Grants for Seniors in Montana

Help for Seniors in Montana

Montana has been known for its educational opportunities, outdoor activities particularly Yellowstone National Park, agriculture, and the high-technology sector. The cost of living is slightly lower than the national average in this state. Also, it is one of the tax-friendly states and population density is low. Even though there is a good dealt of nursing centers and Medicare units for the elderly, they still have other needs including housing, rent, utilities, and health support. Hence, the federal government, state authorities, and local organizations provide various programs and services for senior residents.

Housing and Rent Assistance

The Montana Housing Voucher Program-Section 8 is a rent assistance program created by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Senior citizens who are facing financial problems and are not able to pay their rent are eligible for this benefit. Qualified applicants can decide the house, apartment, or flat which is compatible with the regulations of the program. Roughly 70 percent of the rent will be absorbed by the program and 30 percent will be paid by the accepted applicant. Their main requirements are the size and total revenue of the household. To see the application form, please visit https://housing.mt.gov/Rental-Housing/Housing-Choice-Voucher-Program or make a phone call at 800 761 6264.

Montana Public Housing was established and has been run by the Montana Department of Commerce for low and moderate-income households. The aim of this program is to provide decent, safe, and low-cost housing for everyone in need. Apart from providing temporary or permanent housing, it offers to help with mortgage payments and buying a home. Seniors who are searching for housing support can get in touch with this establishment. For more information, please go to https://housing.mt.gov/ or call 406 841 2840.

Montana Emergency Rental Assistance is a special program for those who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Especially older people who have financial difficulties caused by the pandemic are qualified for this program. Eligible candidates can have approximately $2,200 rent help each month. Besides, the program may help with the utilities and internet bills by providing an extra $350 for a household. To learn more, please click on the link https://housing.mt.gov/Rental-Housing/Montana-Emergency-Rental-Assistance-Program or dial the toll-free number 800 761 6264.

Montana Down Payment Assistance Program was created and has been led by the Montana Department of Commerce for first-time homebuyers in Montana. Seniors who wish to have their first home but not able to cover all the economic costs by themselves are eligible for this program. This program prepares a reasonable mortgage payment plan for the accepted candidate based on her or his economic situation. Receivers can repay this mortgage in 30 years with a fixed rate. To read more and apply, follow the link https://housing.mt.gov/Homeownership/Homebuyers/Down-Payment-Assistance or contact 406 841 2840.

Financial Assistance

Emergency Solutions Grant Program is a federally funded program for homeless people in Montana. Anyone who is at the risk of losing their home or is already homeless can make connections with this program. The main goal of this program is to reduce homelessness. It is better to apply as quickly as possible because the funding of this program is limited. Find out more at https://dphhs.mt.gov/Portals/85/hcsd/documents/esgpolicymanual.pdf.

Salvation Army of Montana is one of the most efficient social organizations across Montana with various local offices. This organization offers to help with financial problems for low-income residents. Seniors who are looking for cash assistance may consult the Salvation Army of Montana. To see the nearest office to you, please click on https://westernusa.salvationarmy.org/intermountain_us_west/montana/.

Health Assistance

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is funded by the Administration on Community Living for seniors who are having financial and health problems. It offers to counsel and provide information for seniors, their caregivers, and families. Seniors who have questions in their mind about their health or are not able to pay for their health-related bills can communicate with the SHIP. To learn more, please follow the link https://dphhs.mt.gov/SLTC/aging/SHIP or call 1 800 551 3192.

Area Agencies on Aging Montana is a very comprehensive program that the federal government, state authorities, and local organizations work together to protect the senior citizens’ health and independence. This division has 10 offices throughout Montana. It provides information and assistance on legal and health-related issues. Its services include health care management, nutrition benefits, and support for family caregivers. All of the offices across Montana have different programs based on the needs of the county. To see the nearest office, please click the link https://dphhs.mt.gov/Portals/85/sltc/documents/AAA/AAAContacts.pdf or dial the toll-free helpline 800 551 3191.

Utility Bills Assistance

Energy Share of Montana is a utility support program that is run by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality for low and moderate-income families. It offers cash assistance for utilities based on the economic condition of the applicant. Seniors who are having challenges paying their utility bills may apply for this program. To learn more, please see http://deq.mt.gov/energy/warmhomes/assistance or contact 1 800 442 4900.

Flathead Electric Cooperative is a local electricity firm that provides utility support for low-income people. Older people who are not in a good position to pay their utilities may apply to this company. It gives a monthly credit for utility expenses. For more information, go to https://www.flatheadelectric.com/ or contact the toll-free number 800 735 8489.

Food Assistance

The Montana Commodity Supplemental Food Program was specifically designed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for seniors who are not able to cook for themselves or who do not have enough money to buy food. Adults who are 60 years old or older are eligible for this food benefit. Accepted candidates can have a monthly food box that contains fresh, healthy, and nutritious food based on their diet. To learn more, please visit https://dphhs.mt.gov/sltc/aging/nutritionservices or dial 800 551 3191.

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program was formed by the USDA for low-income people who are 60 years of age or older. Qualified applicants receive food coupons to buy fresh vegetables, fruits, and raw honey from the farmers’ markets. To apply for this benefit, please go to https://dphhs.mt.gov/sltc/aging/nutritionservices or contact 800 332 2272.