Getting older comes with plenty of costs, but it also opens the door to a surprising amount of free help. Many of these programs go unused simply because people don't know they exist. Here are 25 free and low-cost things for seniors, grouped so you can find what you need.
Looking for meaning as well as savings? See How to Find Purpose After Retirement for ways to share your skills, volunteer, learn, and connect.
Your best first call: your local Area Agency on Aging. They know about most of the programs below in your area. Find yours through the Eldercare Locator or call 1-800-677-1116.
Health and Medicare
- Free, unbiased Medicare counseling. Every state has a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) with trained counselors who help you compare plans, sort out bills, and file appeals, with nothing to sell. Find yours at shiphelp.org or 1-877-839-2675. This is especially helpful during Medicare Open Enrollment, October 15 to December 7.
- Help paying Medicare costs. Medicare Savings Programs can pay your Part B premium and sometimes more, and Extra Help lowers prescription drug costs. Many people who qualify never apply. A SHIP counselor can check for you.
- Free preventive care. Medicare covers a yearly wellness visit, the flu shot, and many screenings at no cost to you when your provider accepts Medicare.
- Free gym memberships through some plans. Many Medicare Advantage and some Medigap plans include fitness programs, such as SilverSneakers, at no extra cost. Call your plan and ask.
- Free or low-cost medical equipment. Borrow walkers, wheelchairs, and shower chairs from loan closets. See how to get free medical equipment.
Money and bills
- Free tax preparation. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide and the IRS Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program prepare and file returns for free, usually from February through April. See our guide to AARP Tax-Aide.
- Property tax relief. Many states and counties offer property tax exemptions, freezes, or deferrals for older homeowners. Call your county assessor's office.
- Help with heating and cooling bills. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay energy bills, and many utilities offer senior or low-income discounts. See help paying bills.
- Phone and internet discounts. The federal Lifeline program takes up to $9.25 a month off phone or internet service for eligible households, including people on SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI. Apply at lifelinesupport.org or 1-800-234-9473. Many internet companies also have low-cost plans for seniors on limited incomes.
- A benefits checkup. The free BenefitsCheckUp tool from the National Council on Aging shows which programs you may qualify for in a few minutes.
- Senior discounts. Many stores, restaurants, pharmacies, and movie theaters offer senior discounts, sometimes on certain days. They aren't always posted, so it never hurts to ask.
Food and meals
- Meals on Wheels and home-delivered meals for seniors who have trouble shopping or cooking, often free or by donation.
- Free or low-cost group meals at senior centers, churches, and community sites, which come with good company too.
- SNAP and senior food boxes. Many older adults qualify for SNAP and don't know it, and some areas have monthly food boxes just for seniors. See our Food Help guide.
Getting out and staying active
- A lifetime national parks pass for $80. U.S. citizens and permanent residents 62 and older can buy a Senior Lifetime Pass for $80, or an annual pass for $20. It covers entrance fees at national parks and other federal recreation lands for life. Learn more at nps.gov.
- Free or low-cost college classes. Many state colleges and community colleges let older adults take or audit classes for free or at a deep discount when space allows. Ask the admissions office about senior tuition waivers.
- Your library. Free books, e-books, audiobooks, movies, classes, computer help, and often free museum passes to check out.
- Senior centers. Free or low-cost exercise classes, crafts, games, trips, and lectures. A wonderful way to meet people.
- Free and low-cost rides. Many areas offer free rides to medical appointments and reduced transit fares for seniors. See Transportation Help.
Help at home and legal help
- Free legal help. Adults 60 and older can often get free legal advice on things like benefits, housing, and wills through programs funded by the Older Americans Act. Ask your Area Agency on Aging, or see Free Legal Help.
- Home repair and safety help. Programs through Habitat for Humanity, the USDA (in rural areas), and local agencies help with urgent repairs, grab bars, and ramps. See Housing Help.
- Caregiver support. If you care for a spouse or relative, the National Family Caregiver Support Program offers training, counseling, and respite breaks through your Area Agency on Aging.
Staying connected
- Friendly phone calls. Many senior centers, churches, and nonprofits run free "friendly caller" programs that check in by phone. If you'd like someone to talk to, ask your Area Agency on Aging.
- Free tech help. Libraries, senior centers, and groups like Senior Planet offer free classes on smartphones, video calls, and staying safe online.
- Volunteering. Programs like AmeriCorps Seniors connect people 55 and older with meaningful ways to give back. It's one of the best ways to stay sharp, active, and connected.
Watch out for scams
Real programs never ask you to pay a fee to receive a "free" benefit, and Medicare and Social Security won't call asking for your number. If something feels off, hang up and call the agency directly using a number you look up yourself. When in doubt, ask a SHIP counselor or your Area Agency on Aging.
Programs, prices, and eligibility change, and local options vary, so check with each organization for current details.
Know a senior who could use this?
Share this list with a parent, neighbor, or friend, or sit down together and go through it. Helping someone apply for one program they've missed is a real gift. For more ideas, see 30 small ways to help seniors feel less lonely, and our full Help for Seniors guide.