Grants for Seniors in Florida

Last Updated on February 10, 2024 by Rachel

Key Senior Statistics in Florida (60 and over)
Senior Population: 6,314,895 (28.4%) Senior Population: 6,314,895 (28.4%)
Male: 45.8% Male: 45.8%
Female: 54.2% Female: 54.2%
Median Age: 71 Median Age: 71
Disability: 28% Disability: 28%
With Social Security Income: 76% With Social Security Income: 76%
With Food Stamp/SNAP Benefits: 11% With Food Stamp/SNAP Benefits: 11%
Below 100% of the Poverty Level: 12% Below 100% of the Poverty Level: 12%
Data Source: Data Source:
Data is taken from American Community Survey 2022. Please check our detailed page about Senior Statistics in Florida for more data and information.

Help for Seniors in Florida – 25 Assistance Programs

Florida is a very popular state among seniors and retired people with its warm weather, natural beauties, art exhibits, various museums, and nice parks. It is home to approximately six million people who are 60 years of age and above. It is ranked as the first state considering its 65+ residents. Even though the State of Florida does not receive state income tax considering Social Security benefits, and other retirement earnings, it can be expensive to live in this state. Also known as the Sunshine State, this state provides a broad range of programs and services for eligible seniors.


State Resources for Seniors

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs hosts a wealth of resources to assist seniors living in the state. In many cases, programs are offered directly by the Department. If there are no direct programs from the Department, useful resources and links are provided to enable seniors get access to the help they need. The Department of Elder Affairs also has a resource directory that can be accessed at https://elderaffairs.org/resource-directory/.

Since the State of Florida hosts the most crowded senior population, it has a divergent division that presents several programs for them. Some of these programs are as follows

  • Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs): There are eleven Area Agencies on Aging across the state that run as community centers for seniors. Adult residents looking for long-term care services can contact the nearest center to learn more information. Local programs and federal benefits can differ in time. Hence, these centers provide current information for seniors. For more information https://elderaffairs.org/resource-directory/aging-and-disability-resource-centers-adrcs/ or dial the Elder Helpline 1 800 963 5337.
  • The mission of the Elder Abuse Prevention Program is to protect seniors from any sort of abuse and fraud. It also presents education on these issues for seniors to keep themselves safe. Anyone can call to report 1 800 962 2873.
  • Elder Helpline is another service for seniors. The state government prepares different activities and events for them. Elders can call the Helpline at 1 800 955 8771 to learn new events.
  • The Adult Care Food Program (ACFP) is subsidized by the Department of Agriculture and run by the state authorities. The main purpose of this program is to provide daily healthy food for seniors in need. To see the nearest center to you https://elderaffairs.org/programs-services/food-assistance/adult-care-food-program-acfp/?highlight=adult%20care or by phone at 850 414 2000.
  • Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative (ADI) is a special program for seniors having Alzheimer’s disease. This initiative assists caregivers in case of need or provides medical training on this issue for those who are taking care of these seniors. Eligible candidates can receive medical materials if they are not able to afford them. For further information https://elderaffairs.org/programs-services/bureau-of-elder-rights/ or contact 1 800 963 5337.
  • Comprehensive Assessment and Review for Long-Term Care Services (CARES) is sponsored by the federal government and managed by the State of Florida. Seniors seeking a nursing home can get in touch with these services. This program both evaluates the medical condition and financial situation of applicants. To learn more, please visit https://elderaffairs.org/programs-services/housing-options/eheap/.
  • Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP) offers utility bill assistance for low or moderate-income seniors at the age of 60 or above in Florida. Qualified candidates can receive up to $600 cash assistance each season. To apply https://elderaffairs.org/programs-services/housing-options/eheap/. Other programs are available across the country to assist seniors with utility bills. More options are available at Help with Bills.
  • Respite for Elders Living in Everyday Families (RELIEF) assists caregivers or medical treatment assistance for seniors having diseases and are not able to take care of themselves. For further information https://elderaffairs.org/programs-services/caregiving/respite-for-elders-living-in-everyday-families-relief/.

Financial Assistance

Florida Emergency Financial Assistance Program (EFAHP) is a financial assistance program sponsored by the federal government. Senior residents are prioritized by this program. Eligibility is based on your total household income and you must be over 65 years old or older. For more information, please visit https://www.hud.gov/states/florida/.

Fannie Mae is a non-governmental organization that offers mortgage loans for people in need. Qualified candidates can repay their loans for up to 30 years. Seniors who need advances for their homes can consult this establishment. To read more, https://www.fanniemae.com/about-us/what-we-do.

Federal poverty levels serve as a basis for many relief programs’ financial qualifications. For the annual and monthly numbers, see Federal Poverty Level Florida (2023 Updated).

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides financial assistance to seniors over the age of 65 who have limited resources. Payments are provided on a monthly basis and are meant to cover the basic needs of food, clothing and shelter. Seniors who are receiving retirement income may still be eligible for SSI, as long as they meet the income requirements. Seniors who have other sources of income may receive less than others who rely solely on SSI to survive. To be eligible, the senior must have not more than $2,000 in total resources. More information can be gotten from https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/ssi/?tl=0%2C1.

Seniors who require assisted living can get financial aid from the state through the Optional State Supplementation (OSS) Program. This program gives monthly cash payments to elderly residents who live in special assisted living facilities. The funds are provided to help the seniors cover the cost of their care, and living in the facility.

Housing and Rent Assistance

The Salvation Army Florida Division is one of the most efficient non-governmental establishments in Florida. It offers emergency shelter assistance, rent support, and housing assistance for adult citizens having financial difficulties. It has various offices across the state. To find out the nearest office, follow the link https://salvationarmyflorida.org/.

Florida’s Section 8 Housing Voucher Program is subsidized by the federal government. It aims to assist housing assistance for low and middle-income families. Elder residents are one of the priority groups for this benefit. Eligible candidates choose their home or apartment by their decision. This program provides cash support for rent and utilities each month. This service is quite known, hence it is best to apply as early as possible not to wait for a long-time. To learn more, click on the following link https://www.hud.gov/states/florida/renting.

The Florida Housing Coalition provides low-cost, secure, and decent housing for low or moderate-income seniors. Their aim is to decrease homelessness in Florida. The total income of the household and financial condition is significant in the evaluation process. For further questions, visit https://www.flhousing.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Affordable-Housing-in-Florida-Book-WEB.pdf.

Additionally, to make homes well-maintained and safe for elderly adults, Home Repair Grants For Seniors are widely available across the country.

Healthcare Assistance

Seniors in Florida may qualify for Medicare services. This is a health insurance program for residents over the age of 65, that provides highly subsidized healthcare services to seniors in the state. Seniors can begin to sign up from Medicare 3 months before their 65th birthday. Seniors who are part of the program can visit any hospital that takes Medicare and get treatment while the program covers most of the associated expense. The Medicare program also has an option for seniors who wish to include vision and dental coverage. Information on the program can be found at https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/medicare-basics/how-does-medicare-work.

The Medicare Low Income Subsidy (LIS) program further assists seniors in accessing affordable healthcare. Through the LIS program, elderly Florida residents can get help in paying for their prescription drugs. This has the goal of making medication easily accessible to seniors who require them. The details of LIS assistance can be gotten from https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Prescription-Drug-Coverage/LimitedIncomeandResources.

The Florida Rx Card is another way seniors can get assistance with medical care. The program helps uninsured and underinsured seniors by paying for the cost of their prescription medications. Seniors who have insurance can also take advantage of this program to pay for drugs not covered by their insurance. Interested seniors can visit https://floridarxcard.com/.

Shepherd’s Hope is an organization of volunteers that specializes in providing free medical care and health education. This program targets uninsured Florida residents or those who are ineligible for government assisted programs. Seniors with income below 200% of the poverty level can also apply for assistance. You can use the Updated 2023 Federal Poverty Level Calculator Florida to determine if your household is living below the poverty level. Seniors can visit https://www.shepherdshope.org/ to get help from Shepherd’s Hope.

Dental Grants and Benefits

Seniors in Florida can get dental care with assistance from Florida Mission of Mercy (FLA-MOM). This is a two-day professional dental clinic that offers free dental care to patients. Treatments are on a first-come first-serve basis, and the mission’s goal is to treat up to 1,500 people annually. Services offered include cleanings, fillings, extractions, etc. and are available, regardless of medical insurance status. Interested seniors can find more information on FLA-MOM at https://www.floridadental.org/foundation/programs/mission-of-mercy/patients.

Project: Dentists Care is another organization that helps low-income seniors get access to proper dental care. Seniors with income levels below 200% of the federal poverty level can apply for and receive various dental services to maintain good health. These services include routine dental exams, extractions, emergency dentistry, fillings, etc. More information on Project: Dentists Care can be gotten from https://www.projectdentistscare.org/.

The Donated Dental Services program provides seniors with access to free, comprehensive dental care. The program is operated by a group of dental professionals who volunteer their time to attend to low-income residents of the state. Seniors can find information on this program at https://dentallifeline.org/florida/. Continue reading Dental Grants in Florida for a list of programs that offer free and affordable dental care services, especially for seniors.

Utility Bills Assistance

Seniors in Florida can apply for the federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This program helps financially challenged Floridians by providing some relief and paying part of the home heating and cooling costs. LIHEAP benefits are provided directly to the utility company to cover the heating costs for the specified period. Eligibility for assistance is usually based on income levels. Seniors who are interested in applying for LIHEAP benefits can find more details at https://floridajobs.org/community-planning-and-development/community-services/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program.

OUR Florida is a statewide program set up to help residents of Florida with past due bills. Seniors who owe utility bills can apply for this program and receive help to settle their arrears. Similar to LIHEAP, the assistance provided is not given as cash, rather, payments are made directly to the utility provider. For more information on the OUR Florida program, visit https://apd.myflorida.com/champion/2021/october/OUR%20Florida%20Fact%20Sheet%20English.pdf.

With rising costs of utilities compared to seniors’ limited income, times can be tough to elders. Thanks goodness there are programs offering Help with Bills. Check which of these, you can depend on to.

Food Assistance

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is designed to help low-income seniors get access to nutritious food. SNAP is a federal program that is administered in the state by the Florida Department of Children and Families Office of Economic Self-Sufficiency (ESS). Seniors who enroll for the program receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card which is loaded monthly with funds. The card functions like a regular debit card and can be used to purchase approved food items from authorized grocery stores. Seniors who receive Supplemental Security Income may also receive food assistance from the SUNCAP program which is similar to SNAP. For more information, visit https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/public-assistance/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap  and https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/public-assistance/applying-for-assistance.

Seniors can also get meal assistance through the Congregate Meal Program. This is a program administered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, which provides free meals and nutrition education to seniors. Elderly residents over the age of 60, along with their spouses can get free food in a group setting and designated locations. Socialization is also encouraged during the meal service. The congregate dining locations include senior centers, senior housing facilities, churches, etc. Residents who are homebound can get meals delivered to them at home through the Meals on Wheels program. All meals provided are prepared to ensure that the nutritional requirements of the seniors are met. Further details on these programs is available at https://elderaffairs.org/programs-services/food-assistance/congregate-meal-and-nutrition-sites/.

Another meal assistance option available is the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). This is a program set up to improve the health and nutrition of seniors over the age of 60. Food packages are distributed to eligible seniors for consumption during the month. These food packages contain raw food items which can be prepared at a later time for consumption. The CSFP also provides educational material, teaching seniors how to prepare healthy meals with the food items they have received. Seniors can find more information on the program at https://www.fdacs.gov/Food-Nutrition/Nutrition-Programs/Commodity-Supplemental-Food-Program.

The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program assists low-income senior citizens by providing coupons which can be exchanged for food items. The coupons issued under this program can be used to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets. To be eligible for the program, an applicant must be over the age of 60 and have income not more than 185% of the federal poverty levels. Interested seniors can visit https://elderaffairs.org/programs-services/food-assistance/senior-farmers-market-nutrition-program/.

Transportation Assistance

Seniors in Florida can get transportation assistance through the Dial-A-Ride service. This is a subsidized nonemergency transportation service that provides mobility for seniors in the state. Seniors who request a ride are picked up on the curb in front of their location and dropped off at their destination. The vehicles are wheelchair accessible, making them suitable for seniors with mobility issues. Rides are charged at $2.50 per trip, and a companion may be taken along, with an extra fare payment. Seniors who require a care assistant do not need to pay any far for their assistant. Additional information is available at https://www.talgov.com/starmetro/dial-a-ride.aspx.

Florida GrandDriver is a transportation assistance program run by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for seniors. The main aim of this program is to make sure that seniors drive securely and can find their ways easily. Seniors can look into this service http://www.flhsmv.gov/FloridaGrandDriver/ or call 850 617 2712.

The Safe Mobility for Life Program is managed by the Florida Department of Transportation and Pepper Institution. This program is intended to create secure mobility for seniors. It provides training and solutions for seniors’ driving troubles. Some of their programs are 511 Traveler Information, Help on the Road in Florida, Driving Wellness, and Driving Skills. To apply for this program, go to http://safemobilityfl.com/index.htm or by phone at 850 410 5414.

Transportation assistance is available nationwide, not only in Florida. If a senior citizen needs to go from one place to another, there are government programs and non-profit organizations that provide transportation assistance. Maintain this useful list of Transportation Support for Seniors.

Charities and Organizations

The Salvation Army in Florida renders various forms of assistance to elderly residents in the state. The services offered include provision of food, clothes and housing, assistance with medication costs, funds for payment of rent and utility bills, etc. Assistance is usually provided as available to those who indicate a need. A full list of the services offered can be found at https://salvationarmyflorida.org/social-services/.

The Catholic Charities is another organization that helps challenged elderly residents of Florida. The services provided range from financial assistance, housing assistance to food assistance programs. Seniors in need of food can request assistance through the Agape Mission Markets. Mobile food drops for homebound seniors are also available. Seniors can visit https://cflcc.org/ for services. Other religious institutions also organize initiatives and services to assist seniors. See also Churches that Help Seniors.

MorseLife Charity also offers help to seniors in need. The organization has residential apartments, and provides feeding and care for seniors. Assisted living options are available, as well as short term rehabilitation, home health care, etc. More information on the offerings of MorseLife can be found at https://morselife.org/. As time passes, more charitable organizations are formed all over the country. Let’s take a peek at a few of the most well-established 10 Charities that Help Seniors.

Grants for Senior Veterans

The Florida Veterans’ Foundation (FVF) is a non-profit agency associated with the Florida Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA). The FVF provides emergency financial assistance for veterans who are challenged. The assistance provided is usually for rent, mortgage, and utility payments. Assistance may also be provided for other needs like medical care, etc. based on request. Veterans who wish to apply for assistance are required to have documentation of income for all household members, first page of lease or copy of mortgage statement, three Day Notice or Foreclosure Notice if asking for rent or mortgage assistance, copies of all bills, documentation of the emergency, etc. For more details, visit https://www.helpflvets.org.

Veterans can get help with dental coverage through the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund’s dental program. This program provides dental care for veterans who are not qualified for VA dental coverage. The services provided include fillings, implants, provision of dentures, cleaning, etc. More information can be found at https://wvrf.org/dental-program/.

Veterans who have challenges with utilities and housing can turn to the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) for assistance. SSVF helps ensure than veterans can find decent housing, while supporting them as they transition into such housing arrangements. SSVF helps homeless veterans find homes and also provides assistance with utility bills and rent. Additional information can be found at https://www.voaflorida.org/ssvf.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What financial assistance is available for seniors in Florida? Florida seniors have access to various financial assistance programs including the Optional State Supplementation (OSS) for those in assisted living, the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) for utility bills, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for food expenses.

2. How can seniors in Florida apply for Medicaid? Seniors can apply for Medicaid in Florida through the ACCESS Florida website, by phone, or in person at a local Department of Children and Families (DCF) service center. Required documentation typically includes proof of age, income, Florida residency, and assets.

3. What housing and rent assistance programs are available to seniors in Florida? The Florida Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program offers rental assistance to low-income individuals, including seniors. Additionally, the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program provides funding for housing assistance, including home repairs and accessibility modifications for seniors.

4. Are there any programs to assist with utility and energy bills for seniors in Florida? The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAEP) provide financial aid to eligible seniors struggling with high utility and energy bills.

5. How do seniors in Florida receive help with prescription drug costs? The Florida Discount Drug Card is designed to lower the cost of prescriptions for Florida residents who are over 60 and do not have prescription drug coverage or who fall into the Medicare coverage gap.

6. Can seniors get property tax exemptions in Florida? Yes, Florida offers a homestead exemption for all residents on their primary residence, which includes an additional exemption for seniors over 65 who meet certain income limitations. Details and applications are available through local county property appraiser offices.

7. What in-home care services are available for Florida seniors? The Florida Department of Elder Affairs administers programs like the Community Care for the Elderly (CCE) program and the Home Care for the Elderly (HCE) program, providing in-home services such as personal care, homemaking, and meal delivery.

8. How can seniors access transportation services in Florida? Many counties in Florida offer specialized transportation services for seniors through local transit authorities or Area Agencies on Aging, providing reduced fares or door-to-door services for medical appointments and shopping.

9. What nutritional programs are available for seniors in Florida? The Elderly Nutrition Program in Florida provides congregate dining sites and home-delivered meal programs for seniors. These services aim to ensure seniors have access to nutritious meals and also serve as a social gathering opportunity.

10. How can seniors in Florida access legal assistance? The Florida Department of Elder Affairs partners with legal services organizations to provide free legal assistance to seniors on matters such as healthcare, housing, consumer rights, and elder abuse prevention.