Emergency Assistance, Resources, and Programs for Seniors in Wyoming

Last updated: August 2025

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Quick Help Box

If you’re in a crisis, start here. These links go to official or well‑established sources.

• Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.
• Mental health or emotional crisis: Call or text 988 or visit the Wyoming 988 page at the Wyoming Department of Health: Wyoming 988 information
• Need fast local referrals (shelter, food, utility help): Dial 211 or use Wyoming 2‑1‑1’s search tool
• Report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an older adult: Contact Adult Protective Services via the Wyoming Department of Family Services page: Adult Protective Services (APS)
• Utility shutoff or heating emergency: See the state’s Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) and crisis help: Wyoming LIEAP (energy assistance)
• Food today: Find food pantries, senior food boxes (CSFP), and meals:
  • Statewide pantry finder: Wyoming 2‑1‑1 food resources
  • USDA Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) overview: USDA CSFP in Wyoming
  • Food Bank of Wyoming CSFP “EverGreen Boxes” sites: EverGreen Boxes (CSFP)
• Shelter or homelessness resources: See the Continuum of Care network and local shelters via 2‑1‑1: Find Wyoming shelter resources
• Medicaid (health coverage), long-term care, and waivers: Wyoming Medicaid – Department of Health
• Medicare counseling (free, unbiased): Wyoming State Health Insurance Assistance Program (WSHIAP)
• Benefits application portal for SNAP, Medicaid, and more: Wyoming Eligibility System (WES)
• Disaster assistance (after a declared disaster): DisasterAssistance.gov and Wyoming Office of Homeland Security

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How to Get Help in the Next 24–72 Hours

1. Safety check
   • If you’re in danger or without safe shelter tonight, call 911. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or suicidal, call or text 988 or use Wyoming’s 988 page.
   • If you suspect abuse or exploitation (including by a caregiver or family member), contact Adult Protective Services (APS).
2. Basic needs
   • Food today: Use Wyoming 2‑1‑1’s directory to find a pantry or congregate meal site near you. Ask about the senior CSFP “EverGreen Boxes” and home-delivered meals through your local senior center.
   • Warmth, electricity, or water: If you have a shutoff notice or no heat, contact LIEAP (energy assistance) and crisis support. Crisis help may be available outside the regular season.
3. Short-term shelter or rent help
   • Call 211 or your city’s senior center. Wyoming doesn’t currently have a statewide rental assistance program open year‑round; many communities rely on local shelters, churches, or county-level emergency funds coordinated through Wyoming 2‑1‑1.
   • If a disaster (flood, wildfire) caused your housing problem, check DisasterAssistance.gov and Wyoming Office of Homeland Security.
4. Medical, prescriptions, and transportation
   • If you need care now and can’t afford it, ask a Federally Qualified Health Center about sliding‑fee care: use HRSA Find a Health Center.
   • If you can’t afford medications, check the state’s Wyoming Medication Donation Program for free donated medicines.
   • If you have Medicaid, ask about non‑emergency medical transportation via the Wyoming Medicaid site.
5. Apply for ongoing help
   • Use the Wyoming Eligibility System (WES) to apply for SNAP (food), Medicaid, and other programs.
   • For Medicare help, contact Wyoming SHIP for one‑on‑one counseling.

Reality check: In Wyoming, many programs are run locally by senior centers, county offices, tribes, and community nonprofits. Services may be limited in rural areas, and some programs have waitlists or seasonal application windows. Start with 2‑1‑1 and your county’s senior center to find what’s active right now.

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Table 1: Emergency Contacts and Fast-Action Links (Wyoming)

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Emergency Programs and Resources in Detail

Energy, Utility Shutoffs, and Weather Emergencies

• Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) – Wyoming Department of Family Services
  What it does: Helps low-income households pay winter heating bills; crisis assistance may help with shutoffs or heating emergencies. Often pairs with home weatherization for efficiency and safety.
  Apply/check dates: Wyoming LIEAP
  Reality check: Regular LIEAP has application windows (usually the cold season). Crisis help can be more flexible but isn’t guaranteed—apply early and have your bill, shutoff notice, and income documents ready.
• Weatherization Assistance
  What it does: No‑cost measures like insulation, air sealing, furnace safety checks, and minor repairs to lower bills and improve safety. Often coordinated through LIEAP/local providers.
  Start here: LIEAP (Energy Assistance) and ask about weatherization.
  Note: Availability varies by county and contractor capacity; expect a waitlist.
• Water and broadband help
  • Water: Wyoming doesn’t have a permanent statewide water bill program; ask your utility about senior discounts or hardship plans, and check Wyoming 2‑1‑1.
  • Phone/internet: Lifeline offers a discount on phone or internet if you meet income criteria or are on certain benefits: Lifeline program.
    Reality check: The federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) stopped new funding in 2024; confirm current options with your provider.

Food and Nutrition (Immediate and Ongoing)

• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) – DFS
  What it does: Monthly funds for groceries on an EBT card; seniors can have simplified rules for deductions (like medical costs).
  Apply: Wyoming Eligibility System (WES) | Program info: Wyoming SNAP at DFS
  Tip: Report out‑of‑pocket medical expenses if you’re 60+ to possibly increase your benefit. See DFS guidance on documentation.
• Senior Nutrition and Meals (Title III and local senior centers) – Wyoming Department of Health, Aging Division
  What it does: Congregate meals at senior centers and home‑delivered meals for homebound seniors (varies by county).
  Learn more and find providers: Wyoming Aging Division – Community Living and ask your local senior center via Wyoming 2‑1‑1.
  Reality check: Home‑delivered routes can be full in very rural areas. Keep checking—cancellations happen.
• Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) for Seniors 60+
  What it does: A monthly “senior food box” with shelf‑stable items. In Wyoming, distribution partners include Food Bank of Wyoming.
  Program overview (USDA): USDA CSFP program
  Find a CSFP site: Food Bank of Wyoming EverGreen Boxes (CSFP) and Wyoming 2‑1‑1.
• Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)
  What it does: Coupons for low‑income seniors to buy fresh produce at approved markets and farm stands.
  State contact directory: USDA SFMNP State Agencies
  Tip: Ask your senior center if SFMNP booklets are available in your county.

Medical, Dental, and Behavioral Health

• Wyoming Medicaid (includes long‑term services and supports) – WDH
  What it does: Medical coverage for eligible adults, including some seniors. Long‑term care options include nursing home coverage and the Community Choices Waiver (for care at home or in assisted living).
  Start here: Wyoming Medicaid
  Apply: WES portal
  Note: Functional and financial eligibility apply for waivers. Expect assessments and possible waitlists.
• Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI) – WDH
  What it does: Helps pay Medicare Part B premiums and, in some cases, Medicare cost‑sharing for low‑income Medicare beneficiaries.
  Learn/apply: Wyoming Medicaid – Medicare Savings Programs
  Get counseling: Wyoming SHIP
• Medication help – Wyoming Medication Donation Program
  What it does: Free, donated prescription medications for eligible Wyoming residents.
  Details: Wyoming Medication Donation Program (WDH)
  Tip: This can bridge gaps if you’re between coverages or hit the Medicare Part D coverage gap.
• Low‑cost clinics (medical and dental)
  • Federally Qualified Health Centers: sliding‑fee care statewide: Find a Health Center (HRSA)
  • Dental care for those who qualify: Dental Lifeline Network – Wyoming
  • Veterans: VA medical care in Cheyenne and Sheridan systems: VA Cheyenne Health Care • VA Sheridan Health Care
• Behavioral health support
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline with Wyoming information: Wyoming 988
  • Community mental health centers (state network): Wyoming Dept. of Health – Behavioral Health
    Reality check: Appointment wait times can be longer in rural counties. Ask about telehealth options.

Legal and Protection

• Adult Protective Services (APS) – DFS
  Report concerns: APS information and reporting
• Long‑Term Care Ombudsman – WDH Aging Division
  What it does: Resolves complaints and advocates for residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
  Learn more: Wyoming Long‑Term Care Ombudsman
• Free or low‑cost civil legal help
  • Legal Aid of Wyoming (civil issues like housing, benefits): Legal Aid of Wyoming
  • Consumer protection (scams, fraud): Wyoming Attorney General – Consumer Protection

Housing, Home Repair, and Safety

• Public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
  What it does: Subsidized rent through local housing authorities.
  Find a housing authority: Use HUD’s locator and state office page: HUD – Wyoming
  Reality check: Many waitlists are long or periodically closed. Check nearby counties too.
• Emergency shelter and homelessness services
  Where to start: Wyoming 2‑1‑1 for local shelters and coordinated entry.
  After disasters: DisasterAssistance.gov
• Property Tax Refund Program – Wyoming Department of Revenue
  What it does: Refunds a portion of property taxes for qualifying homeowners.
  Details and deadlines: Wyoming Property Tax Relief
  Reality check: Funding and deadlines vary by year. Apply early and keep tax documents handy.
• Home repair for health and safety – USDA Section 504
  What it does: Grants (for homeowners age 62+) and low‑interest loans to fix hazards (e.g., roofs, heating, accessibility).
  Program info: USDA Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants (Section 504)
  Tip: Contact your local USDA Rural Development office for county‑level help.
• Accessibility and independent living
  • Centers for Independent Living can assist with ramps, grab bars, and planning: Wyoming Independent Living
  • Ask your senior center about minor home modification funds via Title III or local grants.

Transportation

• Senior transportation (local)
  Many senior centers offer rides to meals and appointments through Title III‑B funding. Use Wyoming 2‑1‑1 to find your nearest provider.
• Public transit and paratransit
  Overview and local providers are coordinated with WYDOT and municipalities. Start at WYDOT – Public Transit and your city/county transit page (e.g., Cheyenne Transit Program).
• Medicaid Non‑Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)
  If you have Medicaid and need rides to covered medical appointments, see: Wyoming Medicaid and search for transportation/NEMT information.
• Veterans transportation
  Ask your VA health system or the DAV Volunteer Transportation Network: DAV Transportation for Veterans and the VA system pages for Cheyenne and Sheridan.

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Table 2: Cash, Bills, and Home Utilities – Key Programs for Wyoming Seniors

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Table 3: Food and Nutrition Options

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Health Coverage and Long‑Term Care in Wyoming

• Medicaid long‑term care
  • Nursing facility coverage for eligible seniors.
  • Community Choices Waiver (CCW): Helps qualified seniors get care at home or in assisted living instead of a nursing home.
    Learn more and screen: Wyoming Medicaid – Long‑Term Services
    Reality check: Waiver slots can be limited. Get on the screening list early and keep contact info up to date.
• Medicare help you can use right away
  • Check if a Medicare Savings Program can pay your Part B premium: Wyoming Medicaid
  • Free, unbiased counseling to compare Part D drug plans and Advantage plans: Wyoming SHIP
    Tip: Bring your drug list and pharmacy info to a SHIP appointment to find the lowest‑cost plan.
• Prescription savings
  • Wyoming Medication Donation Program offers donated medications.
  • Manufacturer patient assistance programs can help—ask your provider or SHIP counselor.
• Nursing homes and assisted living residents
  • If you have a concern or complaint, contact the Wyoming Long‑Term Care Ombudsman.

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Table 4: Health and Care Programs

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Housing Stability and Home Modifications

• Public housing/Section 8: Search for housing authorities via HUD – Wyoming. Apply to multiple authorities to improve your odds.
• Rural repair and safety: USDA Section 504 grants (age 62+) can remove hazards like broken steps or a failing furnace.
• Accessibility: Contact Wyoming Independent Living for information on ramps, grab bars, and independent living services.
• Weatherization: Ask about energy upgrades through LIEAP and weatherization partners.

Reality check: Contractors can be scarce in remote counties, and winter weather limits project seasons. Line up estimates early, and keep a folder with photos, bids, and utility bills to speed approval.

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Transportation and Getting to Appointments

• Local senior rides: Ask your senior center (Title III‑B transportation) via Wyoming 2‑1‑1.
• City transit/paratransit: Find your local provider through your city website or start at WYDOT – Public Transit.
• Medicaid NEMT: If you have Medicaid, check the Wyoming Medicaid site for transportation instructions.
• Veterans: Use the DAV Volunteer Transportation Network or ask your VA care team.

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Inclusive Resources

LGBTQ+ seniors

• General support and referrals: Wyoming 2‑1‑1 can help connect you with LGBTQ‑friendly providers in your county.
• Federal rights and protections in health settings: HHS Office for Civil Rights – Nondiscrimination
  Tip: When calling about services, you can ask if the organization has staff training on LGBTQ+ inclusion.

Veteran seniors

• Wyoming Veterans Services (claims help, state benefits): Wyoming Veterans Commission
• VA health care systems: VA Cheyenne Health Care • VA Sheridan Health Care
• State veterans’ residence: Veterans’ Home of Wyoming (Buffalo)
• Property tax exemption and other state benefits: Check with your county assessor and the Veterans Commission.
  Reality check: Some benefits hinge on discharge status and income. Bring your DD‑214 to appointments.

Tribal-specific resources

Wyoming is home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes on the Wind River Reservation.

• Tribal elder nutrition and caregiver support (Title VI): Find contacts via ACL’s Title VI resource center: Older Indians – ACL
• Indian Health Service clinic: IHS Wind River Service Unit
• Tribal housing: Eastern Shoshone Housing Authority and Northern Arapaho Housing Authority
  Tip: If you’re an enrolled member, ask your tribal office about energy assistance, home repair, or elder programs that may be separate from state programs.

Rural seniors and families

• Telehealth: Ask providers about phone or video visits to cut travel time; Medicare and Medicaid have covered many telehealth services—confirm with your plan.
• Mail‑order pharmacy: Combine with the Medication Donation Program as needed.
• Home repair and weatherization: Rural waitlists can be longer. Apply to USDA Section 504 and inquire about Weatherization via LIEAP at the same time.

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Resources by Region (Selected)

Use these as starting points and cross‑check with Wyoming 2‑1‑1 for more local options.

• Cheyenne (Laramie County)
  • City transit and paratransit: Cheyenne Transit Program
  • Housing authority: Cheyenne Housing Authority
  • VA care nearby: VA Cheyenne Health Care
• Casper (Natrona County)
  • Housing: Casper Housing Authority
  • Transit: Casper Area Transit
  • Food and CSFP sites: Check Food Bank of Wyoming – CSFP and 2‑1‑1
• Laramie (Albany County)
  • Transit: Albany County Transportation Authority
  • Seniors and meals: Contact the senior center via Wyoming 2‑1‑1
• Gillette (Campbell County)
  • Housing assistance: Check county programs via Campbell County Government and 2‑1‑1
  • Senior center and rides: See 2‑1‑1 or county site
• Jackson (Teton County)
  • Public transit: START Bus
  • Senior services: Contact local providers via Wyoming 2‑1‑1
• Rock Springs/Green River (Sweetwater County)
  • Transit: Sweetwater Transit Authority Resources (STAR)
  • Housing authority: Rock Springs Housing Authority
• Sheridan (Sheridan County)
  • Housing: Sheridan Housing Authority
  • VA: VA Sheridan Health Care
• Riverton/Lander (Fremont County)
  • Tribal and county resources: Use Wyoming 2‑1‑1 and tribal offices for elder services and housing
• Cody/Powell (Park County)
  • Senior center and meals: See Wyoming 2‑1‑1

Note: City and county pages sometimes change links. If a link is broken, search “[your county] senior center” or dial 2‑1‑1.

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Table 5: Documents to Gather Before You Apply

Tip: Keep a folder (paper or digital) with updated copies. It speeds up renewals and appeals.

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FAQs (Wyoming‑Specific)

• Is emergency rental assistance still available in Wyoming?
  Wyoming’s pandemic‑era Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) has closed to new applications. For current local help, check Wyoming 2‑1‑1, your county’s human services office, and faith‑based or nonprofit programs. For HUD programs and housing authorities, see HUD – Wyoming.
• When can I apply for LIEAP?
  LIEAP has a seasonal application period, generally in the colder months, and a crisis component that may help with shutoffs. Check current dates and crisis rules on the official page: Wyoming LIEAP.
• I live far from a city. How can I get to medical appointments?
  Ask your senior center about Title III‑B rides and contact your clinic about telehealth. If you have Medicaid, see NEMT information at Wyoming Medicaid. Veterans can check DAV rides and their VA system.
• How do I get a senior food box (CSFP) in Wyoming?
  Review eligibility and find sites through Food Bank of Wyoming’s CSFP page: EverGreen Boxes (CSFP). Program rules come from USDA: USDA CSFP.
• I’m on Medicare and money is tight. Can the state help with my Part B premium?
  Possibly. Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI) help with premiums and sometimes cost‑sharing if your income is low enough. Learn and apply via Wyoming Medicaid and get counseling from Wyoming SHIP.
• Who do I contact about problems in a nursing home or assisted living facility?
  The Wyoming Long‑Term Care Ombudsman can help you address concerns and protect your rights.
• Are there special home repair funds for seniors?
  Check USDA Section 504 grants/loans and ask your senior center about local grants. Weatherization via LIEAP can fix some energy‑related problems.
• Where do I report a scam targeting seniors in Wyoming?
  Contact the Wyoming Attorney General – Consumer Protection and consider reporting to the FTC. If you lost money, also file a police report.
• Is there a PACE program (Program of All‑Inclusive Care for the Elderly) in Wyoming?
  Wyoming has not widely implemented PACE. For current long‑term care options, see Wyoming Medicaid – LTSS and ask about the Community Choices Waiver.
• How do I get property tax relief as a senior?
  The state property tax refund program is administered by the Department of Revenue. Details and deadlines are posted here: Wyoming Property Tax Relief. Some counties have additional programs—check with your county treasurer/assessor.

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Practical Tips and Reality Checks

• Apply early and keep copies: Seasonal programs (LIEAP, SFMNP) and limited‑slot programs (waivers, weatherization) fill fast.
• Layer benefits: You can often have SNAP + CSFP + senior meals together, or LIEAP + weatherization.
• Use 2‑1‑1 as your hub: In Wyoming, many services are hyper‑local. Wyoming 2‑1‑1 has the most up‑to‑date local info.
• Be persistent: Rural areas face staffing and distance challenges. If you don’t get a call back, try again or ask a trusted family member, case manager, or SHIP counselor to help.

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Key Links (Official and Well‑Established)

• Wyoming Department of Health (Aging Division): https://health.wyo.gov/aging/
• Wyoming Medicaid (health coverage and long‑term care): https://health.wyo.gov/healthcarefin/medicaid/
• Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS): https://dfs.wyo.gov
  • LIEAP (energy assistance): https://dfs.wyo.gov/assistance-programs/energy-assistance/
  • SNAP: https://dfs.wyo.gov/assistance-programs/food-assistance/snap/
  • Adult Protective Services: https://dfs.wyo.gov/child-and-family-protection/adult-protective-services/
• Wyoming SHIP (Medicare counseling): https://health.wyo.gov/aging/ship/
• Wyoming 2‑1‑1: https://wy211.org
• Medication Donation Program: https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/phsd/wmdp/
• HUD Wyoming: https://www.hud.gov/states/wyoming
• Wyoming Department of Revenue (Property Tax Relief): https://revenue.wyo.gov
• 988 Wyoming info: https://health.wyo.gov/behavioralhealth/988/
• USDA Section 504: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants
• HRSA Find a Health Center: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/
• Legal Aid of Wyoming: https://www.lawyoming.org
• Wyoming Attorney General – Consumer Protection: https://ag.wyo.gov/consumer-protection/
• Disaster Assistance: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
• Wyoming Office of Homeland Security: https://hls.wyo.gov
• VA Wyoming systems: VA Cheyenne Health Care • VA Sheridan Health Care
• Wyoming Veterans Commission: https://wyomilitary.wyo.gov/veterans/
• Older Indians (ACL Title VI): https://olderindians.acl.gov/
• IHS Wind River Service Unit: https://www.ihs.gov/greatplains/healthcarefacilities/windriver/
• Lifeline (phone/internet discount): https://www.lifelinesupport.org/

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Disclaimer

Program details, eligibility rules, funding levels, and application periods can change. Always confirm the latest information on the official agency website or by calling the agency directly. This guide is for general information and is not legal, financial, or medical advice.

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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.