Grants for Seniors in Pennsylvania

Last Updated on April 18, 2024 by Rachel

Key Senior Statistics in Pennsylvania (60 and over)

Senior Population: 3,462,218 (26.7%)

Male: 45.5%

Female: 54.5%

Median Age: 70

Disability: 29%

With Social Security Income: 75%

With Food Stamp/SNAP Benefits: 13%

Below 100% of the Poverty Level: 10%

Data Source:

Data is taken from American Community Survey 2022. Please check our detailed page about Senior Statistics in Pennsylvania for more data and information.

Help for Seniors in Pennsylvania – 32 Assistance Programs

Pennsylvania, also known as the State of Independence, has a very rich cultural and historical heritage. This culturally and historically striking place does not host only tourist attractions but also is the home to older citizens and retirees. It provides convenience for seniors in terms of tax issues. It is one of the most favorable states for retirees with its gorgeous landscape and best hospital options. For those who need assistance to live in a safe and decent environment, the federal government, the State of Pennsylvania, and other local organizations have numerous benefits and programs for seniors.

State Assistance

The goal of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging is to make quality services and programs accessible to seniors to enable them to undergo healthy aging. Established in 1978, the Department advocates for the rights and interests of older adults, ensuring they receive the support services they need through its network of 52 local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs). Serving in the state’s 47 counties. Various programs and services are available to seniors through this department and are geared to helping them thrive in their homes and communities for as long as possible.

Help at Home (OPTIONS): The help at Home or OPTIONS program, sometimes called, is dedicated to providing support to older residents of Pennsylvania who are interested in remaining in their homes. The program offer support through four main services, including:

• Adult Day Services help older adults suffering from functional impairments or diseases related to memory, like Dementia.
• Care Management services are designed to ensure seniors’ personal, social, and healthcare needs are being met.
• In-Home Meal services ensure seniors have meals delivered to their homes. The aim here is to provide nutritional support and ensure older adults get all the nutrients their bodies need to lead healthy lives.
• Personal Care Services helps older adults with daily tasks, including grooming, dressing, prescription management, preparing meals, feeding, and bathing, among others.

Supplemental Aging Services: These services may be available, but not in all areas:

• Emergent Services – Include services provided in case needed urgently, such as in-home meals, life-sustaining supplies, and an overnight shelter if the older adult has nowhere else to go.
• Home Health Services – Include skilled nursing, physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
• Home Modifications – Offer support with the necessary upgrades in seniors’ homes to make them safer and more accessible. Modifications may include installing grab bars in the bathrooms and widening doors to make them accessible by wheelchairs.
• Home Support – Services can include help with shopping, laundry, and housekeeping.
• Pest Control – Help seniors deal with pests causing discomfort and health hazards.
• Personal Emergency Response System – Provides electronic devices to high-risk seniors for them to use in case of emergencies.
• Specialized Medical Transportation – Offers medical transport services to older adults lying down and in need of a stretcher.

Eligibility Requirements for the Aging Services: Must be 60 years or more.

• Must be a resident of Pennsylvania.
• Have proof of US citizenship or legal residency.
• Proof of unmet needs that affects normal daily functioning.

Note: OPTIONS do not require seniors to meet certain income limits to participate in the program. However, older adults may sometimes need to contribute towards the cost of these support services. For more information, please visit https://www.aging.pa.gov/aging-services/help-at-Home/Pages/default.aspx.

Financial Assistance

Pennsylvania General Assistance Program was created and has been financed by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. Senior residents who are not chosen to receive financial assistance from the federal government program are eligible for this cash support. Especially seniors with a medical emergency or temporary disability are the main beneficiaries of this service. The amount and the length of this program are determined by considering the financial case of the participant. The link to their official website is as follows https://www.dhs.pa.gov/about/DHS-Information/Pages/Enrollment-General-Assistance.aspx or get in touch with 1 717 787 5618.

Pennsylvania Emergency Cash Assistance was formed by the State of Pennsylvania for low-income people who are not in good health condition to work or whose monthly income is not enough to afford the household. Elder citizens who already receive Supplemental Security Income or living in a nursing home are also eligible for this cash support. This is short-term support and it can change based on the applicant’s economic situation. Find out more information at https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/Cash-Assistance.aspx.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services administers TANF, which is a program committed to providing seniors in need with financial support. Also known as the Cash Assistance Program, TANF’s goal is to make seniors reduce independence and achieve self-sufficiency. Social Security Numbers, income information, proof of citizenship or legal residence, and immigrant status are required at the time of application. Visit https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/TANF.aspx for more information.

Housing and Rent Assistance

Pennsylvania Domiciliary Care is a housing assistance program that was formed and has been subsidized by the State of Pennsylvania for low and moderate-income people. Particularly seniors who are not able to look after themselves at homes are urged to apply for this care assistance. This is like a family setting that personnel is always there to help with anything for beneficiaries. For further information, please visit https://www.aging.pa.gov/service-provider-quicklinks/domiciliary-care-service-providers/Pages/default.aspx or make a phone call at 1 717 783 1550.

Pennsylvania Homeless Assistance Program was formed by the State of Pennsylvania and has been led by the Department of Human Services to reduce homelessness across the state. Seniors who are at risk of losing their homes or who are already homeless are encouraged to apply for this program. This program helps applicants with case management, rental support, finding a permanent or temporary decent and safe house for themselves. To learn more, please follow the link https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Other-Services/Pages/Homeless-Assistance.aspx or call 1 717 787 5618.

Pennsylvania Emergency Rental Assistance Program was founded and has been managed by the Department of Human Services for low and middle-income families. Older people who are struggling with paying their rent, housing expenses or utility bills are qualified for this program. The amount of cash assistance differs based on the current economic condition of the applicant. Find out more information at https://www.dhs.pa.gov/ERAP/Pages/ERAP.aspx or contact 1 844 347 8477.

Housing Choice Voucher Program: The housing Choice Voucher Program provides decent, affordable housing to low-income seniors. The program subsidizes the senior’s monthly rent, allowing them to contribute only 30% of their income towards rent. The Public Housing Agencies operate this program at the local level. Visit https://www.hud.gov/states/pennsylvania/homeownership/seniors for more details.

Shared Housing Resource Exchange (SHARE): SHARE is a program bringing together elderly homeowners interested in sharing their homes with home seekers in exchange for help with housing costs. It is a way of offering affordable housing to homeless seniors. This program is available in Union, Snyder, Venango, Monroe, Pike, Wayne, Adams, Carbon, and Crawford counties. visit https://www.aging.pa.gov/aging-services/housing/Pages/SHARE.aspx for more details about the program.

ECHO – Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity: ECHO is a program offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging in partnership with the Pennsylvania Association of Area Agencies on Aging (P4A). So, cottages are temporary residences placed in a backyard of a host family (can be a close friend or a relative) providing housing support to low-income seniors. The cottages are placed in such a way that allows for the privacy of the host family. Seniors residing in the cottages only contribute 30% of their income towards rent. Older adults receive this service through a collaboration between the local Areas Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and a local housing partner. This program is currently available in Center, Fayette, Wayne, Lackawanna, Clearfield, union, Snyder, Huntington, and Westmoreland.

Home Repair Assistance

Senior citizens living in their homes also have access to a number of financial assistance programs that help with home maintenance. Home Repair Grants for Seniors contains a list of the resources that are offered.

USDA’s Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants in Pennsylvania provides non-refundable grants of up to $10,000 to senior homeowners to enable them to deal with health and safety hazards at home. The grants must be should the senior applicant resell or change the ownership of the property within three years of receiving the funds. To qualify for the program support, the older adult applying must be the homeowner and occupy the house, and include proof of homeownership. Learn more about the program at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants/pa.

The Philadelphia Senior Housing Assistance Repair Program (SHARP) helps older adults over 60 with repairs. Assistance is for elderly homeowners who meet the low-income eligibility requirements. Visit https://www.pcacares.org/services-for-seniors/housing-resources/ for more details.

Healthcare Assistance

Pennsylvania Medical Assistance and Healthcare was constituted and has been financed by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare for low and middle-income residents who cannot afford their healthcare spending. Older people who have a disability or illness are one of the priority groups for this benefit. The program helps with the treatment of cancer, mental, physical, and behavioral health, and more. There are four ways to apply for this service which are following the website https://www.compass.state.pa.us/, calling this number 1 866 550 4355, going to the local county office by person and on paper directly by filling out the application form at here https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/Medical-Assistance.aspx.

Mental Health Care was created and has been run by the State of Pennsylvania for each county. There are local Mental Health Retardation offices throughout the state. Seniors who need medical assistance on their mental health may consult their local office. Each county has its criteria for eligibility requirements. Other than this, these offices may offer cash assistance or medical equipment for the applicant. To see the closest office to your home, go to https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Mental-Health-In-PA/Pages/default.aspx or dial the support line at 724 631 5600.

Pennsylvania Medicaid was formed and has been sponsored both by the State of Pennsylvania and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for low-income elder citizens. Seniors who are 60 years of age or older and need to be cared for in a nursing home or personal care at their homes are encouraged to apply for this benefit. For further information, please see https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/Medical-Assistance.aspx or get in touch with 1 866 550 4355.

Prescription Assistance – PACE and PACENET Programs: These programs provide prescription medication to older adults at low cost. The programs work with Medicare Part D plans, Retiree Coverage, Veteran’s Benefits, and other prescription drug plans to achieve their mission. Income limits to qualify for the programs’ support are subject to change. Other eligibility requirements include Pennsylvania residency, meeting the age limit (65+), and not being enrolled in the Medicaid prescription benefit offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Visit https://www.aging.pa.gov/aging-services/prescriptions/Pages/default.aspx for more details.

Health & Wellness Programs

Pennsylvania Department of Aging runs Health & Wellness Programs to cultivate healthier lifestyles among seniors to improve quality of life and eventually, the overall cost of healthcare. When older adults adopt healthier lifestyles, it reduces the chances of them getting sick and being hospitalized, thus lowering their medical expenses. These programs operate under four main goals:

• Get rid of the belief that functionality declines as age advances.
• Offer information and resources older adults need to age well.
• Offer support services to seniors who need to adopt healthier lifestyles.
• Reduce dependence on the healthcare system to thrive as older adults.

Chronic Pain Self-Management Program: This program is designed to support seniors with a primary or secondary diagnosis of chronic pain through a six-week workshop. Chronic pain extends for over three months, which is far beyond the normal healing period. The following topics are covered in the workshop:

• How to communicate effectively with friends, families, and healthcare practitioners.
• How to balance activities and resting time.
• Evaluating new treatments.
• Exercise to maintain and enhance physical and mental health.
• Dealing with isolation, frustration, fatigue, and poor sleep.
• Medication management.

For more information about this program, please visit https://www.aging.pa.gov/aging-services/health-wellness/ChronicPainManagement/Pages/default.aspx.

Healthy Steps in Motion – Strength & Balance Program: This program involves a workshop to encourage seniors to practice fitness and health. Older adults of all fitness levels are welcome to participate in the workshops, which comprise eight sessions taught by Certified Workshop Leaders. The goals of the program include:

• Building body strength among seniors.
• Enhancing flexibility.
• Improving body balance.

Older adults participating in the program have an incredible opportunity of enhancing their social circles and achieve both physical and emotional strength. Read more at https://www.aging.pa.gov/aging-services/health-wellness/HealthyStepsinMotion/Pages/default.aspx.

Every day, oral health is getting serious. Even if the senior is able to pay or not, oral health is just as important as general health. Visit Dental Grants in Pennsylvania to find out how seniors can obtain dental grants.

Utility Bills Assistance

Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP): The goal of LIHWAP is to help low-income seniors pay their overdue water bills. The program provides cash assistance in form of grants, which older adults do not have to repay. The program is available for older adults facing emergencies or at risk of having their water service disconnected for failure to pay their bills. Grants are available for drinking and wastewater, each up to $2,500. According to this program, circumstances considered emergency are:

• Having past-due water bills.
• Disconnection from water service.
• At the risk of disconnection from water service (received a 60-day notice of service termination if bills are not settled within that period).

More information is available at https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/LIHEAP.aspx.

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): LIHEAP provides financial support through grants to low-income seniors to help them pay their home energy costs. Through this program, seniors can also have access to repair/replacement of heating/cooling equipment if the ones they have are defective. Visit https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/LIHEAP.aspx for more information.

Salvation Army of Pennsylvania presents several programs and services for everyone in need. It has a utility support program called HeatShare Program. Older residents who are facing difficulties in paying their utility bills or lost their energy connection are eligible for this program. Eligible applicants will be receiving monthly cash support to pay their bills. To apply, please click the link https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/eastern-pennsylvania/ or dial 1 800 842 7229.

Pennsylvania Dollar Energy Fund is a local non-governmental charity organization that partners with more than 20 electricity companies to get discounts and utility support for low and moderate-income households. Elder citizens who are searching for utility bill assistance are urged to make connections with this fund at https://www.dollarenergy.org/need-help/pennsylvania/ or contact the toll-free number 800 683 7036.

There are additional programs to assist seniors with their utility bills in every state. Help with Bills provides more options.

Food Assistance

Pennsylvania Commodity Supplemental Food Program is also recognized as the Senior Food Box Program. This program is financially supported by the U. S. Department of Agriculture and Foods. It is specifically designed to provide food support for senior citizens. Persons who are 60 years old or older and need healthy food support are the main beneficiaries of this program. The main criterion is that the financial condition of the applicant must be below 130 percent of the poverty level. To determine your poverty level, use the Federal Poverty Level Calculator. Eligible candidates will be receiving monthly food boxes that include non-fat dry, oats, juice, rice, dry beans, pasta, shelf-stable fluid milk, canned meat, peanut butter, dry beans, poultry, fish, fresh vegetables, and fruits. To apply, please visit the link https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Food/food_assistance/Commodity%20Supplemental%20Food%20Program/Pages/default.aspx  or make a call at 800 468 2433. Aside from the Senior Food Box Program, seniors in need of food subsidies have access to various of programs and benefits. Here is the list of these services: Food Programs for Seniors.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for Older Adults: Recent studies prove that seniors undergoing food insecurity have a higher risk of developing depression, take less nutritious diets, and have the worst health outcomes. If seniors get enrolled in the SNAP program for older adults, they are less likely to suffer these problems. They will have better health, thereby reducing the need for long-term care. The program support is based on the availability of funds and income eligibility of senior applicants. Requirements during application include social security numbers, current income information, and expenses related to housing, including rent or mortgage ad medical expenses. Visit https://www.compass.state.pa.us/ to apply for SNAP for the elderly. Or, find your county assistance office here. More information is available at https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/SNAP-Older-Adults.aspx.

Transportation Assistance for Seniors

Free Transit Program for Senior Citizens: The purpose of this program is to provide free rides to older adults on local fixed-route services through the public transportation system. That means seniors participating in this program can only get free rides within the hours of operation of the public transit system. Older adults looking for these free rides should have senior citizens’ transit identification cards. They will get these cards from the local transit operators participating in the program. A document proving the age of the senior will be required. Learn more about the program at https://www.penndot.pa.gov/TravelInPA/PublicTransitOptions/Pages/Seniors-and-Persons-With-Disabilities.aspx.

Southwestern Pennsylvania Area Agency of Aging, Inc.: This Area Agency on Aging works in Greene, Washington, and Fayette counties to offer transportation services to older adults. Through the services, senior citizens can get free rides to senior centers located nearby or to adult care. The elderly persons in need of transportation services to get to their medical appointments may need to contribute slightly to the fare, while those heading to social gatherings or recreational and work trips pay a slightly higher amount. Visit https://www.swpa-aaa.org/community-services/transportation for more information.

Assistance By Charities and Nonprofits

American Association of Retired Persons (AARP): Boasting over 39 million members, AARP is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all seniors aged 50+ by offering the necessary information, and services, and advocating for their rights and interests. Find more information at https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Disabilities-Aging/Pages/MA-for-Older-People-and-People-with-Disabilities.aspx.

Volunteers of America Pennsylvania: Volunteers of America is committed to serving the needs of the elderly through programs and services dedicated to addressing their most pressing social needs. The organization’s services include mental health, daycare, counseling, and transportation for seniors and the disabled. The organization also supports seniors and veterans with housing needs, including those at risk of suffering homelessness. More information is available at https://www.voapa.org/

Assistance for Senior Veterans and Disabled Seniors

Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs: The Office of Veterans Affairs provides information and services to aging veterans. Several benefits are available at the federal, state, and local levels to support these older persons.

Amputee and Paralyzed Veteran Pension: The purpose of this program is to offer a monthly pension to senior veterans, which pays them $150 per month. More information is available at https://www.dmva.pa.gov/veteransaffairs/Pages/Programs%20and%20Services/Amputee-and-Paralyzed-Pension.aspx.

Blind Veterans Pension: Offers older blind veterans a $150 monthly pension. Read more at https://www.dmva.pa.gov/veteransaffairs/Pages/Programs%20and%20Services/Blind-Veterans-Pension.aspx.

Military Family Relief Assistance Program (MFRAP): Offers financial support through grants to older military members and their families. To qualify, older adults must demonstrate the need for financial assistance i.e., caused by circumstances beyond their control. The senior military members in need of assistance must present a document, and the amount must not exceed $3,500. Circumstances considered include; loss of income, emergency child care support, death of a spouse or a loved one, and disasters resulting in homelessness, lack of food, and other basic needs. Visit https://www.dmva.pa.gov/veteransaffairs/Pages/Programs%20and%20Services/Military-Family-Relief-Assistance-Program.aspx for more details about the program.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What financial assistance programs are available for seniors in Pennsylvania? Seniors in Pennsylvania can benefit from the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program for property tax or rent relief, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for utility bill assistance, and the PACE and PACENET programs for prescription drug coverage.

2. How can seniors apply for Medicaid in Pennsylvania? Medicaid applications can be submitted online through the COMPASS website, by mail, or in person at local County Assistance Offices. Required documentation typically includes proof of income, assets, Pennsylvania residency, and age.

3. What housing assistance is available for seniors in Pennsylvania? The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) administers the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) and provides resources on affordable housing options for seniors. Additionally, there are home repair and modification programs available to help seniors maintain safe and accessible living environments.

4. Can seniors receive assistance with utility bills in Pennsylvania? Yes, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offers financial support to eligible seniors to help manage heating and cooling expenses, ensuring a comfortable living environment.

5. How do seniors get help with prescription medications in Pennsylvania? The PACE and PACENET programs offer comprehensive prescription drug coverage to eligible seniors, helping to significantly reduce medication costs. Enrollment assistance is available through the Department of Aging.

6. Are there property tax relief programs for seniors in Pennsylvania? The Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program provides rebates to eligible seniors for property taxes or rent paid, offering financial relief to those on fixed incomes.

7. What in-home care services can seniors access in Pennsylvania? Pennsylvania’s Aging Waiver program offers various in-home services, including personal care, meal delivery, and emergency response systems, to support seniors wishing to live independently in their homes.

8. How can seniors access transportation services in Pennsylvania? The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) offers the Free Transit Program for Older Persons, providing free rides on fixed-route services for seniors. Additionally, many counties have local transportation programs for seniors.

9. What nutritional programs support seniors in Pennsylvania? The Pennsylvania Department of Aging funds the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and congregate meal programs at senior centers, ensuring seniors have access to fresh, nutritious meals and social interaction.

10. How can seniors in Pennsylvania receive legal assistance? SeniorLAW Center and various Legal Aid programs throughout Pennsylvania provide free legal services to seniors, covering areas such as healthcare, housing, consumer rights, and elder abuse prevention.