For seniors, life in Florida can be a wonderful experience. The state has moderate weather all year round as temperatures do not get too low or too high. This makes the climate very conducive to elderly residents. While the cost of living is below average, there are many resources available to Help for Seniors in Florida who may experience challenges at any point in time.
State Resources for Help for Seniors in Florida
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 to 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/.
Dental Grants and Benefits
Seniors in Florida can get dental care with Help for Seniors in Florida from the 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 they 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 oral care.
Seniors with income levels below 200% of the federal poverty level can apply for and receive various dental services to maintain overall health. These services include routine dental exams, extractions, emergency dentistry, fillings, etc. More information on Project Dentists Care can be found at 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 help 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 to Help for Seniors in Florida.
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. 3 months before their 65th birthday, seniors can sign up for Medicare. 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 expenses. 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 paying for their prescription drugs. This has the goal of making medications easily accessible to seniors who need them. The details of LIS assistance can be found atfound ats://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
It 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 for Florida to determine your poverty level. Seniors can visit https://www.shepherdshope.org/ to get help from Shepherd’s Hope.
Charities and organizations
The Salvation Army in Florida
It 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. Aid is usually provided to those who indicate a need. A full list of the services offered can be found at https://salvationarmyflorida.org/social-services/.
Catholic Charities
It is another organization that provides assistance to 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 readily available. Please 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
It also offers help to seniors in need. The organization has residential facilities, as well as food and care for seniors. Assisted living options are available, as well as short-term or long-term care, 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 popular senior activities.
Financial Help for Seniors in Florida
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program
It 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 those 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 found at 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 seniors cover the cost of their care and living in the facility.
Food assistance
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
It 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 in 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/service-programs/access/snap/ and https://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/access/docs/suncapenglish.pdf.
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 for seniors. Elderly residents over the age of 60, along with their spouses can get free food in a group setting and at designated locations. Socialization is also encouraged during the meal service. Congregating 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 seniors are met. Further details on these programs are 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 that 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 that 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 level. Interested seniors can visit https://elderaffairs.org/programs-services/food-assistance/senior-farmers-market-nutrition-program/.
Housing Assistance and Home Repair Grants
The Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants, also known as the Section 504 Home Repair program
It provides loans and grants to enable seniors to perform housing repairs. Those funds must be used to repair, improve, or modify the house in order to eliminate any health or safety issues. Accessibility improvements are also permitted in the homes. Seniors may get a loan of up to $40,000 for home repairs, while those over the age of 62 can get grants of up to $10,000. The loan and grant can be combined, if necessary, to assist homebuyers. More information on the program and eligibility requirements can be found at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants.
Senior citizens may also benefit from other resources in addition to Section 504.
Read Home Repair Grants for Seniors for information on home improvement and repairs. In addition, read Housing and Rent Assistance Programs for Seniors for financial help maintaining a home or apartment.
Transport Help for Seniors in Florida
Seniors in Florida can get transportation assistance through the Dial-A-Ride service.
This is a subsidized non-emergency transportation service that provides mobility for seniors in the state. Seniors who request a ride are picked up at 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 have to pay for their assistant. Additional information is available at https://www.talgov.com/starmetro/dial-a-ride.aspx. Transport assistance is available nationwide, not only in Florida. If a senior citizen needs to travel 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.
Help for Seniors in Florida with Utility Bills
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 their home heating and cooling costs. LIHEAP benefits are provided directly to the utility company to cover heating costs for a 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://www.ourflorida.com/applicant-assistance/utilities/.
With rising utility costs compared to seniors’ limited income, times can be tough for elders. Thanks goodness there are programs offering Help with Bills. Check which of these you can count on.
Assistance for Senior Veterans
The Florida Veterans’ Foundation (FVF)
It is a non-profit agency associated with the Florida Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA). The FVF provides emergency financial assistance to veterans who are financially challenged. The assistance provided is usually for rent, mortgage, and utility payments. Assistance may also be offered 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. For example, the first page of the lease or a copy of the mortgage statement, copies of all bills, proof of an emergency, etc. If you are asking for rent or mortgage assistance, please provide the Three-Day Notice or Foreclosure Notice. For more details, visit https://helpflvets.org/emergency-financial-assistance/.
Veterans can get help with dental coverage through the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund’s financial assistance program.
This program provides oral care to 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 Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) for assistance.
SSVF helps ensure that 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 founobtainedhttps://www.voaflorida.org/ssvf.
Also Read: Senior Centers in Michigan
