Emergency Assistance, Resources, and Programs for Seniors in Montana

Last updated: August 2025

This Montana-specific guide explains where to get urgent help, how to apply for benefits, and who to call right now. It focuses on state programs and local steps that work in Montana’s towns, reservations, and rural areas.

Note: About one in five Montanans are age 65 or older, which means many households may qualify for senior-focused help. See Montana’s age data on the U.S. Census QuickFacts page for details: Montana persons 65 years and over (Census QuickFacts). Source: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts for Montana: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/MT

Quick Help (Keep this handy)

Tip: If you can’t find a local number quickly, call Montana 211. They maintain up-to-date contacts for shelters, food, and bill help across the state.

How to use this guide

• Start with “What to do in a crisis” for urgent steps.
• Then jump to the section that fits your need: housing, utilities, food, medical, scams, etc.
• Every program we list links to an official page. If a link doesn’t open on your device, call 211 for a direct number.

What to do in a crisis (step-by-step)

1. Safety first

• In immediate danger: call 911.
• For mental health, substance use, or emotional distress: call/text 988 (24/7). Veterans press 1. Source: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org

2. Call Montana 211

• Ask for emergency shelter, motel vouchers, food, and utility help near you. They can connect you to programs in your county and on reservations. Montana 211: https://montana211.org

3. Keep heat, power, and water on

• Ask about Montana’s Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), Weatherization, and Energy Share of Montana for emergency fuel or shutoff notices. See Energy & Utilities section.
• If you received a shutoff notice, contact your utility and ask about medical holds, payment plans, and Cold Weather protections. See Montana Public Service Commission consumer help. Source: Montana PSC Consumer Assistance: https://psc.mt.gov/consumers

4. Stabilize food and meds

• Apply for SNAP online, and ask your Area Agency on Aging about home-delivered meals. See Food section. SNAP Montana and other benefits are applied for at the state’s portal: https://apply.mt.gov

5. Protect your money

• If someone is pressuring you for money or information, hang up and call the Montana Office of Consumer Protection. Source: Montana DOJ Office of Consumer Protection: https://dojmt.gov/consumer

6. Get local, one-on-one help

• Find your Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for benefits counseling, Medicare questions (SHIP), caregiver help, and legal referrals. You can locate Montana AAAs via Eldercare Locator: https://eldercare.acl.gov or through Montana DPHHS Aging & Long Term Care: https://dphhs.mt.gov/sltc

Reality check: Some programs have waitlists or limited funds, especially in winter. Ask about emergency or priority processing if you have a shutoff notice, an eviction notice, or a medical need.

Emergency cash, housing, and legal safety

Below are the fastest Montana routes to cover rent, avoid eviction, and handle urgent bills. Use Montana 211 to locate county-level help (shelters, rent aid, motel vouchers).

Table 1: Emergency housing and money help in Montana

Notes:

• Montana’s Emergency Rental Assistance program created during COVID has closed; ask local housing authorities and Montana Housing partners for current options. Source: Montana Housing: https://housing.mt.gov
• If you get a court notice, call Montana Legal Services right away. They can also help with benefits denials and debt collection. Source: Montana Legal Services Association: https://www.mtlsa.org

Property tax and rent credit for seniors

• Montana offers an Elderly Homeowner/Renter Credit for eligible Montanans age 62+ with limited income. It can provide a refund based on property taxes or a portion of rent paid. Check income and filing rules with the Montana Department of Revenue. Source: Montana Department of Revenue – Elderly Homeowner/Renter Credit: https://mtrevenue.gov/taxes/individual-income-tax/elderly-homeowner-renter-credit

Other property tax relief programs

• Low-income homeowners may qualify for the Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP) and other relief. Source: Montana Department of Revenue – Property Tax Relief: https://mtrevenue.gov/property/property-tax-relief-programs/

USDA Rural Development home repair grants for seniors

• Seniors age 62+ in rural areas may qualify for grants (and/or loans) to fix health or safety hazards at home through the Section 504 Home Repair program. Funding is limited; apply early. Source: USDA Rural Development — Montana: https://www.rd.usda.gov/mt and program overview: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants

Energy and utilities: keep heat and lights on

Montana winters are cold and long. Combine programs to stop shutoffs, reduce bills, and fix unsafe heating.

Table 2: Energy and utilities help in Montana

Tips:

• If you use propane or fuel oil, ask LIEAP about emergency deliveries.
• Tell your utility if you have medical equipment at home—ask about medical certification to delay disconnection. Source: Montana PSC: https://psc.mt.gov/consumers
• Apply early in the season; funds can run out.

Food and essential items

You can combine SNAP with senior meal programs and monthly food packages.

Table 3: Food programs for Montana seniors

Reality check: SNAP and CSFP are separate. You can receive both if eligible. Senior meal programs may have waiting lists in some counties—ask about frozen meals or check nearby centers if your home-delivered route is full.

Health coverage, prescriptions, and medical rides

Medicare, Medicaid, and low-income help can reduce premiums, co-pays, and prescription costs.

Table 4: Health and insurance help in Montana

Prescription tips:

• If you pay more than you can afford for medications, apply for Extra Help and ask SHIP to review your Part D plan.
• Some drug makers have patient assistance programs; SHIP counselors can check for you.
• Keep all explanation of benefits (EOBs); contact SMP if something looks wrong.

Mental health:

• 988 Lifeline is 24/7 for emotional support and crisis: https://988lifeline.org
• Veterans can press 1 after dialing 988 or use the VA link: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net

Transportation

• Medicaid rides: If you have Montana Medicaid, ask about Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) for doctor visits and pharmacy trips. Start at Montana DPHHS: https://dphhs.mt.gov
• Local transit and paratransit:
  • Missoula (Mountain Line): https://mountainline.com
  • Billings (MET Transit): https://www.billingsmettransit.com
  • Bozeman/Greater Gallatin (HRDC transportation & Galavan): https://www.ridehrdc.org
  • Great Falls (Great Falls Transit): https://gftransit.com
    Ask about ADA paratransit for riders with disabilities.
• Veterans transportation:
  • VA Beneficiary Travel pay (reimbursement): https://www.va.gov/health-care/get-reimbursed-for-travel-pay/
  • DAV Volunteer Transportation Network rides (where available): https://www.dav.org/veterans/i-need-a-ride/
  • VA Montana Health Care locations: https://www.va.gov/montana-health-care/

Rural tip: If you live far from clinics, ask your provider about telehealth visits. Many clinics in Montana offer phone or video appointments. If internet is a problem, ask about telephone-only visits or community telehealth sites (libraries, health centers).

Elder safety, scams, and consumer help

• Report elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation: If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, report through Montana DPHHS Adult Protective Services (APS). Start here to find APS reporting options: https://dphhs.mt.gov/sltc
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: For nursing home or assisted living concerns, contact the Ombudsman via DPHHS Aging: https://dphhs.mt.gov/sltc
• Fraud and scams:
  • Montana Office of Consumer Protection (complaints and advice): https://dojmt.gov/consumer
  • Senior Medicare Patrol (Medicare fraud/ID theft help): https://www.smpresource.org/Content/Locations.aspx
  • AARP Montana Fraud Watch resources: https://states.aarp.org/montana

Common warning signs:

• Someone rushes you to “act now” or pay by gift card or wire.
• “Spoofed” caller ID showing a local or government number.
• Pressure to share Medicare, Social Security, or bank numbers.
  Hang up and call a verified number (use the official website links above).

Inclusive supports: groups that may need tailored help

LGBTQ+ seniors

• SAGE National LGBT Elder Hotline offers support and referrals: 877-360-LGBT (5428). Info: https://www.sageusa.org
• For local, affirming services, ask Montana 211 to filter for LGBTQ+ friendly providers: https://montana211.org
• Use GLMA’s provider directory to find LGBTQ-friendly clinicians if you’re changing doctors: https://www.glma.org

Tip: If you feel you were denied services or treated unfairly, contact Montana Office of Consumer Protection (https://dojmt.gov/consumer) or your local legal aid (https://www.mtlsa.org).

Veteran seniors

• Montana Veterans Affairs Division (MVAD) can help you file VA claims, connect to state benefits, and navigate long-term care: https://dma.mt.gov/mvad
• VA Montana Health Care System (care and eligibility): https://www.va.gov/montana-health-care/
• Montana Veterans’ Homes (Columbia Falls and Butte) — state-run skilled nursing facilities for eligible veterans and spouses. Info via DPHHS: https://dphhs.mt.gov/sltc/sltcservices/veteranshome

Tribal elders

• Title VI Elder Services (tribal senior centers) provide meals, transportation, and caregivers support for enrolled members. Learn more at the federal overview and ask your tribal office for local contacts: https://acl.gov/programs/american-indian-alaska-native-and-native-hawaiian-programs/older-americans-act-title-vi
• Indian Health Service, Billings Area: https://www.ihs.gov/billings
• Montana Tribal Nations directory (contacts, services): https://tribalnations.mt.gov
• Ask Montana 211 about resources on your reservation (food, utilities, home weatherization): https://montana211.org

Note: Eligibility for some programs differs on tribal lands (for example, Lifeline/phone discounts have special Tribal benefits). Check with your tribal office.

Rural seniors and limited access

• Phone and internet discounts: Lifeline offers a monthly discount on phone or internet service for low-income households. ACP (the larger internet discount) has ended unless Congress restores funding. Lifeline info: https://www.lifelinesupport.org
• Assisted devices and technology: MonTECH provides assistive technology loans and device demos statewide (useful if hearing, vision, or mobility changes make daily tasks harder): https://montech.ruralinstitute.umt.edu
• Telecommunications equipment: Montana Telecommunications Access Program (MTAP) offers amplified phones, captioned phones, and more for eligible Montanans: https://mtap.mt.gov
• Mobile services: Ask your AAA if they offer mobile benefits outreach, home-delivered meals, or in-home case management.

Resources by region (find help near you)

Because services are local, start with these region-friendly links. If a link is hard to use on your phone, call 211 and ask for the specific office.

• Statewide
  • Montana 211 (all categories): https://montana211.org
  • DPHHS Senior & Long Term Care (Aging, APS, Ombudsman, HCBS): https://dphhs.mt.gov/sltc
  • Eldercare Locator (find your Area Agency on Aging): https://eldercare.acl.gov
• Western Montana (Missoula, Ravalli, Mineral)
  • Missoula Aging Services (AAA; Medicare help, meals, caregiver support): https://www.missoulaagingservices.org
  • Mountain Line transit (Missoula): https://mountainline.com
• Southwest (Gallatin, Park, Madison)
  • HRDC (transportation including Galavan paratransit; other supports): https://www.ridehrdc.org
  • Montana 211 regional filter (search by ZIP/city): https://montana211.org
• South-Central (Yellowstone, Carbon, Stillwater)
  • Billings MET Transit: https://www.billingsmettransit.com
  • Use 211 for senior meals and rent/utility help: https://montana211.org
• North-Central (Cascade, Hill, Blaine, Chouteau)
  • Great Falls Transit: https://gftransit.com
  • Use 211 for AAA and food resources nearest you: https://montana211.org
• Northwest (Flathead, Lincoln, Lake, Glacier)
  • Contact your county’s Agency on Aging (use Eldercare Locator): https://eldercare.acl.gov
  • Check 211 for weatherization and energy help: https://montana211.org
• Helena area (Lewis & Clark, Broadwater, Jefferson)
  • State agency hub nearby; use DPHHS SLTC: https://dphhs.mt.gov/sltc
  • 211 for shelters and rent help: https://montana211.org
• Eastern Montana (Dawson, Richland, Roosevelt, Custer, Big Horn, Rosebud)
  • Use 211 for county contacts and tribal services nearest you: https://montana211.org
  • For Fort Peck, Northern Cheyenne, and Crow Nations, also see Title VI programs (via tribal offices) and IHS Billings Area: https://www.ihs.gov/billings

Note: County and AAA websites change more often than state portals; if a local link is out of date, 211 and Eldercare Locator can give you the current phone number.

Documents you may need for applications

• ID (driver’s license, state ID, or tribal ID)
• Social Security number (or proof of application)
• Proof of address and household members
• Income proof (Social Security award letter, pension, pay stubs)
• Utility bill, rent/lease, or mortgage statement
• Medical expense receipts (for SNAP deductions)
  Keep photocopies or clear smartphone photos. If you can’t find a document, apply anyway and ask what alternatives they accept.

Realities and tips

• Funding is limited: Winter energy programs can run out. Apply early, and ask about crisis funds if you have a shutoff notice.
• Travel is hard in winter: Ask for phone appointments and telehealth. If you need a ride, ask early—NEMT and paratransit fill up.
• Waitlists happen: For home-delivered meals and HCBS waivers, ask about temporary options (frozen meals, caregiver respite, or community meals).
• Don’t self-deny: Many seniors think they won’t qualify. With medical expense deductions, some do qualify for SNAP or Extra Help even on modest pensions.
• Avoid scams: No real agency asks for gift cards. Verify callers by using the official numbers in this guide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I apply for Montana LIEAP to help with my heating bill?
A: You can apply online or by paper through DPHHS. Start here: https://dphhs.mt.gov/hcsd/energyassistance or apply at the state portal: https://apply.mt.gov. If you have a shutoff notice or an empty tank, tell them you have an emergency.

Q: Can my heat be shut off in winter?
A: Montana has consumer protections and requirements for utilities, including winter considerations and payment arrangements. Rules vary by utility and situation (for example, medical needs). Contact your utility immediately and see the Montana Public Service Commission’s consumer assistance page: https://psc.mt.gov/consumers

Q: Where can I get same-day food?
A: Call 211 for the nearest pantry or hot meal. You can also check the Montana Food Bank Network for local partners: https://mfbn.org. Apply for SNAP at https://apply.mt.gov.

Q: How can I lower my Medicare costs?
A: Ask about Medicare Savings Programs (QMB/SLMB/QI) to help with the Part B premium and Part A/B cost-sharing: https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/get-help-paying-costs/medicare-savings-programs. Also apply for Extra Help for prescriptions: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/prescriptionhelp. For personalized help, talk with a SHIP counselor: https://www.shiphelp.org.

Q: I think a nursing home isn’t responding to my complaint. Who can help?
A: Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman through the DPHHS Aging & Long Term Care site: https://dphhs.mt.gov/sltc. The Ombudsman advocates for residents of nursing homes and assisted living.

Q: I live on a reservation. Do these programs still apply?
A: Yes, many do. In addition, your tribe’s Title VI Elder Program may offer meals and transportation. Start with your tribal office, 211, and IHS Billings Area: https://www.ihs.gov/billings.

Q: I can’t afford home repairs and my home is unsafe. Is there help?
A: Ask about Weatherization (for energy-related health/safety) through DPHHS: https://dphhs.mt.gov/hcsd/energyassistance. Also look at USDA Rural Development Section 504 Home Repair grants/loans for seniors age 62+ (limited funding): https://www.rd.usda.gov/mt.

Q: My income is low. Is there any help with property taxes or rent?
A: Check the Elderly Homeowner/Renter Credit and other property tax relief programs from the Montana Department of Revenue: https://mtrevenue.gov/property/property-tax-relief-programs/ and the specific Elderly Credit page: https://mtrevenue.gov/taxes/individual-income-tax/elderly-homeowner-renter-credit.

Q: Is there free help to file my taxes?
A: Yes. The IRS Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax help for people age 60+. Find a site: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-counseling-for-the-elderly-tce-program.

Q: I lost my wallet in a wildfire and need to replace documents. What should I do?
A: For Social Security cards, start with SSA: https://www.ssa.gov. For Medicare cards, log in at https://www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE. For a Montana ID, contact the Motor Vehicle Division. For disaster recovery help, check Montana DES: https://des.mt.gov and federal DisasterAssistance.gov: https://www.disasterassistance.gov.

More program details at a glance

Table 5: Quick program snapshot

Handy tools and portals

• Apply for multiple Montana benefits (SNAP, Medicaid, LIEAP): https://apply.mt.gov
• Montana DPHHS (all services): https://dphhs.mt.gov
• Eldercare Locator (find your AAA): https://eldercare.acl.gov
• Disaster help after fires, floods, storms: https://www.disasterassistance.gov
• Find low-cost clinics: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov
• Lifeline phone/internet discount: https://www.lifelinesupport.org

Sources (official and well-established)

• Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS): https://dphhs.mt.gov
• DPHHS Energy Assistance (LIEAP/Weatherization): https://dphhs.mt.gov/hcsd/energyassistance
• Montana Housing (Department of Commerce): https://housing.mt.gov
• Montana Public Service Commission – Consumer Assistance: https://psc.mt.gov/consumers
• Montana 211: https://montana211.org
• Montana Legal Services Association: https://www.mtlsa.org
• Montana Department of Revenue – Tax Relief: https://mtrevenue.gov/property/property-tax-relief-programs/ and Elderly Homeowner/Renter Credit: https://mtrevenue.gov/taxes/individual-income-tax/elderly-homeowner-renter-credit
• Energy Share of Montana: https://www.energysharemt.com
• U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts – Montana: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/MT
• USDA Rural Development – Montana: https://www.rd.usda.gov/mt
• HRSA Find a Health Center: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov
• Medicare Savings Programs (Medicare.gov): https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/get-help-paying-costs/medicare-savings-programs
• Social Security – Extra Help: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/prescriptionhelp
• SHIP national locator: https://www.shiphelp.org
• Senior Medicare Patrol locator: https://www.smpresource.org/Content/Locations.aspx
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org
• Veterans Crisis Line: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net
• VA Montana Health Care System: https://www.va.gov/montana-health-care/
• Montana Veterans Affairs Division (MVAD): https://dma.mt.gov/mvad
• DPHHS Veterans’ Homes: https://dphhs.mt.gov/sltc/sltcservices/veteranshome
• IHS Billings Area: https://www.ihs.gov/billings
• ACL Title VI Elder Services: https://acl.gov/programs/american-indian-alaska-native-and-native-hawaiian-programs/older-americans-act-title-vi
• Montana Food Bank Network – CSFP: https://mfbn.org/programs/commodities-csfp/
• Poison Help (HRSA): https://poisonhelp.hrsa.gov
• Montana Office of Consumer Protection: https://dojmt.gov/consumer
• AARP Montana: https://states.aarp.org/montana
• Lifeline program: https://www.lifelinesupport.org

Disclaimer

Program rules, income limits, phone numbers, and websites change. Always verify details with the official agency or your local Area Agency on Aging before applying. This guide is for general information and is not legal or financial advice.

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.