Assistance Resource Links
AARP
Depending on your income, you may be eligible for a complimentary membership through AARP. National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA) is also part of AARP!
Call AARP to find out if this applies to you at 800-566-0242.
A recent article on where you can find a large variety of senior discounts: https://www.theseniorlist.com/senior-discounts/
Cell Phone Discounts
Consumer Cellular has senior phones and plans to fit your income as well as extra discounts for AARP members. Call: 877-320-3486
- AT&T – Senior Discounts/Lifeline/Prepaid
AT&T has a variety of plans to fit your financial needs. “Lifeline” is designated for low-income individuals. There are also AARP discounts available. Call, visit their website or visit your local store.
General: 800-331-0500, Lifeline: 800-377-9450, Prepaid: 800-901-9878
Offers seniors 55 and up an array of discounted phone plans. You can call, visit their website, or visit a local store. Call: 1-800-T-MOBILE
- Verizon Wireless
Please call or visit your local Verizon wireless store for potential discounts. Call: 1-800-922-0204
- Informative article on Cell Phones Guide for Seniors:
https://www.forbes.com/health/healthy-aging/best-cell-phone-plans-for- seniors/#scrollto_types_of_cell_phone_plans_for_seniors_section
Caring.com has a Senior Care and Assisted Living Guide that presents seniors with information on assisted living costs and using Medicaid to cover any of those costs. There is a list of assisted living facilities available in Pennsylvania at the bottom of the page.
How to Apply for SSI in Pennsylvania
There are several ways to apply for SSI in Pennsylvania, including:
- Telephone: Call (800) 772-1213 to make an appointment.
- In-person: Visit your local Social Security office.
The Free Clinic Association of Pennsylvania (FCAP) provides a range of medical, dental, pharmacy, vision, and/or behavioral health services to economically disadvantaged individuals. Use the link to search for a clinic near you. (There is not a general phone number to call).
If you need advice on buying a home, renting, default, foreclosure avoidance, credit issues, or reverse mortgages, contact HUD. HUD sponsors housing counseling agencies throughout the country to provide free or low-cost advice. Search online for a housing counseling agency near you, or call HUD’s interactive voice system at:
HUD: 800-569-4287
Foreclosure assistance: 888-995-4673
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program that helps low-income households with their home energy bills. LIHEAP can help you stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. By doing so, you can reduce the risk of health and safety problems (such as illness, fire, or eviction).
The Pennsylvania LIHEAP program may be able to offer you one or more of the following types of assistance:
- Bill payment
- Energy crisis
- Weatherization and energy-related home
There are two ways to apply for LIHEAP:
- Online: Apply for benefits online using COMPASS, the online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for health and human service programs and manage benefit information.
- On paper: You can download a paper application, print it, fill it out, and return it to your local county assistance office.
National Council on Aging Benefits Check-Up
Nutrition
How to Apply for SNAP:
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- Online: Apply for or renew your SNAP benefits online by using this link: COMPASS.
- In-person: File an application at your local office: your county assistance office.
Download an application using the link below, complete, and return it to your county assistance office:
If you need help completing the application or need more information about benefits, trained county assistance office staff can help you in person or call 800-692-7462.
Meals on Wheels is a way to provide Senior’s meals, who are unable to prepare meals for themselves. Payment depends on individual circumstances. Call: 1-888-998-6325
Call or use the link below to find your local food bank for free groceries. Call: 800-771-2303
- Senior Days
Check with your local grocery store for senior discount days.
Senior Assistance Helpline, at 1-866-623-2137, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am until 5:00 pm.
Senior Protection Unit: Person, or someone they trust, can fill out a complaint form and submit it online or it can be printed and mailed.
US Consumer Protection Agency office in PA Attorney General Office:
1-800-441-2555
1-888-520-6680 (Home Improvement)
There are links to regional offices on the website, as well as links to the Utility Commission and other governmental agencies governing insurance, banking, and financial services, etc.
555 Walnut Street, 5th Floor Harrisburg, PA 17101-1919 or aging@pa.gov or (717) 783-1550
Area Agencies on Aging
Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is a source for aging services in the community. AAA provides information about services and assists in obtaining access to those services. Pennsylvania has 52 Area Agencies on Aging that cover all 67 counties.
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging
Adult Day Centers
Adult Day Centers (ADC) provide social, recreational, and health services for older Pennsylvanians. This is a great resource for families and caregivers who work and are unable to assist during work hours.
Contact your local Adult Day Center
Senior Community Centers
Senior Community Centers offer meals, recreation, health and wellness programs, and a variety of other services for older Pennsylvanians. There are over 500 Senior Community Centers throughout Pennsylvania.
Contact your local Senior Community Center
Pennsylvania Link to Aging and Disability Resources
The Pennsylvania Link to Aging and Disability Resources connects consumers to the full range of services to help meet their needs.
Contact the Pennsylvania Link to Aging and Disability Resources by calling 1-800- 753-8827.
Don’t forget that you can shop for your electric supplier. It’s an easy way to save money. Choosing a fixed rate is the safest way to avoid unexpected price jumps. Use this link: https://www.papowerswitch.com/
Enter your zip code, select your distributor (who sends your bill), click on “Fixed Rate Results,” check the boxes on the left that apply (such as fixed rate, no cancellation, and no monthly fees) and sort lowest to highest price. Review the options, select a supplier, sign up via the link or call the number provided.
Once the rate has been termed, you will receive notification, which you can repeat the steps above.
PA State Employees Credit Union (PSECU)
Pharmacy
This program is open to anyone, whether you’re an AARP member or not – but AARP members receive additional benefits, including deeper discounts on medications, home delivery, coverage for your dependents, and more. If your pharmacy is unable or unwilling to process your discount, please have the pharmacist call 1-877-422-7718.
Good Rx provides a discount of up to 80% off prescriptions without an insurance plan. Call: 855-268-2822
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- Order a GoodRx card by calling or ordering online. Present your card at the pharmacy to receive the same discount each visit.
- For the most current discount, go to the GoodRx website, enter your prescription, and the pharmacy you will pick up. Print the coupon or show the pharmacist the coupon from your phone.
- ScriptSave WellRx
ScriptSave WellRx provides discounts up to 80% off your prescriptions without an insurance plan. Call: 1-800-407-8156
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- Call or use the website to order a card. You will receive the same discount each time.
- Search for your price using the name of the prescription and the location where you will pick it up.
A list of top Home Care agencies in Pennsylvania.
Living Independence for the Elderly
LIFE is a managed care program for Pennsylvania residents aged 55 and up that provides a comprehensive package of free support services. LIFE volunteers can provide light housekeeping, meal delivery and assistance bathing or dressing. Free transportation is available to medical appointments or a local LIFE center. Medical services offered at a LIFE center may include primary care, optometry, physical therapy and dental work. Seniors are assigned a LIFE care team that ensures health and social needs are being met. To receive free services, seniors need to meet specific financial eligibility criteria.
Contact Information
Seniors interested in services can apply for the LIFE program nearest to them. For questions about the program, call 1 (844) 824-3655.
Centers offer social activities, informative programs, arts, exercise, and other special events which are unique to individual centers.
- Free to attend the center and activities funded by the Area Agency on Aging.
- Contributions or fees may be requested for some activities or special classes.
- Come whenever you want, no minimum attendance is required.
Visit the website to find a center near you!
Social Security Administration