Montana Senior Assistance Programs, Benefits, and Grants (2025)

Key Senior Statistics in Montana (65 and over)
Senior Population: 231,950 (20.5%) Senior Population: 231,950 (20.5%)
Male: 48% Male: 48%
Female: 52% Female: 52%
Median Age: 73 Median Age: 73
Disability: 31.5% Disability: 31.5%
With Social Security Income: 90% With Social Security Income: 90%
With Food Stamp/SNAP Benefits: 6.1% With Food Stamp/SNAP Benefits: 6.1%
Below 100% of the Poverty Level: 9.5% Below 100% of the Poverty Level: 9.5%
Data Source: Data Source:
Data is taken from American Community Survey 2023. Please check our detailed page about Senior Statistics of Montana for more data and information.

Last updated: August 2025

This Montana guide brings together government programs and trusted nonprofits that help with money, housing, utilities, health care, food, transportation, and more. Links go to official or well‑established sources. We include realities about waitlists, paperwork, and common pitfalls so you can plan your next steps with confidence.

If You Need Emergency Help

  • Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
  • Mental health crisis: dial 988 (24/7, free, confidential) from any phone in Montana. Learn more at the national 988 site: About 988 Lifeline.
  • Find local crisis, shelter, and utility help anywhere in Montana: call 211 or visit Montana 211.
  • Elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation (non‑emergency): report to Montana Adult Protective Services (APS). If someone is in danger right now, call 911 first.

Key Takeaways

Quick Snapshot: Montana Seniors

  • Senior population (65+): 231,950 (20.5%)
  • Median age of seniors: 73
  • Disability among seniors: 31.5%
  • With Social Security income: 90%
  • With SNAP benefits: 6.1%
  • Below poverty (100% FPL): 9.5%

Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 2023. See the Census profile tool: U.S. Census – Montana Profile

How to Use This Guide

  • Start with the section that matches your top need: money, housing, utilities, health, food, transportation, or caregiving.
  • Use the “Reality checks” and “Tips” so you don’t lose time on closed waitlists or incomplete applications.
  • If a link is confusing or a form is difficult, call the agency or your AAA for free help.

Understanding Eligibility in Montana

  • Age: Many services begin at 60 (Older Americans Act services) while Social Security and Medicare rules are different (generally 65+ for Medicare; earlier if disabled).
  • Income/assets: Programs use income limits based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines or percentages (for example, 100%, 130%, 150%, 200% of FPL). Always verify the current year’s limits here: HHS Poverty Guidelines.
  • Documentation: Keep copies of photo ID, Social Security card, proof of Montana residency, income proof (award letters, bank statements), rent/mortgage, and utility bills.

Reality check: The same documents are used across programs. Create a small folder (paper or digital) so you can re‑use the same proofs for SNAP, LIHEAP, vouchers, and Medicaid.

Table: Where to Start by Need

Your need First step Who it helps Where to apply/contact
General guidance Talk to your Area Agency on Aging Montana residents 60+ and caregivers Find Your AAA (PDF)
Emergency shelter/utility/food Montana 211 Anyone in need Montana 211
Food money (EBT) SNAP Low-income households SNAP – Montana DPHHS
Winter heat bill help LIHEAP Low-income households Energy Assistance – DPHHS
Medicare questions & savings SHIP Medicare enrollees/caregivers Montana SHIP, 1‑800‑551‑3191
Housing vouchers Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Low-income renters Montana Housing – HCV
Home repairs USDA 504 grants/loans Low‑income homeowners (62+ for grants) USDA 504 – Montana

Money and Income Support

Social Security, SSI, and SSDI

  • Social Security retirement and disability benefits are federal. Manage claims and benefits at the official site: Social Security Administration.
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) helps very low‑income seniors 65+ and people with disabilities. Learn more and apply at SSI – SSA.

Reality check: SSI has strict income and asset limits, but your home and one car are usually excluded. If you’re denied, check the reason; many people win on appeal. Your AAA or Montana Legal Services Association may help.

Medicare Cost Help (QMB, SLMB, QI) and Counseling

Big Sky Rx (Medicare Part D Premium Help)

  • Big Sky Rx is Montana’s state pharmaceutical assistance program that helps eligible residents pay Medicare Part D premiums. For the latest rules and how to apply, contact SHIP or visit DPHHS’s Medicare page: Montana DPHHS – Medicare & Prescription Help. SHIP can check Big Sky Rx, Extra Help (LIS), and plan options together.

Tip: Many Montanans qualify for both Big Sky Rx and federal Extra Help (LIS). Extra Help information: Medicare Extra Help.

State Tax Relief for Seniors

  • Property Tax Assistance: Montana offers programs for low‑income homeowners, disabled veterans, and others. Start at the Department of Revenue’s property tax relief hub: Montana Property Tax Relief Programs.
  • Elderly Homeowner/Renter Credit: A state income tax credit for qualifying seniors based on rent or property taxes paid. Learn more via the Department of Revenue: Elderly Homeowner/Renter Credit.

Reality check: Application windows and income thresholds change. Always confirm the current year’s instructions on the Revenue site or talk to a local VITA/TCE tax assistance site: IRS – Find Free Tax Prep.

Unclaimed Money

Emergency Cash and Case Management

Housing and Rent Assistance

Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) – Montana Housing

Reality check: Waitlists in Montana can be long and sometimes close. Apply wherever the list is open, check emails regularly, and respond fast to any update requests.

Public and Affordable Housing

  • Montana Housing also lists public housing and other affordable options. Explore: Montana Housing – Main Site.
  • Tip: Ask local HRDCs and AAAs for project‑based properties and senior housing buildings in your county.

Emergency Housing and Homeless Services

Note: The federal Emergency Rental Assistance (COVID‑era) has ended in Montana. For current rent help, use your HRDC, 211, and city/county programs.

Homeownership Help

  • Down Payment Assistance (Montana Board of Housing): First‑time homebuyers may qualify for down payment and closing cost assistance with fixed‑rate mortgages. Details: Montana Down Payment Assistance. Phone: 406‑841‑2840.

Reverse Annuity Mortgage (RAM)

Table: Housing Options at a Glance

Program What it does Who it serves How to apply
Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Helps pay rent in private market Low‑income renters, incl. seniors Montana Housing – HCV
Public/Affordable Housing Below‑market rent units Low‑income individuals/families Montana Housing
ESG/Coordinated Entry Shelter, rapid rehousing People homeless or at risk Call 211 or ESG – DPHHS
Down Payment Assistance First‑time buyer help Income‑eligible buyers Down Payment Assistance
Reverse Annuity Mortgage Equity loan for seniors Homeowners 68+ RAM – Montana Housing

Tip: Keep copies of your lease, landlord’s contact, income proofs, and any eviction/notice papers. These speed up help.

Utilities and Home Energy

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)

  • Helps with heating costs and can address furnace emergencies in winter. Apply through DPHHS/your local HRDC: Energy Assistance – DPHHS.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

  • No‑cost home energy upgrades (insulation, air sealing, safety checks). Usually paired with LIHEAP through local HRDCs. Start here: Energy & Weatherization – DPHHS.

Energy Share of Montana (Nonprofit)

  • One‑time help with heat/utility bills for households facing hardship (not income‑entitlement; case‑by‑case). Learn more: Energy Share of Montana.

Utility Company Programs

Water/Sewer: The federal LIHWAP program has ended. Ask your city/county utility about payment plans and hardship funds, and call 211 for local programs.

Phone and Internet

  • Lifeline: Monthly discount on phone or internet for low‑income households. Apply via the official program site: Lifeline Support (USAC).
  • Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP): Federal funding ended in 2024. Some carriers still offer low‑income plans—ask your provider.
  • Montana Telecommunications Access Program (MTAP): Free/low‑cost adaptive phones and relay services for people with hearing/speech loss: MTAP – DPHHS.

Table: Utilities Support Overview

Need Program What it provides Where to go
Heat/electric LIHEAP Bill credits; crisis heat help DPHHS – Energy Assistance
Energy efficiency Weatherization Insulation, safety checks DPHHS – Energy Assistance
One‑time hardship Energy Share Case‑by‑case energy aid Energy Share of Montana
Phone/internet discount Lifeline Monthly service discount Lifeline Support
Accessible phones MTAP Equipment, relay services MTAP – DPHHS

Home Repairs, Safety, and Accessibility

USDA Section 504 Home Repair (Loans & Grants)

  • Grants (for 62+) to remove health/safety hazards; loans (1% interest) for repairs and modifications. Lifetime grant limits and loan caps apply. Details and current limits: USDA 504 – Montana.

Example: A 74‑year‑old homeowner used a 504 grant to fix a failing furnace before winter and a small loan for roof repairs.

Weatherization (No‑Cost Energy Upgrades)

  • See Utilities section above. It often adds smoke/CO detectors and ventilation fixes that improve safety.

Habitat for Humanity (Local Affiliates)

  • Critical home repairs and accessibility modifications for eligible homeowners, plus affordable homebuilding. Contact your nearest affiliate, such as Missoula: Habitat for Humanity Missoula. Ask your AAA which affiliate serves your county.

Reverse Annuity Mortgage (RAM)

  • See Housing section. This option can fund major repairs if other grants don’t cover full costs. Montana RAM.

Reality check: Most repair grants require you to be the homeowner, live in the home, and meet income limits. Expect inspections and contractor bids. Apply early before winter.

Table: Home Repair and Accessibility Programs

Program Main benefit Key points Learn more
USDA 504 Grants/loans for repairs 62+ for grants; health/safety focus USDA 504 – MT
Weatherization No‑cost energy upgrades Often paired with LIHEAP DPHHS – Energy Assistance
Habitat for Humanity Repairs/accessibility Varies by affiliate; waitlists common Habitat Missoula
RAM (Montana Housing) Equity‑based loan Must be 68+; consider counseling RAM – Montana Housing

Health Care, Medicare, and Dental

Medicaid in Montana

Tip: If your income is a bit over the limit, ask about “spend‑down” or other pathways. Your AAA or SHIP can help you understand options.

SHIP – Free Medicare Counseling

  • Unbiased help with Medicare parts A/B/D, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and savings programs. Montana SHIP or call 1‑800‑551‑3191.

Medicare Savings + Extra Help for Prescriptions

Community Health Centers (Sliding Fee)

  • Southwest Montana Community Health Center provides medical, dental, behavioral health, and a sliding fee discount: Southwest Montana CHC.
  • Find other Montana health centers via HRSA locator: Find a Health Center.

Dental Care Options

  • RiverStone Health Dental Clinic (Billings): Medicaid accepted; help for uninsured; emergency care available. RiverStone Health Dental.
  • Shepherd’s Hand Free Clinic (Whitefish): Free Monday evening dental clinics (acute pain and urgent needs). Shepherd’s Hand.
  • Community Health Partners (CHP): Walk‑in dental for emergencies and comprehensive care at multiple sites. CHP Dental Services.
  • Dental Lifeline Network – Donated Dental Services (DDS): Comprehensive donated dental treatment for eligible older adults and people with disabilities (long waitlists). Dental Lifeline Network – Montana.

Reality check: Low‑cost dental programs often have long waits and limited procedures (for example, implants are rarely covered). Ask about dentures and partials, which are more commonly offered.

Mental Health and Substance Use

  • Crisis: call 988.
  • Medicaid covers many mental health services. Ask your provider or call your AAA for referrals.
  • Community programs vary by county; search via Montana 211.

Vision & Hearing

  • Medicare covers medically necessary services; routine coverage varies.
  • Assistive phones, captioned phones, and relay: MTAP – DPHHS.

Food and Nutrition

SNAP (EBT)

  • Monthly benefits to buy groceries at authorized stores and many farmers’ markets. Apply here: Montana SNAP.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

  • Seasonal vouchers to buy fresh produce and honey from participating farmers. Details and local contacts: Senior Nutrition – DPHHS.

Congregate and Home‑Delivered Meals

  • Hot meals at senior centers and home delivery (Meals on Wheels) for homebound seniors. Find your local program via AAA: Find Your AAA (PDF).

Food Banks

Tip: If you can’t drive, ask your AAA about volunteer shoppers or grocery delivery options.

Table: Food Programs Summary

Program What you get How to start
SNAP Monthly EBT for groceries Apply for SNAP – DPHHS
CSFP Monthly senior food box Senior Nutrition – DPHHS
SFMNP Produce vouchers (seasonal) Senior Nutrition – DPHHS
Congregate Meals Hot meals at group sites Contact your local AAA
Home‑Delivered Meals Hot/frozen meals at home Contact your local AAA

Transportation

Medicaid Non‑Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)

Public Transit and Paratransit

Tip: For rural areas, ask about volunteer driver programs through your AAA or HRDC.

Caregiving, Long‑Term Care, and Protection

  • Area Agencies on Aging (AAA): Information & Assistance, caregiver support, respite options, care coordination. Find Your AAA.
  • Long‑Term Care Ombudsman: Advocates for residents in nursing homes and assisted living. Montana Ombudsman Program.
  • Adult Protective Services: Report abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Montana APS.
  • Legal Help: Civil legal aid for eligible Montanans (housing, public benefits, elder law). Montana Legal Services Association.

Tip: Keep a simple “care binder” with medication lists, doctors, insurance cards, powers of attorney, and contacts. Share with a trusted caregiver.

Inclusive Help: Groups Who May Need Targeted Support

LGBTQ+ Seniors

  • SAGE National LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline (peer support and referrals): SAGE Hotline.
  • Your AAA can connect you to inclusive services and local support groups. Find Your AAA.

Veteran Seniors

Seniors with Disabilities

Tribal and Native Elders

  • Title VI Native American Aging Programs (nutrition, transportation, caregiver support) – directory: ACL Older Indians.
  • Indian Health Service – Billings Area: IHS Billings Area.
  • BIA Housing Improvement Program (HIP) – home repair help on trust land/tribal areas: BIA HIP.
  • Ask your Tribal health or aging office for local Title VI and housing contacts.

Rural Seniors

  • Telehealth: Medicare covers many telehealth services; ask your clinic to set up visits if travel is hard: Medicare – Telehealth Coverage.
  • Mail‑order pharmacies and medical supply delivery can reduce long trips.
  • For long distances to appointments, ask your AAA about volunteer drivers or mileage reimbursement options.

Resources by Region (How to Find Local Help Fast)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Are Section 8 vouchers open right now in Montana?
    Openings change. Check Montana Housing – HCV and sign up for updates. Apply to multiple waitlists if possible. Keep your email, phone, and mailing address current with the housing authority, or you may lose your spot.
  2. Can I get both LIHEAP and help from Energy Share of Montana in the same year?
    Often yes. LIHEAP is the main program; Energy Share is a nonprofit safety net for emergencies and gaps. Your HRDC will guide you. Start at Energy Assistance – DPHHS and Energy Share of Montana.
  3. Is Montana still offering water bill assistance (LIHWAP)?
    Federal LIHWAP funding has ended. Ask your local water utility about payment plans and hardship funds, and call 211 for local aid: Montana 211.
  4. Where can I get help choosing a Medicare plan?
    Call Montana SHIP at 1‑800‑551‑3191 or visit Montana SHIP. SHIP is free and unbiased.
  5. How do I replace a lost Medicare or Social Security card?
  1. I’m a homeowner on a fixed income. Is there help with property taxes?
    Yes. Review programs on the Montana Department of Revenue – Property Tax Relief page. Ask a tax preparer or AAA if you need help applying.
  2. Who can help me fill out applications?
  1. I need dental work. Are implants covered anywhere?
    Implants are rarely covered by safety‑net programs. Ask about dentures, partials, extractions, and preventive care. Try RiverStone Health Dental, CHP Dental, and Dental Lifeline Network – Montana.
  2. Is there still help with Medicare Part D premiums in Montana?
    Yes—ask about Big Sky Rx and Extra Help (LIS). Start with Montana SHIP. For Extra Help (federal), see SSA – Extra Help.
  3. I live far from town. Can I get rides to medical appointments?
    If you have Medicaid, ask about NEMT: Medicaid Transportation. Otherwise, check local transit via MDT Public Transit and call your AAA about volunteer drivers.

Additional Resources (Quick Links)

Reality Checks, Warnings, and Tips

  • Beware of scammers offering “fast approvals” for a fee. Government and AAA help is free.
  • Keep your phone voicemail clear and check mail often—missed calls or letters can drop you from waitlists.
  • If you move or change phone numbers, update every program you applied to.
  • If denied, ask for the denial reason in writing and how to appeal. Many decisions can be fixed or appealed.
  • Winter: apply for LIHEAP early. Ask your utility for a winter shut‑off protection plan if available.

Table: Save This Checklist

Task Why it matters Done?
Gather ID, SSN, income, lease/mortgage, utility bills Used for almost every program ☐
Call your AAA One-stop guidance and referrals ☐
Apply for SNAP and LIHEAP Fastest relief for food/heat bills ☐
Join housing waitlists Lists are long; apply early ☐
Call SHIP Lower Medicare costs, avoid penalties ☐
Ask HRDC about Weatherization Cuts bills; improves safety ☐

Disclaimer

Program details, eligibility rules, funding levels, and contact information can change. Always verify information with the agency or organization linked in this guide. This content is for general information and is not legal, tax, 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.

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