Free help for seniors and families, organized by state and county.
Most families find out about a program a year after they needed it. This is the list nobody hands you: real government and nonprofit help for food, energy bills, Medicare, home repairs, transportation, legal trouble, and caregiver support. It is free, there is no sign-up, and we add states and counties over time.
Start here (works anywhere)
These national resources work in any state. If you only do one thing, call 211 or the Eldercare Locator and let them route you.
- 211Dial 2-1-1
Free, 24/7, every county. Routes you to rent, utility, food, and medical help near you.
- Eldercare Locator1-800-677-1116
The federal front door to local aging services anywhere in the US.
- National Elder Fraud Hotline (DOJ)1-833-372-8311
Report scams or financial exploitation of an older adult and get connected to help.
- 1-800-MEDICARE1-800-633-4227
Medicare questions, plan help, and fraud reporting.
- Social Security Administration1-800-772-1213
Retirement and disability benefits, plus SSI.
- VA Benefits1-800-827-1000
Veteran pensions, Aid and Attendance, and survivor benefits.
- Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline1-800-272-3900
Around-the-clock support for dementia caregiving.
- NCOA BenefitsCheckUpbenefitscheckup.org
Screens a senior for every benefit program they may qualify for. A powerful first step.
- Family Caregiver Alliancecaregiver.org
Caregiver support plus a state-by-state services locator.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineDial 988
Free, confidential mental health crisis support, any age.
- Adult Protective ServicesVia county DSS or the Eldercare Locator
Report suspected elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Find help by state
States with county guides are listed first. We are building this out one county at a time. If your state is not filled in yet, its page still points you to the national resources above.
- North Carolina7
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Senior Help Directory free?
- Yes, completely free and open. There is no sign-up, no email wall, and nothing to buy. It lists government and nonprofit programs only.
- How do I find senior help in my state and county?
- Use the national resources at the top, which work anywhere, then pick your state below and open your county for local programs and phone numbers. If your county is not listed yet, call 211 or the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116, which route to local aging services in any US county.
- What kind of help does the directory cover?
- Property tax relief, food, energy and utility bills, Medicare and prescriptions, home repair and safety, transportation, legal help, caregiver support, and full medical care that lets a senior stay at home instead of a nursing home.
- My state or county is not listed yet. What should I do?
- We add states and counties a little at a time. Until yours is up, start with 211 or the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116, which route to local aging services in any US county.
Ryan Riggins is a licensed North Carolina real estate agent (#361546, eXp Realty). Riggins Strategic Solutions is an education and media company, not a real estate sales business. This directory is not a solicitation to buy, sell, or list a home, and it is not financial, tax, medical, or legal advice. Programs, income limits, contacts, and deadlines change and vary by individual situation. Confirm current details directly with each program or a licensed professional before making any decision.