Many older adults are struggling to afford basic needs like food and utilities. As one person shared online, "I have one healthy meal a day. After that, Ramen noodles." Another agreed, saying, "Food is a luxury these days."
The numbers back this up. According to September 2025 data:
- Grocery prices have gone up 2.7% compared to last year
- Energy costs have risen 6.4%
- Electricity is up 5.1%
- Housing has increased 3.6%
- Medical care costs 3.9% more than before
Meanwhile, Social Security benefits only went up 2.5% in 2025, and the 2026 increase will be just 2.8%. For the nearly one in four Americans who rely on Social Security for 90% of their income, these small raises don't keep up with rising prices.
Help Is Available—But Many Don't Know About It
Here's the good news: There are programs designed to help older adults pay for food, utilities, healthcare, and medicine. The problem? Every year, $58 billion in benefits go unclaimed. Many people who qualify either don't know these programs exist or aren't sure how to apply. Others wrongly believe they'd be taking money away from someone who needs it more—but that's not true.
Below are four key programs that can help stretch your budget.
1. SNAP: Help With Food Costs
What it is: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), once called Food Stamps, helps people buy groceries.
How it works: If you qualify, you'll receive money each month on a card that works like a debit card. You can use it at grocery stores, farmers' markets, and other places that sell food.
Why it matters: SNAP is the largest program fighting hunger in the United States. Yet about 9 million older adults who could get SNAP benefits aren't receiving them. That means 70% of eligible seniors are missing out on help with their food bills.
2. LIHEAP: Help With Utility Bills
What it is: The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps people pay for heating and cooling costs.
How it works: Whether you rent or own your home, LIHEAP can help you pay energy bills, make certain energy-related repairs, and even cover some projects that make your home more energy-efficient. If your utilities are about to be shut off, LIHEAP can provide emergency assistance.
Why it matters: No one should have to choose between staying warm (or cool) and paying for other necessities. LIHEAP exists to make sure people can afford to keep their homes comfortable.
3. Medicare Savings Programs: Help With Healthcare Costs
What it is: Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) help cover some of the costs that Medicare doesn't pay for.
How it works: These state-run programs can help pay for things like monthly premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. What you qualify for depends on where you live and your income level.
Bonus: If you're enrolled in an MSP, you automatically qualify for Extra Help (see below).
Why it matters: About 5.8 million older adults who could qualify for these programs haven't signed up. That's billions of dollars in unclaimed benefits every year.
4. Extra Help: Assistance With Prescription Drug Costs
What it is: Extra Help is a program that lowers the cost of prescription medications for people on Medicare.
How it works: This program is run by the Social Security Administration and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. If you qualify, you may pay nothing for your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan premium. You'll also have lower costs when you pick up your medications at the pharmacy.
Why it matters: Prescription drug prices keep going up. Many Medicare recipients spend hundreds of dollars or more each year on medications. Extra Help can significantly reduce that burden.
The Bottom Line
If you're an older adult—or you know one—struggling to make ends meet, help is available.
Programs like SNAP, LIHEAP, Medicare Savings Programs, and Extra Help exist specifically to ease the financial burden. Don't leave money on the table. Check your eligibility today.
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