Charities that Help Seniors
15 Essential Charities That Help Low-Income Seniors in 2025: A Complete Guide to Getting the Help You Need
Last Updated: June 30, 2025
Emergency Resources – Get Help Now
If you’re facing an immediate crisis:
- Food Emergency: Call 211 or visit your local food bank
- Housing Emergency: Contact HUD’s Housing Counseling at 1-800-569-4287
- Financial Crisis: Call National Foundation for Credit Counseling at 1-800-388-2227
- Health Emergency: Contact Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116
Key Takeaways
The Reality: Over 8.2 million seniors live in poverty, with 14.2% of older adults struggling financially according to 2025 Census data. Nearly 5 million seniors survive on less than $1,000 monthly.
What You’ll Learn:
- 15 verified organizations offering real financial, food, and housing assistance
- Exact eligibility requirements and application processes
- Realistic timelines and potential challenges
- Contact information verified as of June 2025
Important Note: While these programs provide vital help, most have waiting lists, limited funding, and specific requirements. Don’t expect instant solutions, but don’t give up—help is available.
After you contact a charity, stack long-term programs using our Senior Benefits in 2025 guide.
Understanding Senior Poverty in 2025
The numbers tell a stark story. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 14.2% of seniors live below the poverty line when accounting for medical expenses—that’s 8.2 million older adults. The federal poverty threshold for 2025 is just $15,650 annually for a single person over 65.
But poverty affects seniors differently than younger people. Justice in Aging reports that nearly half of older adults would be in poverty without Social Security, and high medical costs push many seniors into financial hardship even with Medicare coverage.
Legal Advocacy and Rights Organizations
1. Justice in Aging ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4-Star Charity Navigator Rating)
What They Do: This national organization uses legal advocacy to fight senior poverty. They don’t provide direct services but work to strengthen programs you depend on.
Who Qualifies: All low-income seniors benefit from their advocacy work, especially women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ seniors.
Services Include:
- Fighting cuts to Social Security and Medicare
- Advocating for affordable housing policies
- Training legal advocates who help seniors
- Class-action lawsuits to protect benefits
The Reality: You won’t get immediate cash help, but their work has protected millions in benefits. They trained nearly 48,500 advocates in 2023 alone.
Contact:
- Website: justiceinaging.org
- Phone: 202-289-6976
- Address: 1444 Eye Street NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005
How to Apply: They don’t serve individuals directly. If you need legal help, use their Find Help page for local resources.
Food Assistance Programs
2. Meals on Wheels America ⭐⭐⭐⭐
What They Do: The nation’s largest senior nutrition program, serving 2.4 million older adults annually with home-delivered meals.
Who Qualifies:
- Age 60 or older
- Homebound or have difficulty preparing meals
- Income guidelines vary by location (typically up to 185% of poverty level)
Services Include:
- Hot, nutritious meals delivered to your home
- Wellness checks by volunteers
- Social connection and safety monitoring
- Pet food programs in some areas
The Reality: There are often waiting lists of 3-6 months in popular areas. Not all areas offer daily service—some deliver 2-3 times weekly. Suggested donations range from $3-8 per meal, but no one is refused for inability to pay.
Contact:
- Website: mealsonwheelsamerica.org
- Phone: 1-888-998-6325
- Local Program Finder: Find Meals and Services
How to Apply: Use their online locator or call the number above. Local programs handle applications and may require a brief assessment of your needs.
For expedited SNAP timelines and senior-friendly rules, see food programs for seniors.
3. Feeding America Senior Food Program
What They Do: The nation’s largest hunger-relief organization, operating 200 food banks nationwide with special programs for seniors.
Who Qualifies:
- Age 60 or older
- Household income at or below 185% of federal poverty level ($29,580 for individuals in 2025)
Services Include:
- Monthly food boxes with 30+ pounds of groceries
- Mobile food pantries in rural areas
- Fresh produce distributions
- Holiday meal programs
The Reality: Food quality varies by location. Distribution sites may require standing in line for 1-2 hours. Most programs operate monthly, not weekly.
Contact:
- Website: feedingamerica.org
- Food Bank Locator: feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank
- Phone: Contact your local food bank directly
How to Apply: Visit or call your local food bank. Bring photo ID and proof of income. No lengthy application process.
Housing and Utility Assistance
4. Salvation Army USA ⭐⭐⭐
What They Do: International organization providing emergency assistance, housing services, and utility help.
Who Qualifies:
- Low to moderate income (varies by location)
- Facing housing crisis or utility shutoff
- Priority given to seniors, families with children, and disabled individuals
Services Include:
- Emergency rent and utility assistance
- Temporary shelter
- Housing case management
- Energy assistance programs
To prevent shut-offs and cut bills, review energy and weatherization assistance for seniors.
If rent is the issue, start with housing & rent assistance programs for seniors.
The Reality: Emergency assistance is typically one-time only per year. You’ll need to provide extensive documentation including bills, lease agreements, and proof of income. Expect to wait 1-3 weeks for assistance decisions.
Contact:
- Website: salvationarmyusa.org
- Phone: 1-800-725-2769
- Local Services: Use their website locator for specific programs
How to Apply: Contact your local Salvation Army office. Bring recent bills, ID, and income documentation. Some locations require appointments.
For electrical hazards and panel upgrades specifically, see home rewire grants for seniors.
While you’re waiting on other programs, look for income-based senior apartments you can apply to directly.
5. Volunteers of America
What They Do: Founded in 1896, this organization provides affordable housing and support services across the nation.
Who Qualifies:
- Low to moderate income seniors
- People with disabilities
- Veterans (priority consideration)
Services Include:
- Affordable senior housing communities
- Home healthcare services
- Utility assistance programs
- Transportation services
The Reality: Their housing programs often have 1-2 year waiting lists. Priority is given to veterans and those with the lowest incomes. Not all services are available in every area.
Contact:
- Website: voa.org
- Phone: 703-341-5000
- Services Locator: Available on their website
How to Apply: Contact local VOA office for housing applications. Each location has different programs and waiting lists.
For urgent safety fixes and accessibility upgrades, check home repair grants for seniors.
Financial Assistance and Benefits
6. National Council on Aging (NCOA) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4-Star Rating)
What They Do: The nation’s oldest organization focused on older adults, helping people access benefits and financial resources.
Who Qualifies: Anyone can use their free tools; specific programs target those with incomes below 200% of poverty level.
Services Include:
- BenefitsCheckUp tool (finds programs you qualify for)
- Medicare benefits enrollment assistance
- Senior employment programs (SCSEP)
- Financial counseling and education
The Reality: Their BenefitsCheckUp tool is excellent but finding local help to actually apply for benefits can be challenging. SCSEP has limited slots and long waiting lists in popular areas.
2024 Impact: Helped 87 benefit enrollment centers assist low-income seniors; supported programs that reached 19 million older adults since inception.
Contact:
- Website: ncoa.org
- BenefitsCheckUp: benefitscheckup.org
- Phone: Use contact form on website
- Address: 251 18th Street South, Suite 500, Arlington, VA 22202
How to Apply: Start with their online BenefitsCheckUp tool. For SCSEP employment programs, contact your local Area Agency on Aging.
Use our FPL benefits checklist to see what you likely qualify for and track applications.
Not sure how income limits work? Read Federal Poverty Level and Seniors for 2025 rules that programs use.
7. AARP Foundation ⭐⭐⭐ (3-Star Rating)
What They Do: The charitable arm of AARP, focusing on fighting senior poverty through job training and support services.
Who Qualifies:
- Age 50+ for most programs
- Low-income individuals for specific assistance
- AARP membership not required for Foundation services
Services Include:
- Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)
- Tax preparation assistance (Tax-Aide)
- Legal aid programs
- Food security initiatives
The Reality: Their tax help is excellent and widely available during tax season. Employment programs have limited capacity and focus on part-time work that may not pay living wages.
Contact:
- Website: aarpfoundation.org
- Tax-Aide Locator: aarpfoundation.org/taxaide
- SCSEP Information: Available through your state’s Department of Labor
How to Apply: Tax assistance requires appointments starting in February. Employment programs require income verification and job readiness assessment.
Healthcare and Medical Assistance
8. Dental Lifeline Network
What They Do: Provides free dental care through volunteer dentists across the nation.
Who Qualifies:
- Age 65 or older, OR
- Permanently disabled, OR
- Medically fragile
- Unable to afford dental care
- Meet income guidelines (varies by state)
Services Include:
- Comprehensive dental treatment
- Dentures and oral surgery
- Emergency dental care
- Ongoing maintenance
Need care immediately? Follow Dental Emergency Help for Seniors.
The Reality: Waiting lists can be 6-12 months long. Not all types of treatment are available in every area. Quality depends on volunteer dentists in your region.
Contact:
- Website: dentallifeline.org
- Phone: 303-534-5360
- State Programs: Check their website for your state’s specific program
How to Apply: Applications vary by state. Most require medical/financial documentation and dental examination to determine treatment needs.
If dental costs are the problem, start with dental assistance for seniors.
9. iCanConnect (National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program)
What They Do: Provides free communication equipment and training for seniors with combined vision and hearing loss.
Who Qualifies:
- Significant vision AND hearing loss
- Meet income guidelines (up to 400% of federal poverty level in some states)
- U.S. citizen or eligible immigrant
Services Include:
- Smartphones and tablets with accessibility features
- Computers with screen readers
- Braille displays and notetakers
- Training on equipment use
The Reality: Equipment is high-quality and training is thorough, but the application process can take 2-4 months. Technical support varies by state.
Contact:
- Website: icanconnect.org
- Phone: 1-800-825-4595
- Application: Available online or by phone
How to Apply: Complete online application or call for phone application. Requires verification of income and disability status.
For walkers, wheelchairs, and bathroom safety gear at low or no cost, start with free medical equipment programs.
Companionship and Social Support
10. Pets for the Elderly Foundation
What They Do: Helps seniors adopt pets by covering adoption fees at participating shelters.
Who Qualifies:
- Age 60 or older
- Able to care for a pet
- Participating shelter must be in your area (29 states currently)
Services Include:
- Adoption fee coverage (usually $50-200)
- Some locations offer pet supplies
- Post-adoption support
The Reality: Limited to participating shelters only. You’re still responsible for ongoing pet care costs (food, vet bills, etc.). Some shelters have restrictions on which pets are covered.
Contact:
- Website: petsfortheelderly.org
- Phone: 480-625-4673
- Shelter Locator: Available on their website
How to Apply: Contact participating shelters directly. Bring ID showing age qualification.
11. Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly
What They Do: Combats loneliness among seniors through friendship and practical support.
Who Qualifies:
- Age 60 or older
- Socially isolated or lonely
- Limited family support
- Available in select cities
Services Include:
- Regular friendly visits
- Holiday celebrations and group activities
- Light household help
- Transportation to appointments
The Reality: Services are limited to major metropolitan areas. Volunteers are screened but turnover can be high. Wait times for matching with volunteers vary.
Contact:
- Website: littlebrothers.org
- Phone: Check website for local chapter numbers
- Locations: Chicago, Minneapolis, Boston, Philadelphia, and other select cities
How to Apply: Contact your local chapter for intake assessment. Program availability varies significantly by location.
Transportation Services
12. GoGoGrandparent
What They Do: Provides rideshare services for seniors without smartphones, offering 24/7 phone-based transportation.
Who Qualifies:
- Any age (designed for seniors)
- Service area depends on local rideshare availability
- Payment required (not free, but affordable payment plans available)
Services Include:
- Phone-based ride requests
- Medical appointment transportation
- Grocery shopping trips
- Family notifications and tracking
The Reality: This is NOT a free service—rides cost standard rideshare rates plus a small service fee. However, they offer payment assistance programs for low-income seniors.
Contact:
- Website: gogograndparent.com
- Phone: 1-855-464-6872
- Service Area: Check their website for coverage
How to Apply: Call to set up account. Payment assistance requires income verification.
Prescription Assistance
13. Partnership for Prescription Assistance
What They Do: Connects patients with prescription assistance programs offered by pharmaceutical companies.
Who Qualifies:
- Income guidelines vary by program (typically up to 300-400% of poverty level)
- No Medicare Part D coverage for that medication
- U.S. citizen or legal resident
Services Include:
- Free or low-cost prescription medications
- Patient assistance program enrollment
- Appeals assistance
The Reality: Each medication has different programs and requirements. Application processes can be complex and time-consuming. Many programs exclude people with Medicare Part D.
Contact:
- Website: pparx.org
- Phone: 1-888-477-2669
- Program Search: Available online
How to Apply: Search for your specific medications online, then apply to individual manufacturer programs. Doctor cooperation usually required.
Technology and Education
14. SeniorNet
What They Do: Provides computer training and technology education specifically for older adults.
Who Qualifies:
- Age 50 or older
- Membership fee: $43 annually
- Available at participating Learning Centers nationwide
Services Include:
- Basic computer skills classes
- Internet safety and scam prevention
- Digital photography and communication
- Tablet and smartphone training
The Reality: The membership fee can be a barrier for low-income seniors. Not all areas have Learning Centers. Class quality depends on volunteer instructors.
Contact:
- Website: seniornet.org
- Learning Center Locator: Available on their website
- Membership: Required for most services
How to Apply: Join online or at a Learning Center. Some locations offer scholarships for low-income members.
Special Needs and Emergency Support
15. Second Wind Dreams
What They Do: Grants dreams and wishes for seniors in nursing homes, assisted living, and memory care facilities.
Who Qualifies:
- Living in long-term care facility
- Dreams must be safe and feasible
- No income restrictions
Services Include:
- Reunion with family members
- Pet visits and adoption
- Special outings and experiences
- Memory-making activities
The Reality: Dreams are funded by donations, so availability varies. Simple requests (family visits, pet therapy) are more likely to be granted than expensive wishes.
Contact:
- Website: secondwind.org
- Phone: 678-624-0500
- Dream Application: Submit through facility staff
How to Apply: Work with your facility’s activities director to submit dream requests.
If you need shelter or rehousing right now, follow the steps in Emergency Help for Homeless Seniors.
Comparison Table: Quick Reference Guide
| Organization | Primary Service | Income Requirements | Wait Time | Geographic Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Justice in Aging | Legal advocacy | N/A | N/A | National |
| Meals on Wheels | Food delivery | Up to 185% poverty | 3-6 months | National |
| Feeding America | Food assistance | Up to 185% poverty | Immediate | National |
| Salvation Army | Emergency assistance | Low-moderate income | 1-3 weeks | National |
| NCOA | Benefits enrollment | Up to 200% poverty | Varies | National |
| Dental Lifeline | Free dental care | Varies by state | 6-12 months | Most states |
| iCanConnect | Communication equipment | Up to 400% poverty | 2-4 months | All states |
| Pets for Elderly | Pet adoption fees | Age 60+ | Immediate | 29 states |
Browse more how-tos and state guides in our housing section.
Realistic Timelines and Expectations
Immediate Help (Same Day to 1 Week)
- Food banks and pantries
- Emergency shelters
- Crisis hotlines
Short-term Help (1-4 Weeks)
- Utility assistance programs
- Emergency financial aid
- Transportation services
Medium-term Help (1-6 Months)
- Meals on Wheels enrollment
- Housing assistance applications
- Medical equipment programs
Long-term Help (6+ Months)
- Affordable housing placement
- Dental care through volunteer programsFor state-specific dental help, start at our Dental Grants hub.
- Specialized medical services
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I don’t have internet access. How can I apply for these programs?
A: Call 211 for local assistance, visit your library for free internet, or ask family/friends to help. Many programs accept phone applications.
Get free one-on-one help applying and finding local resources via your local AAA—use our Area Agencies on Aging directory.
Q: What documents do I need to apply for most programs?
A: Typically: Photo ID, Social Security card, proof of income (Social Security statement, bank statements), proof of residence (utility bill, lease), and medical documentation if applying for health-related programs.
Q: Can I apply for multiple programs at once?
A: Yes, and you should. Many programs complement each other. For example, you can receive Meals on Wheels while also getting help from a food bank.
Q: What if I’m denied for a program?
A: Ask why you were denied and if you can appeal. Sometimes you can reapply after your circumstances change or if you provide additional documentation.
Q: Are these programs really free?
A: Most are free or low-cost, but some ask for small donations or have sliding scale fees. Never let inability to pay prevent you from applying.
Q: How do I avoid scams when seeking help?
A: Legitimate programs never ask for upfront fees or personal financial information over unsolicited calls. When in doubt, contact the organization directly using phone numbers from their official websites.
Additional Resources
Government Resources
- Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116 | eldercare.acl.gov
- Medicare.gov: 1-800-Medicare | medicare.gov
- Social Security Administration: 1-800-772-1213 | ssa.gov
- Benefits.gov: benefits.gov
Emergency Financial Resources
- 211 (dial 2-1-1): Connects you to local assistance programs
- Salvation Army: 1-800-725-2769
- Catholic Charities USA: 703-549-1390
- United Way: unitedway.org
Healthcare Resources
- Health Resources and Services Administration: findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov
- NeedyMeds: needymeds.org
- Patient Advocate Foundation: 1-800-532-5274
Housing Resources
- HUD Housing Counseling: 1-800-569-4287
- National Low Income Housing Coalition: nlihc.org
Disclaimer
Program details, eligibility requirements, and contact information can change frequently. Always verify current information directly with the organization before applying. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee eligibility or program availability.
The application processes described are based on typical procedures as of June 2025, but individual programs may have different requirements. Some programs may have suspended services or changed eligibility criteria due to funding constraints.
This information should not be considered legal, financial, or medical advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for assistance with legal, financial, or health-related decisions.
This guide was compiled using verified information from official organizational websites, Charity Navigator ratings, and government sources. Sources include the U.S. Census Bureau, Kaiser Family Foundation, Justice in Aging, National Council on Aging, and individual charity websites, all accessed in June 2025.