7 Government Benefits Most Retirees Never Claim

If you're looking for ways to make your current retirement plan more affordable, there are several government benefits you may not know about.

These programs give qualified retirees financial assistance ranging from help affording prescription drugs to energy bills. Here are examples of seven programs you may qualify for that can help you improve your cash flow in retirement.

Supplemental Security Income for low-income seniors

Supplemental Security Income is different than Social Security Income. Social Security income is based on a person's earnings throughout their working life. Supplemental Security Income is a separate program (with a similar name) that offers financial assistance to those with very low incomes or disabilities. 

Even if you receive a Social Security check, you still may qualify for Supplemental Security Income if your overall income is low enough. How much you may receive as a part of the SSI program will depend on your living situation, income, and assets.

Medicare Savings Programs that cover Part B premiums

Many people have to pay for Medicare Part B premiums. The standard premium as of 2026 is $202.90 per month. Those who earn a high income may have to pay more, and these Part B premiums are typically deducted from a person's Social Security check every month.

For those with lower incomes, the Medicare Savings Program can help cover your Part B premium costs. As of 2026, income limits can range from $1,350 a month as an individual to $2,455 as a married couple in order to qualify. However, these income limits are higher in other states, like Alaska and Hawaii, so it's still worthwhile to check to see if you qualify for the savings program.

A program that can help with prescription costs

One of the most expensive parts of retirement is health care costs. A Fidelity study found that health care costs retirees, on average, $185,500. Because of that, some retirees may struggle to pay for prescription medication. 

A program called Extra Help can offer financial relief for prescription costs. Extra Help is a Medicare program specifically for those who are low-income. The income limit to qualify is $23,940 for those who are single and $32,460 for married couples.

Financial assistance for food costs through SNAP

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps people who qualify buy groceries. 

Many people think that receiving Social Security checks makes you ineligible for SNAP, but that's not necessarily the case. SNAP eligibility is based on income, and many states have special rules for the elderly.

Get help lowering your energy bill with LIHEAP and weatherization

Another program retirees might not realize exists is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP helps low-income households that qualify pay for some or all of their energy costs. 

There's also the Weatherization Assistance Program, which helps qualified households improve their house's energy efficiency to lower energy costs overall.

Many states offer some type of property tax relief

CBS News reports that in much of the United States, property tax increases are outpacing inflation. This can be a challenge for many retirees because many states require seniors to pay property taxes, even if they own their home outright. Still, there are several ways retirees can apply for relief.

The AARP created a full guide on property tax relief options in each state. Some states offer homestead exemptions, senior citizen exemptions, property tax relief for disabled homeowners and veterans, property tax freezes, tax credits, and more. Whether you qualify for property tax assistance depends on your income and the programs your state offers.

Financial and health benefits specifically for veterans

Most former military members know they can receive health benefits through their local VA hospital. However, veterans can receive more aid than medical care. For example, the VA can provide assistance with mortgages, careers, life insurance, burials and memorials, and more.

These programs may not auto-enroll eligible retirees

Although the programs mentioned above can help many retirees, especially those who are low-income, they may not be auto-enrolled. In order to be considered, retirees may have to apply to each program. 

For many of these programs, you can apply online or in person. Each website should have a phone number you can call if you need help or want to make an in-person appointment.

Bottom line

Ultimately, you can free up your retirement budget by stacking several of these programs and getting the help you need. 

If you're not sure where to start, search for your local Area Agency on Aging. You can find these organizations by entering your zip code into the government's Eldercare Locator. The goal of an AAA is to help retirees find out whether they qualify for support services like the ones listed above.

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