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Relying on Social Security? You May Be Eligible for These 8 Additional Benefits

Digilifetrends Updated 2026-10-12 4 min read

Social Security remains one of the most significant benefits for older adults. The average retiree receiving Social Security currently gets about $2,088 a month, or a little over $25,000 a year.

For some seniors, Social Security is only one part of retirement income. For others, it provides most of their income, and in some cases all of it. The Senior Citizens League reported that 44% of Americans at retirement age receive 100% of their income from Social Security, which equals roughly 24.6 million seniors.

If you depend mainly on Social Security in retirement, it is worth looking into other support programs that may be available to you.

SNAP

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, helps low-income households buy food. Eligibility depends on household size and income. For households with someone age 60 or older, a one-person household may qualify with net monthly income of $1,305 or less, while a two-person household may qualify with $1,763 or less.

Medicare Savings Programs

Medicare Savings Programs are state Medicaid programs that help people with limited income pay out-of-pocket Medicare costs such as premiums, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.

There are four programs, each with its own income and resource rules based on household size:

  • The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program
  • The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary Program
  • The Qualifying Individual Program
  • The Qualified Disabled & Working Individual Program

The income and resource limits for these programs are:

  • Qualified Medicare Beneficiary - $1,350 monthly income limit and $9,950 resource limit for individuals; $1,824 monthly income limit and $14,910 limit for married couples
  • Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary - $1,161 monthly income limit and $9,950 resource limit for individuals; $2,184 monthly income limit and $14,910 limit for married couples
  • Qualifying Individual - $1,816 monthly income limit and $9,950 resource limit for individuals; $2,455 monthly income limit and $14,910 limit for married couples
  • Qualified Disabled & Working Individual - $5,405 monthly income limit and $4,000 resource limit for individuals; $7,299 monthly income limit and $6,000 limit for married couples

Medicare Part D Extra Help

Medicare’s Extra Help program assists with the cost of Part D prescription drug coverage, including premiums, deductibles, and copays. People who receive help through a Medicare Savings Program and also get Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, qualify automatically. Others may apply if they have limited income and resources.

Medicaid

Adults age 65 and older may qualify for Medicaid if they meet their state’s income and asset rules. It is possible to receive both Medicare and Medicaid at the same time.

People who receive SSI are generally eligible for Medicaid automatically. Those enrolled in a Medicare Savings Program may qualify for partial Medicaid benefits. Even if neither of those situations applies, low-income applicants with limited assets can still apply if they meet their state’s requirements.

Supplemental Security Income

People with limited income and financial resources may qualify for Supplemental Security Income, or SSI. Eligibility can also extend to individuals who are blind or have a qualifying disability.

To receive SSI as an individual, unearned income must be below $1,014 a month; for a couple, the limit is $1,511 a month. Resource limits are also capped at $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples.

LIHEAP

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, helps low-income households manage utility bills. Households with income below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines may qualify, though some states use a different threshold.

Lifeline

Lifeline is a federal program that can reduce the cost of phone or internet service for eligible recipients. Those who qualify may receive a monthly discount of up to $9.25.

Eligibility may come through participation in an assistance program such as SNAP or Medicaid, or through income limits. In most states, that means income of $21,546 or less for a one-person household, or $29,214 or less for a two-person household.

IRS Tax Counseling

The Tax Counseling for the Elderly program offers free tax help to people age 60 and older. There are no income requirements. If you qualify, you can get help preparing federal and state tax returns.

Bottom line

If Social Security is your main source of income, it is important to know what other benefits you may be able to receive. Qualifying for one government benefit does not necessarily rule out eligibility for another.

In some situations, being eligible for one type of assistance may help open the door to another. If you live mostly or entirely on Social Security, it is worth researching these options to find the support you need.

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