81% of Retirees Say They Need More Help From the Government — 7 Ways To Get It Now
Written by
G. Brian Davis
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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A 2026 study by Clever Real Estate found that 81% of retirees said the government needs to do more to help them. Two-thirds (64%) believe the U.S. is in a retirement crisis.
That said, many retirees don’t know all the benefits currently available to them.
Underused Medicare Benefits
“Medicare often covers more than doctor visits, including preventive screenings, transportation benefits, chronic-condition support programs and even allowances for everyday health items,” said Whitney Stidom of eHealth.
Start by asking your physician about free preventative care such as cancer screenings and vaccines. Also ask about chronic special needs plans (C-SNPs), which can lower prescription drug costs and recurring needs like glucose monitoring.
Many Medicare Advantage plans also come with underused perks like over-the-counter spending help, transportation to medical facilities and dental, vision and hearing benefits.
Home Care Benefits
Ocean Van, owner of Home Helpers Home Care, said many retirees don’t know about the home care benefits available.
“Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services can cover $2,000 to $6,000 in monthly home care help. Medicare’s Guide program serves retirees with dementia and the VA Aid and Attendance program helps veterans and surviving spouses,” Van explained.
Supplemental Security Income
Lower-income seniors can qualify for extra benefits from Social Security, through the SSI program. Check to see if you qualify on the Social Security Administration (SSA) website.
SNAP Grocery Benefits
Too many older Americans dismiss the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as “food stamps.”
The reality is that you get a preloaded debit card that you can swipe at the grocery store. That knocks hundreds of dollars off your grocery costs each month.
Read up on income limits at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) website.
LIHEAP
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps cover utility bills and can even provide funds for improving your home’s weatherization and energy efficiency.
Run by the Office of Community Services, it’s a great program to lower heating and cooling costs.
Lifeline
The Lifeline program from the Federal communications Commission (FCC) lowers your monthly phone and internet bill. At a $9.25 monthly discount, it won’t single-handedly save your retirement nest egg, but every little bit helps.
State Property Tax Relief
Many states offer property tax exemptions or limitations for lower-income retirees.
For example, North Carolina exempts the greater of $25,000 or 50% of the assessed property value. New Jersey offers a tax credit to offset up to 50% of seniors’ property tax bills. Check out this full list of state property tax relief programs from Realtor.com.
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