Benefits and Resources for Disabled Seniors in Pennsylvania (2025 Authority Guide)

Last updated: August 2025

Quick Help Box — Emergency and Fast Assistance

• Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.
• Call 988 for the 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
• Report elder abuse or neglect: Pennsylvania Statewide Elder Abuse Hotline (24/7): 1-800-490-8505 (Pennsylvania Department of Aging — see: Older Adult Protective Services) — Report elder abuse (official page).
• Get live, local help finding resources: Dial 211 or visit PA 211 statewide resource directory.
• Find aging and disability help in your county (benefits, in-home care, transportation): PA Link to Aging & Disability Resources Helpline: 1-800-753-8827 — PA Link to ADRC (official).
• Medicare counseling (free, unbiased): PA MEDI Helpline: 1-800-783-7067 — PA MEDI (official Medicare counseling).
• Apply for SNAP, Medicaid (Medical Assistance), LIHEAP, and more: COMPASS Pennsylvania — online applications (Pennsylvania Department of Human Services).
• DHS Helpline for benefits questions: 1-800-692-7462 — PA DHS contact.
• Social Security (SSI/SSDI): 1-800-772-1213 — Social Security benefits page.

How to Use This Guide

• Start with the emergency box above if you need help fast.
• Skim the tables for quick comparisons and links.
• When you see a claim or figure, there’s a link to an official source so you can verify.
• Programs can change. Always check the linked official pages for current rules, amounts, and dates.

Reality check: Many programs have waitlists, paperwork, and specific rules. Use your Area Agency on Aging (AAA), PA Link, and PA MEDI to cut through the red tape. This guide shows where to start, how to prove eligibility, and what to expect.

What to Do First if You Need Money, Food, Care, or Housing Help

• Apply for core benefits through COMPASS:
  • SNAP (food), Medical Assistance (Medicaid), Medicare Savings Programs, and LIHEAP (seasonal). Apply on COMPASS (PA DHS).
• Contact your Area Agency on Aging:
  • Ask about in-home help (OPTIONS Program), caregiver support, meals, and transportation. Find yours: Area Agencies on Aging directory (PA Department of Aging).
• Check tax and prescription savings:
  • Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program: Program details and application (official) (PA Department of Revenue).
  • PACE/PACENET prescription assistance: PACE/PACENET (official).

Table 1: Quick Snapshot — Cash, Taxes, and Bills

Sources: PA Department of Human Services (DHS), PA Department of Revenue, PA Department of Aging, PA Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED), Social Security Administration.

Health Care and Long-Term Care: Medicare, Medicaid, and Support at Home

Medicare and Free Counseling

• Medicare pays for hospital, doctor, and limited skilled home health, but not long-term personal care.
• Get unbiased help comparing plans, drug coverage, and savings programs through PA MEDI (run by the PA Department of Aging). They can also screen you for Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help.
• Contact: PA MEDI Helpline 1-800-783-7067 — PA MEDI (official).

Official reference: Medicare basics.

Medicaid (Medical Assistance) and Community HealthChoices (CHC)

• If you need help with daily activities (bathing, dressing, meals) at home or in a nursing facility, Medicaid is the main payer.
• In Pennsylvania, long-term services and supports for most adults age 21+ are delivered through Community HealthChoices (CHC) managed care plans.
• CHC helps eligible seniors get home care, personal assistance, adult day, home modifications, and/or nursing facility care.

Key links:

• Overview: Community HealthChoices (PA DHS).
• Apply for Medicaid LTSS: COMPASS (PA DHS).
• Enrollment help: PA CHC Enrollment Services.

Reality check:

• Functional and financial eligibility both matter. Expect a clinical assessment to determine level of care. Some services may have wait times.
• Keep copies of doctor notes, medication lists, and a recent hospital or rehab discharge summary (if you have one) to speed up the process.

Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI)

• These programs can pay your Medicare Part B premium, and QMB can also cover Medicare deductibles/coinsurance for approved services.
• Income limits change yearly. Apply through COMPASS or ask PA MEDI to screen you.

Official source: Medicare Savings Program (PA DHS).

Prescription Help: PACE and PACENET

• PACE/PACENET helps Pennsylvania seniors 65+ pay for prescription drugs. It works with your Medicare drug plan to lower copays.
• Funded by the PA Lottery; income limits apply with no asset test.

Check current rules and how to enroll: PACE/PACENET (PA Department of Aging).

Assistive Technology, Medical Equipment, and Home Mods

• Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF): Low-interest loans, financial counseling, and guides to pay for devices like wheelchairs, hearing aids, vehicle modifications, and smart-home tech. PATF (official).
• TechOWL (Temple University): Device lending library, device reuse program, and communication support devices statewide. TechOWL Pennsylvania (official).
• Home modifications can be funded through CHC (if approved), the AAA OPTIONS Program (sliding-fee), VA benefits for eligible veterans, or specific PHFA programs for homebuyers.
  • PHFA ACCESS Home Modification Program: Accessibility modifications tied to home purchase/rehab. Verify current details: PHFA ACCESS Home Modification.

Behavioral Health and Dementia Support

• County mental health services and crisis lines vary by county; call 988 for urgent mental health help.
• For dementia and caregiver support, contact your AAA and PA MEDI, and see Alzheimer’s and related disorders resources (PA Dept. of Aging).

Table 2: Health and Long-Term Care Options — What They Do and Where to Start

Food and Nutrition

• SNAP (Food Stamps): Monthly benefit on an EBT card to buy groceries. Income and household size rules apply. Seniors can claim medical expense deductions to increase benefits. Apply or manage your case at SNAP (PA DHS) or through COMPASS.
• Senior Food Box Program (CSFP): A monthly box of shelf-stable foods for income-eligible seniors 60+. Distributed through local partners; AAAs can help connect you. See the Department of Agriculture’s food assistance programs: PA Department of Agriculture — Food Assistance Programs.
• Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP): Seasonal vouchers to buy fresh produce from participating farmers’ markets and farm stands. Distribution is typically through AAAs. Check for current season details at the Department of Agriculture: Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs and your AAA.
• Home-delivered and congregate meals: Contact your local AAA to ask about Meals on Wheels and community dining center options: Find your Area Agency on Aging.

Reality check: SNAP and Food Box programs may require proof of age and income; SFMNP coupons run out each season. Apply early and ask AAA staff for help with forms.

Table 3: Food Programs — What You Get and How to Apply

Housing, Utilities, Property Taxes, and Home Repairs

Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR)

• Pennsylvania’s PTRR provides an annual rebate to eligible homeowners and renters, including disabled seniors. In 2023, Pennsylvania expanded the program to increase the maximum rebate and income limits. Check the current limits, amounts, and how to apply at the official site: Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program (PA Department of Revenue).

Tips:

• Half of Social Security benefits have historically been treated differently for income calculations; confirm current rules on the PTRR application page.
• File online (faster) or by mail. Keep a copy of your property tax bill or rent certificate.

Energy Bills: LIHEAP and Weatherization

• LIHEAP: Helps with heating bills and crisis situations (broken heater, low fuel). Application season and grant amounts vary by year. Check the current season on the official page: LIHEAP (PA DHS).
• Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Free home energy improvements like insulation and sealing to lower bills long-term. Priority for seniors and people with disabilities. Learn how to apply locally: Weatherization (PA DCED).
• Utility Customer Assistance Programs (CAP), budget billing, and payment plans are offered by regulated utilities. If you fall behind, contact your utility and the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s consumer pages: PUC utility assistance programs.

Home Repairs and Accessibility

• CHC and OPTIONS may fund home modifications when they support safe living at home. Ask your service coordinator (CHC) or your AAA caseworker (OPTIONS).
• PHFA ACCESS Home Modification Program supports accessibility modifications tied to home purchase/rehab: PHFA ACCESS Home Mod.
• For renters, talk with your landlord early about reasonable accommodations/modifications under fair housing rules; consider legal aid for support.

Eviction, Foreclosure, and Legal Help

• For legal assistance:
  • Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network — find local legal aid: Find Legal Help (PLAN).
  • SeniorLAW Center (focus on older adults, civil legal issues): SeniorLAW Center.
• Mortgage help: PHFA’s Homeowners’ Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP): HEMAP (PHFA).

Transportation and Mobility

• Free Transit for Seniors: Pennsylvania seniors 65+ ride free on most local fixed-route bus, subway, and trolley services statewide, funded by the PA Lottery. Requirements and ID accepted vary by transit agency. Start here: PennDOT Senior Transit Options.
• Shared-Ride Program for Seniors (Paratransit): Discounted door-to-door rides in many communities. Contact your local transit provider or your AAA to enroll. See statewide info: Shared Ride Program (PennDOT seniors page).
• Persons with Disabilities (PwD) Transportation: Reduced-fare shared-ride service for persons with disabilities ages 18–64. Some seniors under 65 with disabilities may qualify. Learn more: PwD Program (PennDOT).
• ADA Paratransit: Complementary paratransit service for people who cannot use fixed-route due to a disability. Apply through your local transit agency.
• Disabled Parking Placards/Plates: Apply through PennDOT (doctor certification required). Forms and instructions: Persons with Disability Parking Placard (PennDOT).

Table 4: Transportation Programs — Who Qualifies and What It Costs

Source: PennDOT Public Transit Options.

Income Supports for Disabled Seniors

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): For people with limited income and resources who are 65+ or have a disability. Apply or manage your case: SSI (SSA).
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): For people who paid Social Security taxes and became disabled; converts to retirement benefit at full retirement age. Learn more: SSDI (SSA).
• State Supplementary Payment (SSP): Pennsylvania adds a small payment for many SSI recipients. Paid through PA DHS: State Supplementary Payment (PA DHS).
• Pennsylvania Bureau of Disability Determination: State office that makes medical decisions for disability claims for SSA: BDD (PA DHS).

Tip: If you’re denied SSI/SSDI, appeal on time and consider free legal help via PLAN’s Find Legal Help.

Caregivers and Planning for Care

• Caregiver Support Program: Reimbursements for some caregiving costs, benefits counseling, and caregiver training through the PA Department of Aging. Contact your AAA to apply: Caregiver Support (PA Aging).
• OPTIONS Program: In-home services for seniors who do not qualify for Medicaid LTSS. Sliding-fee based on income: OPTIONS (PA Aging) — ask your local AAA.
• Choosing a Nursing Home or Personal Care Home:
  • Compare nursing homes (quality, inspections): Medicare Care Compare.
  • Nursing home info and complaints (PA DOH): PA Department of Health — Nursing Homes.
  • Personal Care Homes/Assisted Living licensing and facility search (PA DHS): Facility search.
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: Independent advocates who help resolve problems in nursing homes, personal care homes, and with long-term services in the community. Contact via your AAA or see: Long-Term Care Ombudsman (PA Aging).

Reality check: Expect assessments, care plans, and sometimes wait times. Keep records of hours authorized, caregiver schedules, and any missed visits. Call the Ombudsman if your services aren’t delivered as promised.

Legal, Financial, and Consumer Protection

• Health coverage problems (denials, billing, Medicaid eligibility): Pennsylvania Health Law Project (PHLP) — free help statewide: PHLP. Helpline: 1-800-274-3258.
• Civil legal help for seniors: SeniorLAW Center (statewide helpline: 1-877-727-7529) and Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network.
• Tax help: AARP Foundation Tax-Aide (free) — find a site: AARP Tax-Aide locator. For PTRR help: PA Dept. of Revenue PTRR page.
• Stop scams and report fraud: Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General — Consumer Protection: File a complaint or get guidance.

Digital Access and Safety

• Lifeline (FCC): Discount on phone or internet for low-income households. Check eligibility and apply: Lifeline Support (USAC).
• Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA): Programs and updates to improve internet access, especially in rural areas. See projects and grants: PBDA (official).
• TechOWL Reuse Programs: Free or low-cost refurbished devices and assistive tech: TechOWL device reuse.

Online safety tip: Never give your Medicare, Social Security, or bank info to unsolicited callers. When in doubt, hang up and call the official number listed on the agency’s website.

Inclusive Supports: LGBTQ+ Seniors, Veterans, Tribal, and Rural Seniors

LGBTQ+ Seniors

• PA MEDI and AAAs serve LGBTQ+ seniors; you have the right to respectful care in all programs that receive state or federal funds. If you have issues, contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman: Ombudsman (PA Aging).
• Pennsylvania resources:
  • William Way LGBT Community Center (Philadelphia) — older adult programs: William Way Center.
  • Persad Center (Pittsburgh and Western PA) — counseling and support for LGBTQ+ older adults: Persad Center.
  • National: SAGE National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging: LGBTQ+ Aging Center.

Veteran Seniors

• County Directors of Veterans Affairs can help you file for VA benefits, including Aid & Attendance for long-term care, VA health care, and pensions: Find Your County Veterans Office (PA DMVA).
• Aid and Attendance (VA): Monthly payment added to VA pension to help pay for in-home care or assisted living if eligible: VA Aid & Attendance.
• Pennsylvania Veterans Homes (skilled nursing): Six facilities across the state; eligibility rules apply: PA State Veterans Homes (DMVA).

American Indian/Alaska Native Seniors

• There are no federally recognized tribal nations headquartered in Pennsylvania. See the federal directory: BIA Tribal Leaders Directory.
• AI/AN seniors can use all statewide programs in this guide. If you normally receive care through IHS or tribal programs, Medicare and Medicaid have special coordination rules — ask PA MEDI or your Medicaid plan for help ensuring no copays are charged for IHS/tribal clinic services (federal protections apply).

Rural Seniors and Limited Access Areas

• Use PA Link (1-800-753-8827) to find mobile services, home-delivered meals, and local transportation.
• Internet/broadband: Check coverage improvements and programs via the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority, and apply for Lifeline if you qualify.
• Mail-order pharmacy: PACE/PACENET and many Medicare drug plans support safe delivery — ask your plan or pharmacist.
• Telehealth: Many providers offer phone or video visits; ask your CHC service coordinator or AAA for help setting it up if mobility is an issue.

Resources by Region (Selected)

Use this table to jump to local help. For a full statewide list, use the AAA directory and PA 211.

Note: Local URLs and services can change. Use PA 211 or the AAA directory if a link has moved.

Frequently Asked Questions (Pennsylvania-Specific)

Q1: How do I get in-home help without going to a nursing home?

• Start with your local AAA to ask about an OPTIONS assessment: AAA directory.
• If you have limited income and need help with daily activities, apply for Medicaid LTSS through CHC via COMPASS and ask for a level-of-care assessment. See CHC (PA DHS).

Q2: My Medicare premiums are too high. Can Pennsylvania help?

• Yes. You may qualify for a Medicare Savings Program to pay your Part B premium (and possibly more). Learn about QMB/SLMB/QI here: MSP (PA DHS). PA MEDI can screen you: 1-800-783-7067.

Q3: Can I get both SNAP and the Senior Food Box?

• Many seniors do. Each program has its own income rules. Apply for SNAP via COMPASS and ask your AAA about the Senior Food Box: Agriculture food assistance programs.

Q4: What changed with the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program?

• The program was expanded in 2023 to increase the maximum rebate and income limits. See current eligibility and amounts and apply online at the Department of Revenue: PTRR (official page).

Q5: When does LIHEAP open?

• It changes each year. Check the current season dates and how to apply at LIHEAP (PA DHS).

Q6: How do I pick a safe nursing home?

• Use Medicare Care Compare to check quality, staffing, and inspection results, and see PA-specific information via PA DOH Nursing Homes. If you have concerns, call the Long-Term Care Ombudsman.

Q7: Does Pennsylvania help pay for my prescriptions?

• Yes. PACE and PACENET help many seniors with prescriptions. Check current income limits and how to apply: PACE/PACENET (PA Aging).

Q8: I’m a veteran. Who can help me apply for VA Aid & Attendance?

• Your County Director of Veterans Affairs can file your claim at no cost: County Veterans Offices (PA DMVA). Learn about eligibility here: VA Aid & Attendance.

Q9: Is there help to make my home accessible?

• Ask your CHC service coordinator (if on Medicaid LTSS) or your AAA (OPTIONS) about home modification funding. For homebuyers, see PHFA ACCESS Home Modifications. Assistive tech options: PATF and TechOWL.

Q10: Who do I call if someone is taking advantage of a senior?

• Call the 24/7 Elder Abuse Hotline: 1-800-490-8505 — Protective Services (PA Aging). For scams, also contact the PA Attorney General Consumer Protection.

Q11: Can homeowners get LIHEAP help?

• Yes. LIHEAP helps renters and homeowners with heating costs and crisis situations. Check current rules and apply via LIHEAP (PA DHS).

Q12: Are there special services for LGBTQ+ seniors in long-term care?

• Facilities must provide care free from discrimination. If you encounter problems, contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman and consider support from groups like William Way Center or Persad Center.

Q13: I live in a rural area. How can I get to my doctor?

• Ask your AAA about Shared-Ride for Seniors and ADA paratransit. See statewide info: PennDOT senior transit. For telehealth options, talk to your provider and check connectivity resources via the PBDA.

Table 5: Where to Apply — One-Click Official Links

Documents You’ll Usually Need

• Proof of age and identity (driver’s license, state ID, or birth certificate).
• Proof of Pennsylvania residency (utility bill, lease, tax bill).
• Income proof (Social Security letter, pension, pay stubs).
• Bank statements (for Medicaid and some programs).
• Medicare card and/or Medicaid card.
• Rent receipt or property tax bill.
• Medical bills and prescriptions (helps with SNAP deductions and PACE/PACENET).

Tip: Keep a simple folder or envelope for each program with copies. Ask your AAA or PA MEDI for help if paperwork is hard to gather.

Key Statewide Programs and Offices (Direct Links)

• Apply for benefits: COMPASS (PA DHS).
• Department of Human Services (DHS): PA DHS home.
• Department of Aging (PDA): PA Aging home.
• Area Agencies on Aging: AAA directory.
• PA Link to Aging & Disability Resources: PA Link — Helpline 1-800-753-8827.
• CHC: Community HealthChoices.
• SNAP: SNAP (PA DHS).
• LIHEAP: LIHEAP.
• Property Tax/Rent Rebate: PTRR.
• PACE/PACENET: PACE/PACENET.
• PA MEDI: Medicare counseling.
• PennDOT Senior Transit Options: Senior transit.
• Elder Abuse/Protective Services: Protective Services (PDA).
• Legal Help: PLAN, SeniorLAW Center, PHLP.

Warnings and Practical Tips

• Beware of enrollment “helpers” who ask for your Medicare number and try to switch your plan without your permission. Use PA MEDI for unbiased help.
• For CHC and OPTIONS, missed visits should be reported to your service coordinator or AAA right away. Keep a log of dates and times.
• For PTRR, don’t miss deadlines. If you need help filing, contact the Department of Revenue or ask your AAA.
• For LIHEAP, apply early in the season. Keep fuel receipts and repair bills for crisis applications.
• Keep all benefit letters. Many programs ask for the same documents—saves time to have copies ready.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information to help Pennsylvania seniors with disabilities find benefits and services. Program rules, income limits, dates, and contact details can change. Always verify the most current information directly with the agency or official website linked in this guide. We do not provide legal advice or determine eligibility.

About This Guide

by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team

The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.

Our Commitment to You:
• Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
• Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
• Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.

While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.
• Last Updated: August 2025
• Sources Verified: August 2025
• Next Review: February 2026

If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.