
If you’re living on a fixed income, every dollar matters, and yet billions in benefits and free services go unused every year simply because people don’t know they exist. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) was created specifically to help older adults access those hidden resources, from financial assistance to health programs. In fact, experts estimate that eligible seniors leave tens of billions of dollars in benefits unclaimed annually.
That’s typically because navigating it can feel overwhelming. But there are many NCOA-supported programs that are completely free and designed to simplify the process. Whether you need help with medical costs, food, utilities, or staying healthy, these programs can make a real difference. Here are eight powerful NCOA programs every senior should know about right now.