Seniors on fixed incomes
Seniors on a Fixed Income: Benefits Checklist
Official programs that can lower medical, drug, phone and energy costs, with 2026 income limits from the source.
Email me updatesBy the ForLowerBills team · Last updated: October 14, 2026 · Sources checked: October 14, 2026
No paid links on this page. Every program we mention is free to apply for. ForLowerBills.com is an independent website, not a government agency. How we make money.
Living on a fixed income means every rising bill hurts. Many older adults qualify for help they've never applied for, often because the rules sound complicated. Here are the programs worth checking first, with the 2026 figures straight from Medicare and Social Security, and where to get free, unbiased help applying.
1. Medicare Extra Help (drug costs)
Extra Help lowers Medicare Part D premiums, deductibles and copays. In 2026 the limits are $23,940 in yearly income and $18,090 in resources for an individual, and $32,460 income and $36,100 resources for a married couple (higher in Alaska and Hawaii). You get it automatically if you have full Medicaid, a Medicare Savings Program, or SSI.
If you don't qualify now, Medicare says you can reapply any time your income or resources change.
2. Medicare Savings Programs (premiums and copays)
These state programs can pay your Part B premium, and some also pay deductibles and copays. Federal 2026 monthly income limits for an individual are $1,350 (QMB), $1,616 (SLMB) and $1,816 (QI), and for a couple $1,824, $2,184 and $2,455. The resource limit is $9,950 for an individual and $14,910 for a couple.
Medicare says to apply even if you think you're over the limit: some states count income differently or set higher limits. Qualifying for any of these also gets you Extra Help.
Official sources
Fixed-income benefits checklist
Tick items as you go. Your ticks stay on this page only; we don't save them.
Medicare costs
Income and everyday bills
Support at home
From ForLowerBills.com · General information only, not legal, medical, tax or financial advice.
3. SSI and Social Security
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based monthly payment for people 65 and older, or blind or disabled, with limited income and resources. The 2026 federal maximum is $994 a month for an individual and $1,491 for a couple; some states add a supplement. Getting SSI also qualifies you automatically for Extra Help. Applying is free through Social Security.
Official sources
4. Review your Medicare plan each fall
Medicare's Open Enrollment Period runs October 15 to December 7, with changes starting January 1. Our Medicare Open Enrollment guide walks through comparing plans. Your local SHIP offers free, one-on-one Medicare counseling and isn't connected to any insurance company.
5. Phone, energy, food and taxes
- Lifeline: up to $9.25 a month off phone or internet; SSI and Medicaid count toward eligibility. FCC: Lifeline (opens in a new tab)
- LIHEAP: help with heating and cooling bills. ACF: LIHEAP (opens in a new tab) See also our Behind on Utility Bills guide.
- SNAP: food assistance through your state. USDA SNAP state directory (opens in a new tab)
- Free tax help: the IRS's Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program focuses on people 60 and older. IRS: Free tax return preparation (opens in a new tab)
- Property tax relief: many states and localities offer exemptions, freezes or credits for older or disabled homeowners. Rules vary widely, so ask your county assessor or tax office what's available.
6. Local help and staying safe at home
The Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116, call or text) connects you with your Area Agency on Aging for meals, transportation, in-home help and benefits counseling. If you live alone or have had a fall, our medical alert systems guide compares options. Original Medicare generally doesn't cover medical alerts, but some Medicare Advantage plans include them as an extra benefit, so check your plan.
Scammers often target older adults with fake Medicare and Social Security calls. The FTC says Medicare won't call to sell you anything or charge for your card.
Get updates: Fixed-Income Benefits Checklist
Related guides
FAQ
What are the 2026 income limits for Medicare Extra Help?
Medicare lists $23,940 a year for an individual and $32,460 for a married couple, with resource limits of $18,090 and $36,100. Limits are higher in Alaska and Hawaii.
What is a Medicare Savings Program?
A state program that helps pay Medicare Part A and/or Part B premiums, and sometimes deductibles and copays. Medicare says to apply even if your income is a little above the federal limits, because states may count income differently.
Where can I get free help with Medicare?
Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) gives free, unbiased one-on-one counseling. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE.
Does Medicare pay for a medical alert system?
Original Medicare generally doesn't. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer it as an extra benefit, so check your plan's benefits.
Disclaimers
General information only, not legal, medical, tax or financial advice.
- ForLowerBills.com is an independent website. We are not a government agency, a law firm or a debt-relief company, and we don't charge for any of this information.
- Programs, income limits and rules change. Always confirm the current details on the official site before you act.
Read our full affiliate disclosure (How we make money).
We hope this helps. — the ForLowerBills team