Senior Benefits You Might Be Missing

By the Solantis Care Team · Updated June 2026 · 7 min read

Every year, billions of dollars in benefits that could lower an older adult's cost of food, medicine, and Medicare go unclaimed — often simply because no one knew to apply. Here's where to look.

According to the National Council on Aging, more than 9 million older adults miss out on an estimated $58 billion in benefits each year. The reasons are rarely about eligibility — they're about awareness and paperwork. If you're caring for an aging parent, a single afternoon spent checking these programs can meaningfully reduce their monthly bills.

The benefits seniors most often leave on the table

1. Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)

These state-run programs help pay Medicare costs — at a minimum, the monthly Part B premium (about $200/month in 2026, or roughly $2,400 a year). Yet only about half of eligible older adults are enrolled. If your parent has limited income, this is often the single biggest win.

2. Extra Help (the Part D Low-Income Subsidy)

Extra Help dramatically lowers the cost of prescription drugs for people with Medicare who have limited income and resources — reducing premiums, deductibles, and copays. For a parent managing several medications, this can save hundreds or thousands of dollars a year.

3. SNAP (food assistance)

Nearly 60% of seniors who qualify for SNAP don't enroll — often because they assume the benefit is tiny or the process is hard. Even a modest monthly food benefit frees up money for medicine and other essentials.

4. Medicaid

Beyond health coverage, Medicaid can help with long-term services and supports — in-home care, adult day programs, and more — for those who qualify. Eligibility varies by state, so it's worth checking even if you assume your parent earns too much.

5. Help with utilities, property tax, and more

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps with heating and cooling bills, many states offer property-tax relief for seniors, and local Area Agencies on Aging often run transportation, meal, and home-repair programs.

How to find what your parent qualifies for

You don't have to research each program separately. These free resources screen for dozens at once:

• NCOA BenefitsCheckUp — a free online tool that screens for benefits by ZIP code and situation.
• State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) — free, unbiased Medicare counseling in every state.
• Your local Area Agency on Aging — call the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) to find yours.
• Medicare.gov and Benefits.gov — official screening and applications.

A note for caregivers

Benefits aren't one-and-done. Eligibility changes as income, health, and programs change, so it's worth re-checking once a year — and whenever your parent's situation shifts. Solantis includes a benefits finder alongside its medication and care tools, so cost-saving programs surface in the same place you manage everything else. However you track it, the key is simply to look — the money is often there for the asking.

Frequently asked questions

Sources: National Council on Aging, The $58 Billion Benefits Gap Affecting Older Adults and Benefits for Older Adults; Medicare.gov. Program rules and amounts change and vary by state — confirm current eligibility through an official source before applying. This is general information, not financial or legal advice.