Help for Seniors in Minnesota
The cost of living in Minnesota is close to the national average. This places it above many other states which have a much lower cost of living. With this relatively high cost of living comes increased financial burden on the elderly residents of the state. This have made it essential for several programs to be put in place to help the older citizens.
State Resources for Seniors
Minnesota hosts a wealth of resources to help seniors who may be experiencing challenges. The state sponsors and administers some programs to meet the needs of the challenged residents. Other programs are not directly administered but are offered in collaboration with non-profit organizations. Many links to these resources are provided by the Department of Human Services online at https://mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/seniors/.
Dental Grants and Benefits
Caring Hands Dental Clinic offers comprehensive dental care to seniors in Minnesota. The services offered by the clinic vary widely and includes fillings, dental crowns, x-rays, extractions, dentures, periodontal care, etc. All of these services are provided in a professional environment, to ensure the best possible results and improve the oral health of patients. Seniors can visit Caring Hand Dental Clinic online at https://www.caringhandsdentalclinic.com/.
Hope Dental Clinic is another dental care clinic in the state that meets the needs of low-income seniors. The clinic offers free dental treatments to help restore health to elderly people. While the services and all treatments are free, patients are required to pay $20 administrative fee per visit. Hope Dental Clinic also serves seniors who do not have dental insurance coverage. For more details on the clinic, visit https://www.hopedentalclinic.org/patients/.
Community Dental Care is a nonprofit dental practice that provides standard dental care services for challenged residents. The organization provides preventive, restorative and emergency dental services as required. The cost of treatment is low, and many insurance providers are supported. However, seniors who do not have dental insurance can qualify for discounts on their treatment. Seniors can visit https://www.cdentc.org/ to get started with Community Dental Care.
Healthcare Assistance
Seniors who require medical assistance can visit free clinics in the state to get comprehensive treatment.
Phillips Neighborhood Clinic is operated by health students from the University of Minnesota, under the supervision of licensed personnel. The clinic serves the uninsured and financially challenged people in the area, providing free healthcare services to patients. The clinic offers a wide variety of medical services, lab tests and therapy. Seniors can visit https://sites.google.com/view/phillipsneighborhoodclinic/home for services.
Neighborhood HealthSource is a low-cost clinic that aims to serve the underinsured population. The clinic charges for services, however, this is done on a sliding scale basis. This kind of arrangement ensures that seniors are never charged more than they can afford since pricing is based on their income level. The clinic provides services such as cancer screening, minor surgeries, diabetes care etc. Seniors interested in the services of the clinic can visit https://neighborhoodhealthsource.org/.
The University of Minnesota’s Community-University Health Care Center offers medical care to various residents of the state. The health center provides services like chronic disease care, preventive care, lab testing, etc. All necessary services are provided regardless of the patient’s ability to pay for care. Uninsured seniors can get treatment and may be referred to suitable low-cost insurance policies afterwards. Sliding scale fee discount services are also available to help ease costs. Seniors can find more information at https://cuhcc.umn.edu/.
Charities and Organizations
Catholic Charities provides assistance services for seniors to help them live independently. Financial aid is offered to seniors to help them pay for their utilities, rent, mortgage, etc. Meals and shelter are also provided to low-income persons and those who are homeless. Home care services may be rendered by volunteers to help seniors with domestic tasks. Information on the services offered can be found at https://www.cctwincities.org/what-we-do/.
The Salvation Army is another charitable organization that renders assistance to the elderly. Through various programs, the charity supports seniors and helps them live healthy, independent lives. Soup kitchens and food pantries are available to help older individuals get access to food. Shelters are provided to house the homeless in a comfortable environment and support them as they get back on their feet. Utility bill assistance and other forms of financial assistance are also provided, based on the availability of funds. More details on the help programs offered by the Salvation Army can be found at https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/twin-cities/.
Help At Your Door is a nonprofit organization made up of volunteers who render services to seniors. The volunteers help run errands like grocery shopping, basic home care, etc. for elderly residents, especially those with reduced mobility. Low-cost transportation services are also provided to help those who need to get around but have no means of transportation. To get help, visit https://helpatyourdoor.org/.
Financial Assistance
Minnesota General Assistance (GA) can help low-income seniors get monthly financial resources. Seniors over the age of 555 can apply for GA to get up to $203 per month. This program serves as an interim source of assistance while seniors work towards more permanent programs. Emergency General Assistance is also available once a year to provide urgent help for basic needs. For more information, visit https://edocs.dhs.state.mn.us/lfserver/Public/DHS-2062-ENG.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides financial aid to seniors over the age of 65. This program is administered by the Social Security Administration and tries to give support to low-income seniors. SSI benefits are provided on a monthly basis to meet the basic needs of seniors. Eligibility for the program is determined by income and asset values of the applicant. Depending on individual needs, the amount of money awarded can vary. Seniors can find more information on SSI at https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/ssi/?.
Minnesota Supplemental Aid provides monetary assistance to help seniors meet up with costs of living. The program helps seniors who receive SSI benefits by providing additional income for them. However, elderly residents who are not eligible for SSI may still be eligible for Minnesota Supplemental Aid. Seniors who live alone can get up to $81 in cash per month to pay for their basic needs. Individuals interested in the program can visit https://edocs.dhs.state.mn.us/lfserver/Public/DHS-1888-ENG for more details.
Food Assistance
The Supplemental Food Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income Minnesotans get access to healthy food. The program provides seniors with financial assistance that can be used to expand their food budget. The resources provided can also be used to buy food plants and seeds to grow for consumption. SNAP issues monthly benefits to seniors via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. This card works like a debit card and can be used to purchase approved food from grocery stores and farmers’ markets. Eligibility for SNAP is determined by the income level of the household applying for assistance. This income level is in turn used to calculate the amount of benefits issued to beneficiaries, also taking into account other expenses. Seniors over the age of 60 can download a special application form from https://edocs.dhs.state.mn.us/lfserver/Public/DHS-5223F-ENG.
Residents over the age of 50, who are not US citizens but are otherwise eligible for SNAP can apply for the Minnesota Food Assistance Program (MFAP). This program operates just like SNAP, offering the same considerations and eligibility requirements. The difference is that the program helps noncitizens get access to food. To apply for MFAP, visit http://edocs.dhs.state.mn.us/lfserver/Public/DHS-5223-ENG.
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides food for eligible seniors over the age of 60 in Minnesota. CSFP enhances the food quality of the elderly by giving food baskets which contain healthy items like cheese, canned fruits, vegetables, beans, milks, rice, etc. This program is open to seniors who do not live in facilities that provide food, but prepare their own food. Distribution of these food items is done at no cost to the beneficiaries from over 200 locations across the state. While CSFP does not provide food resources for the entire month, the items provided help improve nutrition. Seniors who need CSFP assistance can apply at https://redcap.health.state.mn.us/redcap/surveys/?s=8LRXMR73FNNXENDP.
Housing Assistance and Home Repair Grants
The Minnesota Fix Up Home Improvement Loan Program issues loans to eligible low-income residents to help them carry out repairs on their homes. Seniors can get up to $5,000 of unsecured loans to make necessary repairs and modifications to their homes. The loans have a low interest rate and a repayment period of up to 20 years on some loans. This spreads out the cost and makes it more manageable. Visit https://www.mnhousing.gov/sites/homeowners/fixup for more details.
The Section 504 Home Repair Program is a federal program that provides resources that seniors can use to repair their homes. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for seniors who are aged 62 and above. These grants can be used to carry out repairs aimed at resolving issues that threaten health and safety, or to carry out accessibility modifications on the home. Residents who are not up to 62 years old, or those who need more than $10,000 for their homes can obtain a loan of up to $40,000 for home repairs. The loans have a 20-year term and an interest rate fixed at 1%. More details can be obtained by visiting https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants/mn.
Transportation Assistance
Minnesota Transportation Museum (MTM) provides free non-emergency medical transportation services to seniors in the Metro Twin City area. This special transportation is provided to help low-income residents get to medical appointments and urgent care providers. Seniors can book rides online through MTM Link at https://mtm.mtmlink.net/ and are advised to do so at least 3 business days ahead. Elderly individuals can get rides from the hospital to their homes after being discharged. The program allows seniors to have rides scheduled for up to three months so that they can go for regular medical visits like dialysis Services are provided between the hours of 7am to 6pm, from Monday to Friday. For more information, visit https://www.mtm-inc.net/minnesota/recipients/.
The Transit Assistance Program (TAP) is provided by Metro Transit helps low-income residents get around by offering discounted tickets. With this program, seniors can get a one-year reduced fare pass on a special Go-To Card. Seniors under TAP can use this card to ride on buses and trains for $1, regardless of the time. Seniors who wish to use this program can apply online at https://www.metrotransit.org/tap-enrollment-form.
Metro Transit also provides a free ride program along certain routes. The buses on this program have are marked “Free Ride” for seniors and they can get on them without having to pay any fare. Passengers who board regular buses but are only travelling within the Downtown Zone of Minneapolis City are only required to pay 50 cents for their trip. More details on these programs can be found at https://www.metrotransit.org/free-ride-buses
Help with Utility Bills
The Energy Assistance Program of Minnesota provides financial assistance to help residents with their heat and power bills. This program issues grants to eligible persons, helping them meet up with the cost of utilities, or pay up past due bills. Seniors who apply for this program can get up to $2,000 worth of aid to settle these bills. Funds are credited directly to the beneficiary’s account with the utility company. The program is open to seniors who own their homes, as well as tenants who pay rent. For seniors in critical situations, emergency aid may be provided in the form of fuel for heating up the home, or repairs of damaged heating systems. With new regulations, elderly individuals can now get water/sewer system assistance also. Applications can be submitted through the local Energy Assistance Partners in the various counties. These partners are indexed in a directory at https://mn.gov/commerce/consumers/consumer-assistance/energy-assistance/eap-provider.jsp.
The Salvation Army runs the HeatShare Program to provide emergency assistance for seniors in need. This program helps pay utility bills, particularly those associated with home heating, like electricity, oil, propane, etc. The program allocates resources to seniors based on individual need and the program funding available. The average amount received is $400 and assistance can be provided all year round. Seniors who wish to apply for HeatShare can visit https://salvationarmynorth.org/northern/heatshare-program.
Assistance for Senior Veterans
United Way has programs that offer different forms of assistance for veterans. The Veterans Crisis Fund provides up to $500 of assistance to help pay for bills and living expenses. The money is paid directly to the creditors; therefore, veterans are required to upload a copy of the bill to qualify for assistance. A transitional home is also offered for homeless veterans, helping them get a roof over their heads while they find more permanent housing solutions. More details on the programs that United Way has in place for Veterans can be found at https://www.unitedwaynemn.org/united-veterans.
The Duluth Transit Authority (DTA) offers free transportation for disabled veterans. Disabled veterans who show a Department of Veteran Affairs Service Connected identification card are automatically admitted for free, without having to register for any program. More details on this are available at https://www.duluthtransit.com/home/getting-there/fares-and-passes/.
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs provides dental assistance for veterans and their dependents. This initiative allows veterans to choose their own dental care provider, and gives them a credit of up to $1,000 a year for dental related expenses. Special funding increase is also available for veterans who require dentures or tooth extractions. For more information, visit https://mn.gov/mdva/resources/healthdisability/dentalassistance.jsp.
Short-term financial assistance is also available to help veterans pay for things like rent, utilities, health insurance, personal needs, etc. This assistance is provided for up to 6 months. This program is provided as a temporary aid while veterans work towards more permanent assistance. Information on the financial assistance can be obtained from https://mn.gov/mdva/resources/familyassistance/financialassistance.jsp.
