As my parents have aged [Dad is 71 and Mom is 68] finding grants for senior citizens has become more important to me. 

And as I have looked online, I have found that there aren’t too many grants that will provide actual cash payments to seniors…although both the Federal and State governments do have programs that give you cash payments to local organizations that provide services for seniors.

So I am going to detail some of the grants for senior citizens that may be available in your area though these local organizations, and show you how to access them.

Video Overview of Grants For Senior Citizens

First, where to find them.  The place to start looking for grants for senior citizens is at your local Office of the Aging. 

Whether by calling or visiting their website, you can normally find an array of services that are available for free for seniors. 

These services can be anything from transportation to nutritional assistance.

Now, most offices have a guide…similar to the one in the image…that will go over the details and parameters of the programs in your area.

Now, because these grants for senior citizens are based upon Federal or State funding they may or may not be available from time-to-time based upon budgetary issues. 

But I list them here to give you an idea of the types of grants for senior citizens that are available.

Benefit counseling-Here, volunteers will sit with seniors to give them an idea of the programs and/or services that are available and well as helping to provide them with information about organizations that can provide assistance as well throughout your community.

Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage-While not all states carry this type of program, NY as well as 22 other states offer this grant for senior citizens to assist with pharmaceutical assistance program for seniors.  Most other states dropped this program when Medicare Part D went into effect in 2006.

You need to be a resident of the state you are applying to, age 65 and meet certain income guidelines, but if you do then this program can save you additional money on your prescription drugs.

Family Caregiver Support Services-for those family members who are struggling with the burdens of caring for an aging loved one, your local Office of the Aging can provide referrals to assistance, support groups or respite care [which is when a volunteer will take over caring for your loved one for a short period of time].

However, these programs exist to assist, not to replace, family care.  You need to be aware of that.

Elder Abuse-Elderly seniors suffering from physical or mental abuse in becoming a national problem.  For emergency assistance you still need to call 911 but for non-emergency assistance the Office of the Aging can still provide assistance and referrals to the victim.

FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM- This is a program that pairs seniors with special needs children to enable both to grow and benefit from the company of the other.  This grant for senior citizens will normally involve transportation to and from the mentoring site, a small stipend to pay for your time as well as meals while the two of you are together.

The Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP)-This grant for senior citizens was designed with one purpose…to make applying for health insurance easier.  When you consider the paperwork that is required to apply for Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, long-Term Care and other insurances, it is more difficult than ever.

So HIICAP not only helps seniors with the paperwork but provides counseling and information as to which are the right decisions as well as helping seniors appeal decisions against them by their insurance companies or Medicare.

HOME-CARE SERVICES: Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP)-This grant for senior citizens allows for assistance for those over 60 years old who cannot do the tasks anymore in managing their home.  This can include everything from food shopping, laundry and minor housework to assistance with personal grooming and bathing.

Now, the program requirements may differ in your area but in my area you cannot be eligible for Medicaid or other assistance to receive this grant for senior citizens.

LEGAL ASSISTANCE-A pro bono attorney is available to assist with personal legal consultations.  In addition, the Office of the Aging can provide you with a list of elder law attorneys who may be in a position to provide pro bono assistance as well. 

NUTRITION PROGRAM-This grant for senior citizens can vary from area to area, but typically involves either charitable organization, such as Meals-On-Wheels and local food pantries, that will provide home-delivered meals to the elderly.  Your local Office of the Aging will provide you with a list of organizations for those qualifying for this grant for senior citizens. 

OMBUDSERVICE-This is an indispensible service for seniors.  And while not a typical grant for senior citizens it provides essential services.  Think of the Ombudservice as your union rep when dealing with a nursing home or assisted living facility, where they will intervene on your behalf to make sure that your family.

They are there to address concerns, complaints and to insure that the quality of care for long term residents of these facilities is acceptable.

RESIDENTIAL REPAIR-As a grant for senior citizens certain area contractors volunteer their time in order to do minor household repairs for those who are unable to do them by themselves.  It should be noted that while the labor is free, the participants in these programs will be required to pay for the cost of parts and materials that are required to complete the project.

Senior Adult Day Care Services-This is a program that allows seniors to get a ‘day out’, giving them the ability to be around their peers and be fed in a supervised environment.  This is ideal for those who do need 24-hour care but cannot be left safely alone.

Senior Community Services Employment Program-This grant for senior citizens is designed to help interested seniors re-enter the work force.  It is designed to give training in the form of temporary employment that can lead to a job that is not subsidized by the government.

TELEPHONE REASSURANCE & FRIENDLY VISITING-This is a ‘piece of mind’ call to provide daily telephone contact or to arrange to have visitors for one-on-one talks to avoid social isolation.

These calls and visits can also serve as reminders to take medications.

Transportation-These services, when provided, are curb-to-curb services and medical appointments take priority.  You will have to call your local Office of the Aging for availability and restrictions.

This sums up some of the grants for senior citizens that are available…but there could be others.  If you know of other then please fill in the box below so they can shared with our readers.