I need help for an older adult or a person with a disability. Coverage, income, in-home support, and help for the people doing the caring.
PublicAssistance.net is an independent informational website.
It is not a government agency and cannot determine eligibility, approve benefits or
accept applications. Confirm current information with the agency that administers the
program. How this site works
Start here
The main pathways for seniors and disability, soonest help first.
Medicare
NationwideUsually a few weeks to decide
Administered by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Health coverage for people 65 and over, and for some younger people with disabilities. Separate programmes can help with the premiums and prescription costs if money is tight.
May be requested:
Medicare number if you have one, Proof of income for the assistance programmes.
Official source checked September 4, 2026.
Rules change — confirm current details with the agency.
Veterans benefits
NationwideUsually a few weeks to decide
Administered by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Healthcare, disability compensation, pensions, housing help and education benefits for veterans and some family members. Worth checking even if you were told no in the past — rules have widened in recent years.
May be requested:
DD214 or other discharge paperwork, Social Security number, Medical records.
Official source checked September 4, 2026.
Rules change — confirm current details with the agency.
Eldercare Locator
NationwideUsually a few weeks to decide
Administered by Administration for Community Living.
A national service that connects older adults and carers to help near them: meals, transport, in-home care, and support for the person doing the caring. Call 1-800-677-1116.
Official source checked September 4, 2026.
Rules change — confirm current details with the agency.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
NationwideMonths, or a waiting list
Administered by Social Security Administration.
Monthly payments for people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled and who have very little income and savings. Separate from disability payments based on your work history.
Decisions commonly take months, and a first refusal is not the end — many people succeed on appeal.
May be requested:
Social Security number, Work history, Medical records, test results and doctors’ contact details.
Official source checked September 4, 2026.
Rules change — confirm current details with the agency.
Where you actually apply
Most of these are federal programs run by your state, so the application, the timeline and
the office you deal with are all your state's. Pick your state to see its own pages and
what it calls each program.
Requirements differ by state and program, and this is a superset rather than a checklist
you must complete. Not having something is a reason to ask what the alternatives are,
not a reason to give up on the application.
Medicare number if you have one
Proof of income for the assistance programmes
DD214 or other discharge paperwork
Social Security number
Medical records
Birth certificate
Medical records and doctors’ contact details
Bank statements and proof of income
Work history
Medical records, test results and doctors’ contact details
Common mistakes, and how to avoid being scammed
Nobody legitimate charges you to apply. Every program on this page is
free to apply for. If a site or a person asks for a fee to file, or for a "processing
payment", walk away.
Assuming you earn too much. Limits are often higher than people expect,
and several of these programs count income differently from how you might.
Only applying for one thing. Several states decide food, cash and health
coverage from one application, and applying for one can start the others.
Waiting to have every document. Applying starts the clock. In most
programs you can supply missing paperwork afterwards.
Giving up after a refusal. Refusals are frequently overturned on appeal,
and the letter you receive must tell you how to appeal and by when.
Never share your Social Security number, bank details or benefit card PIN
with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly, by text, call or email — including anyone
claiming to be from a benefits agency.