits. - HHS Social Services Block Grant – $1.7B
Flexible funding that states use to support services like child protection, disability care, and home-based and community-based assistance.
These programs have long served as the backbone of community-based care, and for now, they appear to be protected across all budget proposals.
Mostly Safe (But Up for Debate)
Other programs are mostly supported but have slight funding differences between House, Senate, and White House versions. While they’re not in immediate danger, their future still depends on negotiations.
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) – $55.2M (WH wants $55.3M)
Free, one-on-one Medicare counseling that helps older adults choose plans, avoid scams, and save money. - National Family Caregiver Support Program – $207.0M (Senate wants $209M)
Offers respite care, training, counseling, and limited financial help for people caring for aging relatives or friends. - Supportive Services and Senior Centers – $410M (House wants $414M)
Flexible funding for local agencies that provide transportation, case management, housekeeping, and legal help. - Native American Nutrition & Support Services – $38.3M (House wants $40.3M)
Provides meals, transportation, and assistance to older adults in Native American communities. - LTCOP, Prevention of Elder Abuse & Neglect – $26.7M (WH & House want $26.9M)
Trained ombudsmen visit long-term care facilities to advocate for seniors and ensure they’re treated with dignity. - Elder Rights Support, Adult Protective Services – $33.9M (WH & House want $34M)
State-run programs that respond when older adults are being abused, neglected, or exploited. - Lifespan Respite Care – $10M (Senate wants $11M)
Helps family caregivers take breaks through respite services and caregiver training.
These programs are expected to survive—but may not receive the increases some lawmakers are hoping for.
Programs in Danger of Being Cut
This is where the proposed cuts get serious. While the House and Senate try to maintain or slightly reduce funding in many cases, the White House has proposed eliminating several key programs entirely.
- ACL Elder Falls Prevention – $7.5M (WH wants $2.5M)
Funds community workshops that help older adults reduce their risk of falling through strength training and home safety education. - Alzheimer’s Disease Program – $31.5M (WH wants $16.8M)
Provides resources and support for families and caregivers of people living with dementia. - CDC Elder Falls Prevention – $3.1M (WH wants ZERO)
Similar to the ACL version, this CDC program also funds fall-prevention workshops. The House and Senate want to keep it; the White House does not. - HUD Aging in Place Home Modification Grants – $30M (WH & House want ZERO)
Provides home upgrades like ramps and grab bars to help seniors safely age in place. - Chronic Disease Self-Management Education – $8M (WH wants ZERO)
Offers self-care workshops for those living with diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, or lung disease. - Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – $4.035B (WH wants ZERO)
Helps with heating, cooling, and weatherization costs. The House and Senate propose increases, but the White House wants to eliminate it. - Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) – $395M (WH & House want ZERO)
Provides part-time job training for adults age 55+. The Senate wants to cut it slightly; the White House is holding $300M already approved for the program. - CNCS: AmeriCorps Seniors – $236.9M (WH wants ZERO; House set aside $146M)
Supports senior volunteer programs like foster grandparents and senior companions. - Commodity Supplemental Food Program – $425M (WH wants ZERO)
Monthly food boxes for low-income seniors. House and Senate want to increase funding; the White House wants to eliminate it. - Community Development Block Grant – $3.3B (WH wants ZERO; Senate wants $3.1B)
Supports senior centers, housing repairs, and meal programs throu
Programs That Might See Increases
Not all the proposals are cuts. A few services could actually receive more funding—if the final budget favors House or Senate versions.
- Native American Caregiver Support Program – $12M (House wants $14M, Senate wants $17M)
Assists family members who care for elders in tribal communities. Can include respite care, supplies, and training. - Section 202 Housing for the Elderly – $913M (WH wants ZERO; Senate wants $972M; House wants $950M)
Builds and maintains affordable apartments for low-income seniors. Often includes on-site support services. - Community Services Block Grant – $770M (WH wants ZERO; House wants $775M)
Funds local Community Action Agencies that help with rent, job training, transportation, utilities, and more.
These programs may grow, but their future depends on how negotiations shake out in the weeks ahead.
Relief Recap
The road ahead for senior services is uncertain. While some core programs are likely to continue without interruption, many others are at risk of deep cuts or elimination—especially under the White House proposal. That includes food assistance, housing, employment support, and caregiver services that millions rely on.
It’s more important than ever to stay informed and make your voice heard. Whether you’re impacted directly or supporting someone who is, these next few weeks could determine the future of senior support in America.