Grants for Seniors
While aging is supposed to be a time of relaxation and ease, many seniors are seeking assistance to live their golden years in comfort. This list offers ideas, suggestions, and contacts to grant programs for seniors and organizations that want to help seniors live a happier retirement.
Seniors and Pets
There’s no question that pets offer a level of friendship and companionship as people age. However, owning and caring for a pet can be costly. Many organizations are devoted to offering support and happy to help out with assistance and grants for older adults.
Senior Paws for Pets
This program is for pet owners who participate in the Meals on Wheels program. You can get nutritious pet food delivery to keep your dog or cat happy and healthy.
The Humane Society
Just about every city, county, and state has a Humane Society. They offer local programs and comprehensive resources to help you manage the care and health of your pet.
Find support for paying for vaccinations, neutering, vet care, medications, and pet food. You can also find information to help with covering pet health care expenses, caring for your animal’s well-being, and support for pets by breed.
Best Friends Animal Society
This non-profit offers low-cost services for spaying, neutering, and adoption. They also offer educational programs for pet owners and resources to help pet owners find extra financial aid.
Housing Help
Owning a house becomes more difficult with age. Here are some housing assistance programs and grant programs for seniors to know about.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program
This program provides financial help to households who are not able to pay rent or utilities. It may also be used for qualifying people who have fallen behind in rent, utilities, or other expenses related to housing. It provides temporary assistance in these areas to help maintain housing stability.
Mortgage Insurance-Rental Housing
Mortgage Insurance-Rental Housing for the Elderly provides special quality housing for seniors who are renting. Funds offer FHA mortgage insurance to private profit-motivated developers and non-profit sponsors.
USDA Housing Repair Grants
The United States Department of Agriculture offers seniors single-family housing repair loans and grants. Loans are offered at a 1% fixed interest rate over a 20-year term. Grants for seniors have eligibility requirements. Qualifying seniors do not have to pay back the grants as long as the recipient occupies the home for three years after receiving the grant.
Housing and Urban Development
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers different programs for low-income seniors in need of supplemental income. For instance, one program for people 62 and up, helps people who have paid off their mortgages. They may qualify for a reverse mortgage program. For renters, programs exist for subsidized property.
Low Income Energy Assistance Program
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides federal funds to help families and low-income seniors that need help paying for home energy bills. Check with the program for details about income qualifications in your area.
Educational Grants
If you’re thinking about going back to school for further studies or to complete a degree you never got, you need to check out these educational grants for older adults.
FAFSA
Federal financial aid is available for people who fall within a specific income range, regardless of age. Low-income seniors can apply for grants for undergraduate and graduate programs. To get started, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Federal Pell Grants
Federal Pell Grants are only available to undergraduate students. They are available to cover 18 semesters or the equivalent of schooling. The process for getting approved for a Pell Grant begins with completing the FAFSA – see above.
The Jeanette Rankin Foundation
This fund helps women over 35 years who meet low-income eligibility guidelines. Grants are awarded to women who are getting their first degree – whether associate, bachelor’s, vocational, or technical.
Alpha Sigma Lambda
This fund gives $3600 scholarships to assist adults who are seeking an undergraduate degree.
The Adult Students in Scholastic Transition Grant
This is a grant only available to women from the Executive Women International (EWI).
Services for Seniors with Hearing and Vision Loss
Multiple organizations offer assistance for seniors with disabilities. Here are some of them.
iCanConnect
This non-profit organization is located in all 50 states and provides training and free equipment for seniors with significant hearing and vision loss. The program helps cover the costs of Braille displays, computers, smartphones, and tablets. Information is available in English and Spanish and is designed to increase independence and overcome extreme isolation.
Exploring Benefits
Many programs exist at the state and county level. Use these links to explore what may be available in your area.
BenefitsCheckUp
The National Council on Aging maintains an online collection of resources that may help you pay for everyday needs. Fill out a short survey to focus the search on your income level, location, disabilities, and a few additional factors. You’ll get a list of potential programs you may qualify for. Programs are available that can save money on medications, healthcare, food, housing, and more. Information is available in English and Spanish.
AARP Foundation Guide to Public Benefits
Each state offers a Public Benefits Guide. You can explore this site to determine programs in your state. You may also research local and community resources in your area.
AARP Local Assistance
Search for free or reduced-cost services in your area. The local assistance site has up-to-date information about local services. You can find information about services such as medical care, food, job training, and more.
Connect2Affect
Find helpful services to prevent social isolation. This site has a comprehensive collection of services that may help you connect with people in your community and reduce social isolation.
Eldercare Locator
Explore services for seniors, caregivers, and families. You can search online or call 1-800-677-1116. Discover helpful resources such as support services, insurance, transportation, housing, and COVID-19 resources.
Benefits.gov
Use the benefit finder or search by state. You can search by benefits such as disaster relief, financial assistance, healthcare, medical assistance, and more.
Assistance Club Summary
Many organizations and grant programs offer help to seniors. Explore what’s available nationally, in your state, and in your community. Wishing you success as you jumpstart your search for grants for seniors. If you need more resources on financial help for seniors, check out the other articles on Senior Assistance Club!