Financial Help for the Indigent Elderly in Arizona

Supplemental Security Income helps some elderly people in Arizona.

Some elderly people are fortunate enough to retire with good retirement plans or pensions and some have significant savings. Others find it difficult to support themselves on limited incomes and limited savings. A number of programs provide financial help for the indigent elderly in Arizona.

Supplemental Security Income

Supplemental Security Income makes monthly payments to some Arizona residents 65 and older who have limited incomes and limited resources. The amount of financial assistance you can get depends on your current income; in 2010, the maximum amount was $674 per month. Apply for Supplemental Security Income at any Social Security Administration office (see Resource section).

Medicaid

The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) administers the Medicaid program in Arizona. Medicaid pays for a variety of health care needs for many indigent elderly people in Arizona. It covers things like hospitalization, visits with doctors, medical tests, medical supplies, mental health care, emergency dental care and prescription drugs. If you receive Medicare, you can receive Medicaid as well if you meet the eligibility criteria. Medicaid pays for some things Medicare does not. Apply online or download an application online and mail it, fax it or deliver it in person to the office nearest you (see Resource section).

Food Stamps

Food stamps, formally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, help many indigent elderly people in Arizona buy groceries each month. The amount you can receive depends on the number of people in your household and your total household income. Apply online or download an application online and mail it, fax it or deliver it in person to the office nearest you. You can use the same application to apply for both Medicaid and food stamps (see Resource section).

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps some elderly Arizona residents pay home utility bills. The program also pays for home weatherization in some cases. Contact your local Community Action Agency to apply for assistance (see Resource section).

Public Housing

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers rental assistance for elderly people with low incomes. Rent is based on your income. In Arizona, HUD assistance is administered by local public housing agencies. Use the link in the Resource section to find the public housing agency in your area where you can apply for assistance.

References

• Social Security Administration: Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Social Security Administration: You May Be Able to Get SSI
• AHCCCS: Health Insurance for Individuals 65 or Over
• Arizona Dept. of Economic Security: Nutrition Assistance
• Arizona Dept. of Economic Security: Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Public Housing Program

Resources

• Social Security Administration: Local Office Search
• Arizona Dept. of Economic Security: Apply for Family Assistance Benefits
• Arizona Dept. of Economic Security: Family Assistance Administration Offices
• Arizona Dept. of Economic Security: Community Action Agencies
• U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development: PHA Contact Information -- Arizona