Social Security remains one of the most important benefits available to older Americans. The average retiree who receives Social Security now gets about $2,088 a month, which works out to a little over $25,000 a year.
For many seniors, Social Security is only one part of retirement income. For others, it is the main source of support, and sometimes the only one. The Senior Citizens League reported that 44% of Americans at retirement age receive 100% of their income from Social Security, equal to roughly 24.6 million seniors.
If you depend almost entirely on Social Security in retirement, it is worth checking whether you qualify for other forms of assistance.
1. SNAP
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, helps low-income households afford food. Eligibility depends on household size and income. For households with someone age 60 or older, a one-person household may qualify with a net monthly income of $1,305 or less, while a two-person household may qualify at $1,763 or less.
2. Medicare Savings Programs
Medicare Savings Programs are state-run Medicaid programs that help people with limited income pay out-of-pocket Medicare costs, including premiums, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
There are four programs, each with its own income and resource limits based on household size:
The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program
The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary Program
The Qualifying Individual Program
Qualified Disabled & Working Individual Program
3. Medicare Part D Extra Help
Medicare’s Extra Help program helps pay for Part D prescription drug plan premiums, deductibles, and copays. If you have Medicare and receive help through a Medicare Savings Program along with Supplemental Security Income, you qualify automatically. Otherwise, you can apply if your income and resources are limited.
4. Medicaid
If you are 65 or older, you may qualify for Medicaid if you meet your state’s income and asset limits. It is possible to have both Medicaid and Medicare at the same time.
If you receive SSI payments, you are generally eligible for Medicaid automatically. If you are enrolled in a Medicare Savings Program, you may be eligible for partial Medicaid benefits. If neither applies, you can still apply if you have low income and limited assets and meet your state’s rules.
5. Supplemental Security Income
If your income and financial resources are limited, you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income, or SSI. You may also qualify if you are blind or have an eligible disability.
To receive SSI as an individual, you must have less than $1,014 a month in unearned income; for a couple, the limit is $1,511. The resource limit is $2,000 or less for an individual and $3,000 or less for a couple.
6. LIHEAP
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, is designed to help low-income households pay utility bills. If your income is below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, you may qualify, although some states use a different threshold.
7. Lifeline
Lifeline is a federal program that can reduce the cost of phone or internet service for eligible users. Those who qualify can receive a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on these services.
You may be eligible if you already participate in an assistance program such as SNAP or Medicaid, or if your income is low enough. In most states, that means $21,546 or less for a one-person household or $29,214 or less for a two-person household.
8. IRS Tax Counseling
The Tax Counseling for the Elderly program offers free tax help to people age 60 and older. There are no income limits, and age is the only eligibility requirement. If you qualify, you can get assistance with federal and state tax returns.
Bottom line
If you are living only on Social Security, it is important to understand what other benefits may be available to you. Qualifying for one government program does not necessarily rule you out from receiving another.
In some cases, being eligible for one benefit can help you qualify for others. If most or all of your income comes from Social Security, it is worth researching your options to find additional financial help.
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