8 Free and Discounted Services Every Social Security Recipient Should Know

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Social security benefits often don’t go nearly as far as retirees may need them to. Luckily, there are dozens of free and discounted programs for seniors designed to help them save money on a fixed income. From low-cost transportation and discounted groceries to free entertainment and healthcare perks, these services can make a big difference in a monthly retirement budget.

If you’re looking to stretch your dollars and enjoy more for less, here are eight crafty ways Social Security recipients can access valuable benefits, many of which you may be shocked to find out exist.

1. Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program

There’s something so wonderful about farmers’ markets. You get to get outside, mingle with your community and get fresh, delicious food. It’s not all fruits and vegetables, either. You might find local honey, amazing baked goods and even a great cup of coffee. 

The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program wants America’s seniors to get out, move around and get healthy food. That’s why low-income seniors get discount cards that will ensure they can buy from farmers’ markets, roadside stands and local farms at significant discounts. All you have to do is sign up and get out there. 

2. Meals on Wheels

But what if you can’t get out there? It happens. It may be that you’re not moving around as well as you used to. It might even be a temporary situation, just until you get in better shape. 

Fear not. Meals on Wheels is a program that will make sure you get the good food and nutrition you need while you’re more housebound than usual. The organization delivers food to victims of natural disasters and seniors who struggle to leave their homes. 

Many social security recipients can’t get to the grocery store, or even afford enough groceries to feed themselves as much as they need. Or, you might not be in a position to cook and prepare healthy food.

Still, you need to keep your energy and health up to par. That’s where Meals on Wheels comes in. The food is hearty, healthy and delivered with a smile. 

3. SSI Transportation Services

If you want to get out, you should be able to, even if you don’t have your vehicle. And thanks to the transportation services available to seniors and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, you can. The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) operates in all 50 states and ensures people without transportation, on social services, like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and SSI, can still get to where they need or want to go. 

While many seniors and individuals with disabilities can use public transportation and receive discounts, others are unable to do so. It might be a case of living in a rural area, or you might be in a neighborhood without a close bus line. 

In any event, your community should offer a supplemental service like Dial-a-Ride, volunteer transportation or assisted transportation. Federal grants fund these programs, so they’re free to social security recipients. 

4. Fitness by Medicare Advantage

Speaking of getting out, fitness is essential at every age and for every ability. It’s good for your body and your brain, and it can even help improve symptoms of many disabilities and aid in healthier aging. In fact, many seniors realize they need to lift more weights and do more cardio once they retire. 

Social Security recipients on Medicare Advantage are eligible for a program called Silver Sneakers. This plan gets you access to thousands of gyms, churches and other fitness programs across the country. You can choose a class or program that works for you. You’ll find everything from yoga and swimming to Zumba or just plain old gym equipment on the gym floor. 

5. Tax Preparation

It’s a pain to pay your taxes every year. Not only might you have to come up with cash to pay what you owe, but you also have to put your documents in order and pay a preparer. It can be overwhelming.

Well, the federal government agrees with you. Thanks to the VITA program, you may qualify for free tax help. It is particularly aimed at: 

• People with disabilities
• People making less than $65,000 
• People aged 60 or older 

Not only will you get free tax preparation, but you’ll be able to trust that these services are reliable as they’re certified through the IRS. 

6. College Courses

Thinking of going back to school? Why not? Just because you’re done working doesn’t mean you’re done learning. Many seniors start a whole new life after retirement, and it can often begin with a few community college courses.

Every state in the United States has universities and community colleges that offer free or steeply discounted courses to senior citizens. You might explore a subject you’ve always been fascinated by, or you could go back to school to build on your existing education. 

One of the greatest advantages of being older is the wisdom you get from life experiences. Building on that wisdom with an academic education can only be a win.

7. National Endowment for the Arts

Academic education is not the only kind of betterment you can invest in at a discount. The arts are, after all, what keep humans… well, human. And the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) feels the same way. That’s why the NEA offers free access to thousands of museums across the country for seniors and people with disabilities.

8. National Parks

If you don’t feel like exploring beauty inside, you can always take advantage of the National Parks’ offer to explore one of the many natural beauties around the country. The National Park Service offers free passes to Social Security recipients, so you can spend your golden years chasing some of the country’s most magnificent waterfalls for free.

Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article. 

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