7 Ways to Help You Get Help in Retirement If You’re Broke

Retirement should be a time when you can spend time with your family, travel, and relax without financial stress. But many Americans are increasingly concerned about having to work late even in their golden years.

In fact, according to a recent survey from the National Institute for Retirement Security, “79 percent of Americans agree there indeed is a retirement crisis, up from 67 percent in 2020.” That’s what it means. “More than half of Americans (55 percent) are concerned that they cannot achieve financial security in retirement,” the survey says.

With so many retirees facing dire financial hardship, there are assistance programs available.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

An all-time high of nearly 11.2 million older adults were cost-burdened in 2021—that is, they spent more than 30 percent of their household income on housing costs—a considerable rise from the 9.7 million recorded in 2016, according to a 2023 report from Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies. Furthermore, according to the research, “Homelessness is rising among older individuals.”

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program supports low-income seniors who need help with utility bills.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Eligible seniors can receive assistance from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help them purchase fresh, healthy food to stay healthy.

Volunteers of America

For 125 years, Volunteers of America has provided a variety of services to help seniors live independently, including long-term care, senior centers and feeding programs, home health services, assisted living, and more.

Dental Lifeline Network

Many seniors can’t afford to go to the dentist, but Dental Lifeline Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to senior care. “This program is run by her volunteer network of 12,500 dentists and his 3,200 dental laboratories across the United States,” the website states. “Since its inception in 1985, our DDS program has donated more than $500 million in dental care and changed the lives of 170,000 people.”

Retirement Jobs

Retirement Jobs was founded in 2005 to help seniors age and Friendly Employer. This free service is available in all states and helps people age 50 and older find jobs in banking, retail, sales, accounting, marketing, and more.

Pet Fund

Some senior pet owners struggle financially to care for their beloved furry friends, but there are programs that can help with veterinary costs. The Pet Fund is a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to people who cannot afford veterinary care for their animals. The website states: “The Pet Fund works only on non-basic, non-urgent care. This category includes medical needs such as cancer treatment, heart disease, chronic conditions, endocrine diseases, eye diseases, etc.”