50 Benefits for Senior Citizens in the U.S. (That You Might Actually Want)

By Darell Griffin, president of PureAudacity.com

Let’s face it: aging isn’t for the faint of heart. But if you’ve made it to senior status in the United States, congratulations! You’ve unlocked a treasure trove of perks, programs, and discounts—some useful, some bizarre, and some that sound like they were invented by a committee of caffeinated squirrels. Here are 50 benefits worth knowing, with just enough sass to keep you awake between naps.

 

❤️ Healthcare & Medical Perks

1.           Medicare Part A

Covers hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice.

Get it: Automatically at 65 if you paid into Social Security.

Provider: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

2.           Medicare Part B

Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services.

Get it: Enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period.

Provider: CMS.

3.           Medicare Part D

Prescription drug coverage.

Get it: Through private insurers approved by Medicare.

Provider: CMS + private companies.

4.           Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Bundled plans with extras like dental and vision.

Get it: Shop plans on Medicare.gov.

Provider: Private insurers.

5.           Medicaid for Seniors

Helps low-income seniors with healthcare costs.

Get it: Apply through your state’s Medicaid office.

Provider: State + federal government.

6.           Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Costs

Reduces premiums and copays.

Get it: Apply via Social Security.

Provider: SSA + CMS.

7.           PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly)

Wraparound care for frail seniors.

Get it: Must be 55+, live in a PACE service area.

Provider: CMS + local providers.

8.           Veterans Health Benefits

Free or low-cost care for eligible veterans.

Get it: Enroll through VA.gov.

Provider: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

9.           TRICARE for Retired Military

Health coverage for military retirees.

Get it: Enroll via Defense Health Agency.

Provider: Department of Defense.

10.         Low-Cost Insulin Cap

Insulin capped at $35/month under Medicare.

Get it: Automatically applies if you’re enrolled.

Provider: CMS.

❤️ Income & Financial Support

11.         Social Security Retirement Benefits

Monthly income based on your work history.

Get it: Apply at SSA.gov.

Provider: Social Security Administration.

12.         Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

For low-income seniors 65+.

Get it: Apply via SSA.

Provider: SSA.

13.         Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

For seniors who became disabled before retirement age.

Get it: Apply via SSA.

Provider: SSA.

14.         Tax Credit for the Elderly or Disabled

Reduces federal income tax.

Get it: File IRS Schedule R.

Provider: IRS.

15.         Property Tax Relief

Many states offer senior exemptions.

Get it: Apply through your local tax assessor.

Provider: State/local governments.

16.         Reverse Mortgage (HECM)

Turn home equity into income.

Get it: Through FHA-approved lenders.

Provider: HUD.

17.         Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE)

Freezes rent for eligible NYC seniors.

Get it: Apply via NYC Housing Preservation & Development.

Provider: City of New York.

18.         Utility Bill Assistance (LIHEAP)

Helps pay heating/cooling bills.

Get it: Apply through your state’s LIHEAP office.

Provider: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

19.         Senior Employment Program (SCSEP)

Part-time jobs for low-income seniors.

Get it: Apply via local SCSEP providers.

Provider: U.S. Department of Labor.

20.         Federal Grants for Seniors

For housing, education, and more.

Get it: Search Grants.gov.

Provider: Various federal agencies.

❤️ Food & Nutrition

21.         SNAP (Food Stamps)

Monthly grocery money.

Get it: Apply through your state’s SNAP office.

Provider: USDA.

22.         Meals on Wheels

Hot meals delivered to your door.

Get it: Contact your local provider.

Provider: Nonprofits + local governments.

23.         Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program

Coupons for fresh produce.

Get it: Through local agencies.

Provider: USDA.

24.         Commodity Supplemental Food Program

Monthly food packages.

Get it: Apply via local food banks.

Provider: USDA.

25.         Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

Free food during emergencies.

Get it: Through food pantries.

Provider: USDA.

❤️ Housing & Home Support

26.         Section 8 Housing Vouchers

Pay ~30% of income toward rent.

Get it: Apply via local housing authority.

Provider: HUD.

27.         Public Housing for Seniors

Affordable apartments.

Get it: Apply via local housing authority.

Provider: HUD.

28.         Weatherization Assistance Program

Free home energy upgrades.

Get it: Apply via your state’s energy office.

Provider: U.S. Department of Energy.

29.         Home Repair Grants for Seniors

Up to $10,000 for repairs.

Get it: Apply via USDA Rural Development.

Provider: USDA.

30.         Home Energy Rebates

Save on appliances and insulation.

Get it: Through your utility company.

Provider: State + local utilities.

 

❤️Transportation & Travel

31.         Senior Transit Discounts

Reduced fares on buses, trains, subways.

Get it: Show ID at transit office.

Provider: Local transit agencies.

32.         Amtrak Senior Discount

10% off most fares.

Get it: Book online or in person.

Provider: Amtrak.

33.         National Parks Senior Pass

Lifetime access for $80.

Get it: Buy online or at park entrance.

Provider: National Park Service.

34.         Airline Senior Fares

Some airlines offer discounts.

Get it: Call or check airline websites.

Provider: Varies by airline.

35.         Ride Services for Seniors

Free or low-cost rides to appointments.

Get it: Contact local Area Agency on Aging.

Provider: Local nonprofits.

 

❤️ Education & Fun

36.         Tuition Waivers for Seniors

Free or discounted college classes.

Get it: Apply through state universities.

Provider: State education departments.

37.         Library Perks

Free audiobooks, large-print books, tech help.

Get it: Visit your local library.

Provider: Local libraries.

38.         Senior Center Activities

Bingo, yoga, art classes, gossip.

Get it: Drop in or register.

Provider: Local governments.

39.         Free Museum Days

Many museums offer senior discounts or free days.

Get it: Check museum websites.

Provider: Museums.

40.         Discounted Movie Tickets

Matinees and senior pricing.

Get it: Ask at the box office.

Provider: Movie theaters.

 

❤️ Discounts & Deals

41.         AARP Membership Perks

Discounts on travel, insurance, and restaurants.

Get it: Join AARP for $12/year.

Provider: AARP.

42.         Retail Senior Discounts

Kohl’s, Walgreens, Ross, etc.

Get it: Ask in-store.

Provider: Retailers.

43.         Restaurant Senior Deals

Denny’s, IHOP, Golden Corral.

Get it: Ask your server.

Provider: Restaurants.

44.         Grocery Store Discounts

Some stores offer senior days.

Get it: Ask at customer service.

Provider: Grocery chains.

45.         Cell Phone Plans for Seniors

Cheaper rates with fewer frills.

Get it: Check with carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T.

Provider: Telecom companies.

❤️ Wellness & Support

46.         SilverSneakers Fitness Program

Free gym access for Medicare members.

Get it: Check eligibility at SilverSneakers.com.

Provider: Tivity Health.

47.         Medicare Wellness Visits

Annual check‑ins to keep you tuned up like a classic car.

How to get it: Schedule through your doctor.

Provider: Medicare.

Bonus: Includes personalized health advice without the guilt trip.

48.         Free Preventive Screenings

Mammograms, colonoscopies, diabetes checks — the whole “let’s keep you alive” package.

How to get it: Covered under Medicare Part B.

Provider: Medicare.

Why it matters: Early detection beats late surprises.

49.         Hearing Aid Discounts

Lower‑cost devices through retailers like Costco and some Medicare Advantage plans.

How to get it: Shop around or check your plan benefits.

Provider: Private retailers + insurers.

Perk: Hear your family again… whether you want to or not.

50.         Vision & Dental Discounts

Reduced‑cost cleanings, glasses, and exams.

How to get it: Through Medicare Advantage or discount programs.

Provider: Private insurers.

Reality check: Medicare Original doesn’t cover these — but Advantage plans often do.

❤️ Wrapping It Up: The Senior Perk Parade

If you’ve made it this far, congratulations — you now know more about senior benefits than most congressional staffers. The United States may not always make things simple, but once you hit senior status, the buffet of perks gets surprisingly generous. From healthcare to housing, from discounted pancakes to national park glory, you’ve got options.

A Couple of HUGE perks I am waiting on the current president for are no property taxes and no tax on social security benefits. I am not holding my breath.

And the best part? You don’t have to use them all. Pick the ones that make your life easier, happier, or more delicious. Whether you’re chasing adventure, saving money, or simply enjoying the perks of being seasoned, there’s something here for every flavor of senior living.