Older adults could be eligible for thousands in aid. Here’s how to find it.

The cost of everyday necessities, combined with elevated interest rates, has made it tougher for many Americans to keep to a monthly budget, especially retirees living on fixed incomes.

Many older adults may qualify for federal help, but claiming those benefits can be confusing and frustrating.

According to a report from the National Council on Aging, about 9.1 million Americans age 65 and older are eligible for aid through three government programs. In total, they are missing out on an estimated $58 billion in support.

Still, many seniors either do not realize they qualify or struggle to get through the application process.

“The larger problem is that the assistance system is fragmented,” said Tiara Green, president of Accessia Health, a nonprofit that helps people afford medical care.

Green said people who are already overwhelmed by medical bills and paperwork often find it difficult to deal with additional applications, eligibility rules and multiple agencies.

Potential savings can add up

Federal and state programs can help reduce expenses for health care, food, energy and other needs. For example, Medicare Savings Programs can help eligible people pay their Medicare Part B premiums.

The standard Part B premium is $202.90 a month, so covering that cost could save qualifying beneficiaries as much as $2,435 a year. Those who receive help through a Medicare Savings Program also automatically qualify for Extra Help, which lowers prescription drug costs.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, offers monthly food benefits to low-income households, while the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, helps eligible households with heating and cooling bills.

However, changes to SNAP eligibility rules have already led millions of Americans to lose food benefits. The Trump administration also sought to eliminate LIHEAP and reduced its federal staff, though Congress later preserved funding for the year ahead.

Why the process is so confusing

Courtney Bragg, co-founder and CEO of Fabric Health, called the U.S. safety net an “alphabet soup” of programs and agencies. She said the maze of eligibility rules leaves many people vulnerable to scams, particularly during open enrollment periods.

Bragg said that in one case, Henry, whose last name she did not disclose to protect his privacy, had been paying $65 a month to someone who promised to help him obtain insulin. The scammer told him there was a different application deadline but never provided the insulin pump.

Working with a local nonprofit, Bragg said she helped Henry get emergency diabetes supplies and enroll in SNAP and Medicaid. He was also able to switch to a Medicare plan that fully covered his insulin.

To avoid what Bragg described as “the predatory environment for seniors,” she suggested starting with trusted organizations and official government sources instead of responding to unsolicited calls or offers.

Where to get assistance

The National Council on Aging offers a free screening tool at BenefitsCheckUp.org that can help people determine eligibility and find federal, state and local assistance programs.

State Health Insurance Assistance Programs provide free, personalized counseling on Medicare questions, and local Area Agencies on Aging can connect older adults with community resources through the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116.

Finding help may take persistence. But when hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year are on the line, it is worth exploring what is available before deciding whether to apply.