Print this page
Financial Assistance
Benefits Checkup
This website sponsored by the National Council on Aging is set up to help you find what state, federal and local government health and financial programs are available in your area.
CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation
information@cancercarecopay.org
Toll-free at 1-866-552-6729 (New York)
This non-profit affiliate of CancerCare was founded in 2007 to address the needs of cancer patients who are having financial difficulty affording their insurance copayments for cancer medications.
275 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10001
Low Income Energy Assistance Program
Toll-free at 1-866-674-6327, or TTY 1-866-367-6228
Provides financial assistance with winter utility bills for low income individuals. Contact the national office to find the local office nearest you.
Medicare "Extra Help" for Prescription Drugs
Toll-free 1-800-772-1213 or TTY 1-800-325-0778
Medicare offers a program for persons with limited income who need help paying for their medications. Support can come in the form of reduced premiums, a reduced annual deductible, or reduced prescription co-payments. Even people who own their own home can qualify. Eligibility is based on income and resources other than a car or house.
National Center for Appropriate Technology
Toll-free at 866-NRG-NEAR (866-674-6327)
This organization runs the National Energy Assistance Referral Project. Contact them to find out about energy subsidies to reduce heating, gas and electric costs for low income households in your area.
National Foundation for Credit Counseling
Toll-free at 1-800-388-2227
This is the website of the nonprofit professional organization of licensed credit counselors who are certified to offer low-cost, confidential advice to help people who are in a financial crisis.
Social Security Administration
800-772-1213 (toll free) or 800-325-0778 TTY
A retired beneficiary (and spouse) may receive full benefits if they apply at age 65 or over. Persons applying at 62 receive reduced monthly payments. Surviving spouse is eligible for benefits at age 60, or at 50 if disabled.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
800-772-1213 (toll free) or 800-325-0778 TTY
A Federal program run by Social Security that pays monthly checks to people who are aged 65 and older, disabled, or blind and who have limited income and assets.