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

Senior Benefits and Assistance Programs in Pennsylvania (Authority Guide)

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Emergency Help (Start Here)

• Call 911 for life‑threatening emergencies.
• Call 988 for mental health or suicide crisis support (24/7, free, confidential) — see the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Learn about 988.
• Report suspected elder abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation (available 24/7) to Pennsylvania’s protective services hotline: 1‑800‑490‑8505 — see the Pennsylvania Department of Aging: Report Elder Abuse.
• Find local food, housing, and bill help: Dial 211 or search United Way of Pennsylvania: Find Help via PA 211.
• Homelessness support (shelter and rehousing): Start with county resources via the PA Department of Human Services Homeless Assistance Program: PA Homeless Assistance Program.
• Medicare help and counseling (free, unbiased): PA MEDI Helpline 1‑800‑783‑7067 — see the Pennsylvania Department of Aging: PA MEDI (Medicare Counseling).

Quick Emergency & Helpline Directory

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Key Takeaways

• Pennsylvania has strong statewide help for seniors: property tax/rent rebates, energy assistance, home repairs, in‑home care, food programs, and free transit on local fixed‑route buses and trains.
• Start at the state’s benefits portal, COMPASS, to screen and apply for benefits online: Apply for Benefits on COMPASS.
• For personalized guidance, your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is the front door to most senior services: Find Your Local AAA.
• Be realistic: some programs have waitlists, limited seasons (like LIHEAP), or changing rules (like the Property Tax/Rent Rebate). Always check the official page linked here before you apply.
• If you need long‑term services at home or in a nursing home and have limited income/resources, Medicaid (Medical Assistance) may pay — often through Community HealthChoices managed care.

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How to Use This Guide

• We group programs by need: money/taxes, housing, utilities, food, healthcare, transportation, home repairs, in‑home care, and legal help.
• Each section explains what a program does, who it helps, and how to apply — with direct links to official sources.
• Look for “Reality checks” and “Tips” boxes for practical advice.

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Pennsylvania Seniors at a Glance

• About 1 in 5 Pennsylvanians is age 65+ (American Community Survey 2023). See U.S. Census Bureau’s ACS: Pennsylvania Age Profile (Table S0101).
• Pennsylvania’s Department of Aging funds services in all 67 counties via 52 local AAAs: PA Department of Aging.

Reality check: Programs and income limits change. Always click through to the official page before you apply.

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Where to Start: One Application Portal and One Local Door

• Apply online for many benefits (SNAP, Medicaid, LIHEAP when open) at COMPASS: COMPASS Application.
• Call or visit your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for home-delivered meals, in‑home care, caregiver help, transportation, and more: Find Your AAA.

Tip: Keep a folder with your photo ID, Social Security number, proof of PA residency, recent income (award letters, pay stubs), bank balance, rent/utility bills, and medical costs. You’ll need these for most applications.

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Money, Taxes, and Cash Help

Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR)

• What it is: A state rebate on property taxes or rent paid the prior year for eligible older adults and people with disabilities.
• Who it helps: Generally age 65+ homeowners and renters (also widows/widowers 50+, and adults with disabilities 18+), with income limits that the legislature expanded in 2023.
• Why it matters: It can put real cash back in your pocket and is compatible with many other benefits.
• How to apply: Online or by paper through the PA Department of Revenue: Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program.

Reality check: Income limits and maximum rebate amounts can change. The state may extend filing deadlines some years. Always verify current-year rules on the Department of Revenue site.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Pennsylvania State Supplement

• What it is: Federal monthly cash benefits for people 65+ or adults with disabilities with limited income/resources. Pennsylvania also provides a small state supplement to SSI.
• How to apply: Start with Social Security (SSI): Apply for SSI. Learn about Pennsylvania’s state supplement on SSA’s state supplements page: SSI State Supplements.

Tip: If you’re on SSI, you’ll usually qualify for Medicaid (Medical Assistance) automatically in PA.

TANF and Other DHS Cash Programs

• TANF is for families with minor children. Grandparents caring for grandchildren may qualify for child-only TANF. See PA DHS: TANF (Cash Assistance).
• Pennsylvania’s former General Assistance cash program ended in 2019 and is no longer available (PA DHS notices). If you see sites claiming it’s open, that info is outdated.

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Housing and Rent Assistance

Overview Table: Housing Options for Seniors

Reality check: Waiting lists for vouchers and senior buildings can be long. Apply to more than one housing authority if possible. Keep paperwork current so you don’t lose your spot.

Homelessness Prevention and Help

• Pennsylvania Homeless Assistance Program: Case management, emergency shelter, bridge housing, and rental help (varies by county). Start here: PA Homeless Assistance Program.
• Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP): Most counties have exhausted federal ERAP funds. Some still manage limited aid for special cases. Check your county website or call 211.

Philadelphia & Big-City Programs (more regional links below)

• Philadelphia Senior Housing Assistance Repair Program (SHARP): Small home repairs for qualifying seniors, managed via the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. See PCA’s housing resources: PCA – Housing Resources.
• Philadelphia’s Basic Systems Repair Program (BSRP) for low-income homeowners: PHDC – BSRP.

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Home Repairs and Accessibility Modifications

Tip: Get written estimates and check contractor licenses. Never pay in full upfront.

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Utilities: Heat, Power, and Water

Reality check: LIHWAP (water bill) was a temporary federal program and is no longer active in Pennsylvania. For water help, ask your water authority about senior discounts or hardship programs and call 211.

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Food and Nutrition

• SNAP for older adults: Helps buy groceries; medical and shelter costs can increase your benefit. Apply via COMPASS: Apply for SNAP. Learn about seniors and SNAP at PA DHS: SNAP for Older Adults.
• Senior Food Box Program (Commodity Supplemental Food Program): Monthly box with shelf-stable foods for age 60+ with limited income. PA Department of Agriculture: Senior Food Box Program.
• Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP): Summer produce vouchers for fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers. PA Department of Agriculture: Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program.
• Home-delivered meals & congregate meals: Through your AAA and senior centers. Start here: Find Your AAA.

Tip: If you live alone and cook less, ask your AAA about “cold pack” or weekend meals, and options for special diets (diabetes, low-sodium).

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Healthcare, Medicare, Medicaid, and In‑Home Care

Medicare Help: PA MEDI (Free and Unbiased)

• What it does: Explains Medicare, Medigap, Part D drug plans, Advantage plans, Extra Help, and appeals. One-on-one counseling via your AAA.
• Get help: Call 1‑800‑783‑7067 or visit: PA MEDI (Medicare Counseling).

Medical Assistance (Medicaid) and Community HealthChoices

• Medical Assistance (MA) is Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program for low-income residents. See program info and apply at COMPASS: PA Medical Assistance.
• Community HealthChoices (CHC) manages services for people who are 21+ and either receive both Medicare and Medicaid (dual-eligible) and/or need long-term services and supports (LTSS). CHC can cover in‑home help, adult day, home mods, and nursing home care. Learn more: Community HealthChoices.

Reality check: To get in‑home LTSS through Medicaid, you’ll need a clinical assessment and must meet financial eligibility rules. There can be paperwork and wait times; your AAA can help you navigate.

Prescription Help: PACE and PACENET

• What it is: Pennsylvania’s prescription assistance for older adults. Works with Medicare Part D to lower costs.
• Eligibility: Age 65+ with income limits that change periodically by law.
• Learn more and apply: PACE and PACENET (PA Department of Aging) or call PACE Cardholder Services at 1‑800‑225‑7223.

Tip: Even if you were denied before, check again — laws in 2023 protected many seniors from losing eligibility due to Social Security COLAs.

Mental Health and Substance Use

• Call 988 for crisis support anytime.
• County mental health programs vary. Start at PA DHS: Mental Health in PA.
• For older adult behavioral health needs, ask your AAA about mobile crisis, peer supports, or geriatric psychiatry referrals.

Medical Transportation

• Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP): Rides to Medicaid-covered medical appointments for MA recipients. Learn more and find your county provider: MATP – PA DHS.

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Transportation for Seniors

• Free Transit for Seniors (Fixed-Route): If you’re 65+, you can ride free on local fixed-route services (bus, trolley, some rail) with a Senior Citizen Transit ID Card. Learn and apply through your local transit operator or PennDOT: Senior Transit Programs (PennDOT).
• Shared-Ride Program: Discounted door-to-door paratransit (typically 85% off) for seniors 65+. Details and enrollment via local transit agencies: Shared-Ride Program.

Tip: Apply early; getting a Senior Transit ID or paratransit eligibility can take a few weeks.

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Caregiving, In‑Home Support, and Safety

• Area Agency on Aging “Options” Program: In‑home services like personal care, homemaking, meals, personal emergency response systems, and minor home mods. Sliding scale or free depending on income and need. Contact your AAA: Find Your AAA.
• Caregiver Support Program: Reimburses out-of-pocket costs for caregivers and offers coaching, support, and sometimes respite. Includes grandparents raising grandchildren. Learn more: PA Caregiver Support Program.
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: Helps resolve problems in nursing homes, personal care homes, and Dom Care. Confidential and free. See: PA Ombudsman Program.
• Adult Day Services: Structured daytime care for adults needing supervision or socialization. Ask your AAA.

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Phones, Internet, and Assistive Technology

• Lifeline (phone/internet discount): Monthly discount for low-income households. Apply through the FCC’s Lifeline program: FCC Lifeline.
• Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP): The federal ACP ended in 2024 due to lack of funding. Some providers still offer low-cost plans for seniors; ask your ISP.
• Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF): Low-interest and no-interest loans and guidance to buy assistive technology (hearing, vision, mobility, home access). See: PATF.
• TechOWL (PA’s Assistive Technology Act program): Device lending, reuse, and demonstrations statewide. See: TechOWL Pennsylvania.

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Legal Help, Consumer Protection, and Abuse Prevention

• SeniorLAW Center (statewide focus on older Pennsylvanians): Housing, elder abuse, consumer rights, and more. See: SeniorLAW Center.
• Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network (PLAN): Free civil legal help across the state; find your local office: Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network.
• PA Attorney General – Consumer Protection: Report scams, robocalls, or contractor fraud. Helpline 1‑800‑441‑2555; PA OAG Consumer Protection.
• Report elder abuse 24/7: 1‑800‑490‑8505 — PA Protective Services.

Reality check: Never pay fees for help applying to public benefits — AAAs and PA MEDI are free and unbiased.

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Inclusive Support: Veterans, LGBTQ+, Disability, Native/Tribal, and Rural Seniors

Veteran Seniors

• County Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) provide free help with VA claims and benefits. Find your county office through PA DMVA: County Directors of Veterans Affairs.
• State veteran pensions:
  • Blind Veterans Pension: $150/month for eligible PA veterans — Blind Veterans Pension.
  • Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension: $150/month — Amputee and Paralyzed Pension.
• Financial hardship grants: Military Family Relief Assistance Program — MFRAP.
• VA Health Care and pensions: Start at VA.gov. For crisis, call 988 then press 1.

LGBTQ+ Older Adults

• PA MEDI and AAAs serve all seniors. If you prefer LGBTQ+-affirming community supports:
  • William Way LGBT Community Center (Philadelphia): programs for older adults — William Way.
  • SAGE resources (national): find LGBTQ+ aging services and SAGECare providers — SAGE USA.
  • Persad Center (Pittsburgh region): mental health and community supports — Persad Center.

Tip: If you face discrimination in housing or care, file a complaint with HUD’s Fair Housing office: HUD Fair Housing Complaints.

Seniors with Disabilities

• Medicaid CHC/waivers can fund in‑home aides, home mods, and equipment for those who qualify: Community HealthChoices.
• Assistive technology loans and device reuse: PATF and TechOWL.
• Paratransit/Shared-Ride: Subsidized rides for 65+ and ADA paratransit for those with disabilities: PennDOT Senior & Disability Transit.

Native/Tribal Elders

• Pennsylvania does not have federally recognized tribes headquartered in-state. If you are an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe, you may access Title VI (Native American Aging) services through your tribe and some urban Indian organizations.
• Find Title VI programs: ACL Title VI Locator.
• Urban Indian health resources: National Council of Urban Indian Health. IHS regional info: Indian Health Service – Nashville Area (covers the East).

Rural Seniors

• Transportation: Shared-Ride and fixed-route free rides (where available) can be a lifeline. Start with your county transit agency: PennDOT Senior Transit Programs.
• Health and telehealth: Ask your provider about phone/telehealth visits. For phone/internet discounts, see FCC Lifeline.
• Food access: Your AAA can connect you to home-delivered meals, mobile pantries, and SFMNP vouchers.

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Transportation & ID: What to Bring

• For a Senior Transit ID or Shared-Ride: Bring proof of age (driver’s license, birth certificate, passport) and proof of Pennsylvania address if required by the local agency. Check your transit agency’s website via PennDOT’s page: Senior Transit Programs.

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Taxes and Money-Saving Help

• Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR): Apply or check status via myPATH.
• Philadelphia Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Freeze and rebates: Philadelphia Revenue – Senior Programs.
• Allegheny County (Pittsburgh) Senior tax relief options: Allegheny County Treasurer – Tax Relief.
• Free tax prep: AARP Foundation Tax‑Aide (all ages welcome, focus on seniors): Find Tax‑Aide.

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Regional Resources (Selected)

For most services (meals, caregiver help, in-home care, transit discounts), start with your local AAA: Find Your AAA.

• Philadelphia (Philadelphia County)
  • Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (AAA): PCA | Helpline: 215‑765‑9040
  • Home repair (BSRP): PHDC – BSRP
  • Water bill help: Philadelphia Water – Customer Assistance
• Pittsburgh / Allegheny County
  • Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging: Allegheny AAA
  • Persad Center (LGBTQ+): Persad Center
  • Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh: HACP
• Lehigh Valley (Lehigh & Northampton)
  • Lehigh County Office of Aging & Adult Services: Lehigh AAA
  • Northampton County Area Agency on Aging: Northampton AAA
• Erie County
  • Greater Erie Community Action Committee (GECAC) AAA: Erie AAA
• Scranton / Wilkes‑Barre (Lackawanna & Luzerne)
  • Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging: Lackawanna AAA
  • Area Agency on Aging for Luzerne & Wyoming Counties: Luzerne/Wyoming AAA
• Harrisburg & Surrounding (Dauphin, Cumberland, Perry)
  • Dauphin County Area Agency on Aging: Dauphin AAA
  • Cumberland County Aging & Community Services: Cumberland Aging
• Lancaster / York / Berks
  • Lancaster County Office of Aging: Lancaster AAA
  • York County Area Agency on Aging: York AAA
  • Berks County Area Agency on Aging: Berks AAA

If your county isn’t listed here, use the state directory: Find Your AAA.

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Program Snapshot (At a Glance)

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Application Tips: Make It Easier

• Use COMPASS to apply for multiple benefits in one place: COMPASS.
• Keep copies of everything you submit. If mailing, use certified mail or upload through official portals when possible.
• Missed a deadline? Ask if an extension or good-cause exception is available.
• Denied? You often have the right to appeal. The notice will explain how. Ask PA MEDI (for Medicare) or your AAA (for aging services) for help.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Am I eligible for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate this year?
   Eligibility depends on age, disability status, and income. Rules were expanded in 2023 and may be adjusted for inflation. Check current limits and apply at the Department of Revenue: PTRR Program.
2. Can I get help paying for my prescriptions?
   Yes. PACE and PACENET help Pennsylvanians 65+ with drug costs and coordinate with Medicare Part D. See current income rules and apply here: PACE/PACENET or call 1‑800‑225‑7223.
3. What if I need help staying in my home instead of a nursing home?
   Ask your AAA about in‑home services (Options Program). If you have limited income/resources and meet medical criteria, Medicaid’s Community HealthChoices may cover in‑home supports. Start here: Find Your AAA and CHC.
4. Does Pennsylvania still help with water bills?
   The temporary federal LIHWAP has ended in PA. Ask your water/sewer provider about hardship programs, and check Dollar Energy Fund or call 211 for local resources.
5. How do I get free rides on buses and trains?
   Apply for a Senior Citizen Transit ID through your local transit operator. Rides are free on fixed-route services for 65+. Learn more: PennDOT Senior Transit.
6. Where can I get unbiased Medicare advice?
   PA MEDI counselors provide free, unbiased help at 1‑800‑783‑7067: PA MEDI.
7. I’m a veteran. Are there Pennsylvania benefits for me?
   Yes. Blind and Amputee/Paralyzed Veteran Pensions (both $150/month) and emergency help via MFRAP. Contact your county VSO: County Veterans Offices.
8. How do I report elder abuse or financial exploitation?
   Call Pennsylvania Protective Services at 1‑800‑490‑8505 (24/7). More info: Report Elder Abuse.
9. I can’t afford dental care. Any options?
   Check your AAA for local dental clinics and sliding-fee programs. Also see community health centers via the PA Association of Community Health Centers: Find a Health Center. Some clinics offer reduced-cost care for seniors.
10. What changed with energy assistance and internet discounts?
    LIHEAP remains available each winter. The federal Affordable Connectivity Program (home internet discount) ended in 2024; Lifeline still offers smaller discounts: FCC Lifeline.

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Resources (Official Links)

• Benefits & Applications: COMPASS (PA DHS)
• Pennsylvania Department of Aging: PDA – Main Site
• Area Agencies on Aging: Find Your AAA
• Medicare Counseling: PA MEDI
• Medical Assistance (Medicaid): PA DHS – Medical Assistance
• Community HealthChoices: CHC
• Prescription Help: PACE/PACENET
• Property Tax/Rent Rebate: PTRR
• LIHEAP (Heat/Energy): LIHEAP in PA
• Weatherization: PA DCED Weatherization
• Dollar Energy Fund: Pennsylvania Programs
• USDA 504 Home Repair: USDA RD Pennsylvania
• SNAP for Older Adults: SNAP – PA DHS
• Senior Food Box (CSFP): Program Info
• SFMNP Produce Vouchers: Senior Farmers’ Market
• Transit Programs (Seniors & Disabilities): PennDOT Transit
• Medical Transportation: MATP
• SeniorLAW Center (Legal): SeniorLAW Center
• PA Legal Aid Network: PLAN
• PA Protective Services: Report Elder Abuse
• Veterans (PA DMVA): PA Veterans Affairs

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Disclaimer

Program rules, eligibility, funding, and contact details can and do change. Always check the official links provided here or contact the administering agency before applying. This guide is for general information and is not legal, tax, insurance, or financial 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.