Public Benefits – Senior Assistance – Government Assistance

Mature woman, holding mail, outside house, AARP Foundation, Guide to Public Benefits

Learn About Federal and State Financial Assistance for Seniors

It’s hard to be a good provider if you are in crisis yourself. If you are faced with circumstances beyond your control, you need an opportunity to regroup, so you can go back to being a source of help and hope for friends and family.

AARP Foundation is here for everyone, 50 years of age or older, who is struggling with problems of hunger, isolation, income and housing. In addition, we are working side-by-side with trusted organizations in your community and nationwide to help you take control, move forward and feel like a good provider again.

Program guidelines, telephone numbers, and web sites are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information in your state, AARP Foundation's Local Assistance Directory.

Resources

Need help paying for food, utilities or medicine? You could be eligible for 15 government programs that help people stretch their money and cover everyday costs. Benefits QuickLINK can help you find out! Answer the survey questions and get the program applications and information you need to apply for programs where you live.

Benefits Available in Your State

For specific state benefits information, please download the Public Benefits Guide (in PDF format) for your state.

Featured Programs & Services

AARP Foundation SCSEP

55 or older, unemployed and looking for work? The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) can help you get on-the-job training.

Work for Yourself at 50+

AARP Foundation's Work for Yourself @50+ provides free tools and resources to help you become self-employed and improve your financial situation.

BACK TO WORK 50+

We are partnering with workforce services providers to strengthen the bridge between 50+ job candidates and respected employers.

AARP Foundation Experience Corps

Experience Corps is a literacy program that utilizes highly trained volunteers age 50 and over to help struggling students become great readers.

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Charity Rating

AARP Foundation earns a high rating for accountability from a leading charity evaluator.

Eighty-one cents of every dollar we spend goes toward programs and services that help low-income older adults. We have met every one of the Better Business Bureau’s 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.