What help could you be missing?

Facts checked 29 September 2026

Seven questions, about two minutes. Nothing you type leaves this page: there is no sign-up and we do not see your answers. You get a list of programs worth asking about, with who to call.

Before you start: have a rough idea of your monthly income before anything is taken out (Social Security, pensions, IRA withdrawals, wages) and your savings not counting your home or car. Round numbers are fine.

1. How old are you? (the older of you, if a couple) 55 to 59 60 to 64 65 to 69 70 or older

2. Who lives with you? I live on my own My husband, wife or partner

If you live with other family, choose the one that describes you and your spouse only.

3. Monthly income before deductions For you (and your spouse, if a couple), in dollars a month

Include Social Security before the Medicare premium comes out.

4. Savings and investments Bank accounts, CDs, stocks, retirement accounts. Not your home or one car.

5. Your home I own it I rent I live with family, or somewhere else

6. Which town?

7. Tick any that are true I have Medicare (or start within 3 months) I served in the military, or I am a veteran's husband, wife or widow I need help every day with washing, dressing, meals or medicines I rarely leave the house, or cannot cook for myself I am legally blind I would like some paid part-time work

The 19 programs this check looks for

The figures below are for 2026 and were checked on 29 September 2026. Most change every January or March. Prescription Advantage is not included: the state stopped taking new applications on 11 September 2026.

Medicare Savings Program (MassHealth Buy-In: QMB, SLMB, QI)

MassHealth pays your Medicare Part B premium, and at the lowest income level also your Medicare deductibles and copays.

What you get: At least the Part B premium ($202.90 a month in 2026, about $2,435 a year). QMB level also pays Part A premium if any, and Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copays. You are automatically enrolled in Extra Help for drugs and get Health Safety Net.

Rules in brief: No asset test for MSP-only since March 1, 2024. Income tiers effective March 1, 2026: QMB up to 190% FPL ($2,527/month single, $3,427 couple); SLMB/QI above that up to 225% FPL ($2,993 single, $4,058 couple). MassHealth's figures are rounded; exact counting rules (disregards) apply.

How to apply: Use the short MSP application or call MassHealth. A SHINE counselor (free) can help you fill it out. MassHealth 800-841-2900 (TTY 711); Cape SHINE 508-375-6762

Extra Help (Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy)

Medicare helps pay your drug plan premium, deductible and copays.

What you get: Plan premium and deductible can be $0; in 2027 copays are no more than $5.80 for a generic and $14.40 for a brand-name drug, and $0 once drug costs reach $2,400. No Part D late penalty while you have it.

Rules in brief: 2026 limits: income $23,940/yr single, $32,460 couple; resources $18,090 single, $36,100 couple. Resources count bank accounts, stocks, bonds; your home and car do not count (standard SSA rule). Anyone who gets MSP, MassHealth or SSI qualifies automatically.

How to apply: Apply online with Social Security or by phone; SHINE can help. If you qualify for the Medicare Savings Program you get Extra Help automatically. Social Security 800-772-1213; Cape SHINE 508-375-6762

SNAP (food assistance) for older adults

Money on an EBT card every month to buy groceries.

What you get: Up to $306 a month for one person, $562 for two (maximum from Oct 1, 2026). Many older adults get less; there is a minimum benefit. Also unlocks HIP (free fruits and vegetables match at farmers markets).

Rules in brief: Gross income limit 200% FPL for categorically eligible households ($2,660 single, $3,607 couple, effective Feb 1, 2026). Households with someone 60+ or disabled can deduct medical costs over $35 and shelter costs; special rules may still allow eligibility above 200% using the net income test.

How to apply: Use DTA's short SNAP application for seniors, apply online at DTA Connect, or call the Senior Assistance Office. You can also go to a DTA office. DTA Senior Assistance Office 833-712-8027; DTA Assistance Line 877-382-2363

Home Energy Assistance (HEAP / fuel assistance)

Helps pay part of your winter heating bill, whatever fuel you use.

What you get: A fixed benefit paid straight to your oil, propane, gas or electric company for heat used Nov 1 - Apr 30. Also: automatic discount rate on Eversource/National Grid electric and gas bills, emergency heating repair (HEARTWAP) and free weatherization.

Rules in brief: FY2027 (2026-27 winter) maximum gross income: $53,585/yr for 1 person, $70,073 for 2 (60% of state median income). Not all income counts. Homeowners and renters (including heat-in-rent) can apply. Must reapply every year.

How to apply: Apply online at the state HEAP portal (applications open Oct 1) or through the Cape's HEAP agency, South Shore Community Action Council, which takes applications at volunteer intake sites across Cape Cod (many Councils on Aging help). SSCAC fuel line 877-383-5243 (toll-free) or 508-746-6707; Cold Relief Heatline 800-632-8175; 2-1-1

Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit

A state income tax refund for older homeowners and renters whose property tax or rent is high compared to income.

What you get: Up to $2,820 back for tax year 2025, even if you owe no income tax. You can claim up to 3 years back.

Rules in brief: Tax year 2025: total income up to $75,000 single, $94,000 head of household, $112,000 married filing jointly. Homeowners: property tax plus half of water/sewer must exceed 10% of income, and home assessed at $1,298,000 or less (Jan 1, 2025). Renters: 25% of annual rent must exceed 10% of income. Not for people in subsidized housing or with a rent subsidy.

How to apply: File Schedule CB with your Massachusetts income tax return (free on MassTaxConnect), even if you do not normally file. Free help at many Councils on Aging (AARP Tax-Aide). Mass. DOR 617-887-6367 or 800-392-6089

Local property tax exemptions for seniors (MGL c.59 s.5)

Your town can take a fixed amount off your property tax bill if you are older, blind, a veteran or widowed and meet the limits.

What you get: Clause 41C (elderly): $500 by law, up to $1,000 where the town voted it (e.g. Chatham, Eastham, Wellfleet give $1,000). Clause 17D (70+, widowed): $175. Clause 22 (veteran, 10%+ disability): at least $400. Clause 37A (blind): $500. Clause 41A: lets 65+ owners postpone taxes until the home is sold.

Rules in brief: 41C statutory base: age 70 (town may lower to 65), gross receipts under $13,000 single / $15,000 married (town may raise to $20,000 / $30,000; many also add a 41D cost-of-living increase), whole estate under $28,000 / $30,000 excluding home (town may raise to $40,000 / $55,000). 17D: 70+ and owned 5 years, or surviving spouse; whole estate under $40,000 excluding home; no income test. 37A: legally blind, any income. 22: veterans with 10%+ service-connected disability, Purple Heart, etc. 41A deferral: 65+, income limit set by town (Wellfleet $40,000; interest up to 8%). Must own and live in the home; apply each year to the town assessor, usually by April 1 or within 3 months of the actual bill.

How to apply: Apply each year to your town Board of Assessors. Forms are on each town's assessing page. Your town assessor (see town list)

Senior Tax Work-Off (volunteer for your town)

Volunteer for your town and get money taken off your property tax bill.

What you get: Up to $2,000 a year by state law; each town sets its own cap (on the Cape, $750 to $2,000 where confirmed). Paid at minimum wage per hour.

Rules in brief: State law (c.59 s.5K) caps the reduction at $2,000 per tax year and the hourly credit at state minimum wage. Towns set income limits and number of slots; see town list.

How to apply: Apply through your town's Council on Aging (or town manager/assessor); slots are limited and some towns use a lottery. Your town Council on Aging (see town list)

Community Preservation Act (CPA) surcharge exemption

If your town charges the CPA surcharge on your tax bill, lower-income seniors can ask to have it removed.

What you get: The CPA surcharge on your bill is removed (usually a few dozen to a few hundred dollars a year).

Rules in brief: Only in towns that voted this exemption. Low income = under 80% of area median income (any age); moderate-income seniors (60+) = under 100% of area median income. HUD figures change each year. Apply every year to the assessor.

How to apply: Apply to your town assessor each year (form name: CPA exemption / Chapter 44B). Your town assessor

State Home Care Program

Help at home - such as a homemaker, personal care, meals or respite - so you can stay in your own home.

What you get: Services and a care manager, based on a free in-home assessment. Free for MassHealth members and lower incomes; small monthly copay ($10-$141 single) in the middle; a percentage of cost (50%-100%) at higher incomes.

Rules in brief: Age 60+ (or under 60 with Alzheimer's needing respite), living at home (not assisted living), with a need for help with daily tasks. 2026: MassHealth members financially eligible; income under $2,982/month ($35,784/yr) listed as the income guideline. Single-person copays $10-$141/month for incomes $16,292-$36,598; two-person $14-$199 for $21,940-$51,785; above that, 50%-100% of service cost. No asset test is stated.

How to apply: Call Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands (the Cape's Aging Services Access Point) for a free in-home assessment. Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands 800-244-4630 or 508-394-4630; MassOptions 800-243-4636

MassHealth Standard (age 65+, living at home)

Full Medicaid coverage that fills Medicare's gaps - dental, glasses, hearing aids, rides to appointments and long-term care at home.

What you get: Pays what Medicare doesn't, including dental, eyeglasses, hearing aids, non-emergency transport and home care; usually no copays.

Rules in brief: Income at or below 100% FPL (2026: $1,330 single, $1,804 couple, effective Mar 1, 2026). Countable assets $2,000 single / $3,000 couple; home you live in and one car do not count. Estate recovery applies to full MassHealth (not to MSP). People over the limit may qualify via a deductible (spend-down) or the Frail Elder Waiver.

How to apply: Apply with the SACA-2 application (seniors and long-term care). SHINE or Elder Services can help. MassHealth 800-841-2900 (TTY 711)

Lifeline phone or internet discount

A monthly discount on one phone or internet bill.

What you get: Up to $9.25 off your monthly phone or internet bill.

Rules in brief: Income at or below 135% of federal poverty guidelines (2026: about $21,546/yr single, $29,214 couple), OR you get SNAP, Medicaid/MassHealth, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or the VA Veterans/Survivors Pension. One discount per household.

How to apply: Apply through the FCC's National Verifier (online or by mail) or through a participating phone/internet company. Lifeline Support Center 800-234-9473

Free home energy upgrades (Mass Save via Cape Light Compact)

Free insulation, air sealing and sometimes a heat pump or new appliances to cut your energy bills.

What you get: Income-eligible: no-cost home energy assessment, insulation, air sealing, and possibly heat pumps, appliance and window upgrades. Moderate income (60-80% AMI): up to 100% of weatherization and heat pump costs.

Rules in brief: Cape Light Compact limits Oct 2025-Sept 2026: income-eligible (60%) single $51,778/yr, family of 4 $99,574; enhanced/moderate (60-80%) single $79,100, family of 4 $132,764 (Barnstable County). Households on fuel assistance or the utility discount rate qualify for the income-eligible tier. Homeowners and renters (with landlord OK).

How to apply: Call Cape Light Compact or book online; income-eligible homes are served by Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC). Enrolling in the Eversource discount rate first speeds approval. Cape Light Compact energy efficiency 800-797-6699

Veterans' benefits (MGL Chapter 115)

Monthly cash help and medical cost help from the state for low-income veterans and their spouses or widows.

What you get: Monthly money for living costs (budget minus your income), plus help with medical bills, including Medicare Part B premiums. 'Medical only' help may be possible even if income is over the limit.

Rules in brief: Income at or below 200% FPL (2026 computed: $2,660 single, $3,607 couple). Countable assets about $8,400 single / $16,600 couple; home, car and furnishings generally not counted. Must be a wartime-eligible veteran, spouse, widow(er) or dependent living in MA.

How to apply: Contact your town Veterans' Service Officer. All Cape towns except Falmouth are served by the Cape & Islands District Department of Veterans' Services in Hyannis. Cape & Islands District VSO 508-778-8740 (66 Falmouth Rd, Hyannis); Falmouth VSO 508-495-7450; EOVS 617-210-5480

Senior Farmers Market Coupons

Free coupons to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at local farmers markets and farm stands.

What you get: A coupon booklet each summer ($25 in 2025; 2026 amount not confirmed).

Rules in brief: Income limits July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027: $29,526/yr single, $40,034 for two (185% FPL). Limited supply; first come, first served.

How to apply: Contact Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands (nutrition program) when coupons are released, usually starting in July; COAs often distribute them. Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands 508-394-4630

Meals on Wheels (home-delivered meals)

A hot, healthy meal brought to your door on weekdays if it is hard for you to shop or cook.

What you get: Home-delivered meals, plus a friendly daily check-in; also group lunches at senior dining sites. A small donation is suggested but not required.

Rules in brief: No income test for Older Americans Act meals; based on need (homebound or unable to prepare meals).

How to apply: Call Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands Senior Nutrition Program. Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands 508-394-4630 or 800-244-4630

SHINE free Medicare counseling

A trained, unbiased counselor helps you compare Medicare plans and apply for savings programs - free.

What you get: Free, confidential one-on-one help with Medicare, drug plans, MSP, Extra Help and MassHealth. Open Enrollment runs Oct 15 - Dec 7.

Rules in brief: Open to anyone on or about to join Medicare.

How to apply: Call the Cape & Islands regional SHINE office or your Council on Aging to book an appointment. Cape & Islands SHINE 508-375-6762 (TTY 508-362-5885); state line 800-243-4636 option 3

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

Paid part-time job training at a local nonprofit for older job seekers with low income.

What you get: About 20 hours a week of paid training at minimum wage, plus job-search help.

Rules in brief: Age 55+, unemployed, family income no more than 125% FPL (2026 computed: about $19,950/yr single, $27,050 for two). Priority to veterans and spouses, then people over 65.

How to apply: Contact Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands, the local SCSEP host. Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands 508-394-4630

Frail Elder Waiver (MassHealth)

MassHealth home care for people who need nursing-home-level care but want to stay home.

What you get: A care manager and home services such as personal care, homemaker, home health aide, meals, adult day, respite and home modifications.

Rules in brief: Age 65+ (or 60-64 with a disability), clinically eligible for nursing facility care, living in the community (not assisted living or rest home). Must meet MassHealth Standard financial rules; special waiver rules allow income up to 300% of the SSI federal benefit rate ($2,982/month in 2026) with $2,000 countable assets.

How to apply: Call Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands for a clinical assessment; MassHealth decides financial eligibility. Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands 800-244-4630 / 508-394-4630; MassHealth 800-841-2900

Electric and gas discount rate (Eversource / National Grid)

A lower rate on your electric or gas bill if you qualify for fuel assistance or another low-income benefit.

What you get: A percentage discount on every electric/gas bill from an investor-owned utility (Eversource electric on the Cape). Also winter shut-off protection for households of seniors 65+.

Rules in brief: Given automatically when you are approved for fuel assistance (HEAP); can also qualify through other means-tested benefits. Same income limit as HEAP (60% SMI).

How to apply: Apply for fuel assistance (discount is applied automatically) or call Eversource and ask for the discount rate. SSCAC 877-383-5243; Eversource customer service (number not verified)

Free help filling in forms: SHINE Medicare counsellors 508-375-6762, and Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands 800-244-4630. Your Council on Aging can help with the town programs.

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On the first of each month: what to do this month (Medicare, taxes, fuel help, storms), what is on at your senior centre, and any number in your town that changed. Nothing else. Unsubscribe with one click.

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