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Financial Assistance for Dallas Seniors

Life in Dallas costs a bit more than the national average. That may be a fair deal thanks to everything the city has to offer, but it can make paying the bills harder for seniors. If your (or a loved one’s) fixed income or nest egg doesn’t stretch far enough to cover the necessities, Dallas-area agencies and non-profit groups are ready to help. Read on to see where to find help with the cost of food, housing and maintenance, utilities, companionship, case management, transportation and more.

Hot meals and help with groceries

Dallas has the biggest Meals on Wheels kitchen in the US, where VNA Meals on Wheels workers and volunteers cook and deliver more than 4,000 meals each day to homebound seniors. The group also delivers food for clients’ pets.

Seniors and live-in family members may also qualify for Texas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which can help you cover the cost of food, plant seeds, and food plants from the nursery for your home garden. The state takes SNAP applications online; you can also get help with your application from Dallas-area senior centers, the Community Council of Greater Dallas, and the Dallas Housing Authority.

Housing, maintenance, utilities and weatherization help

Senior homeowners who need help aging in place safely can contact the Dallas Housing and Community Service Department for case management and referrals. Among the groups it works with is the Dallas Ramp Project, part of a statewide volunteer group that builds free wheelchair ramps for homeowners in need.

Low-income seniors can reduce their utility bills with help from the Texas Weatherization Assistance Program. Seniors who are unable to pay the full cost of their gas, water, and electric service can apply for help from the Texas Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program.

City-run housing for low-income seniors and others has a long waitlist in Dallas – 3 to 5 years as of early 2016. Seniors seeking affordable housing may find better results with the state Department of Housing and Community Affairs. It oversees units in 16 Dallas-area properties, including some senior communities. Some non-profit and church-affiliated senior communities around Dallas also provide affordable units for seniors with limited resources. These include Grace Presbyterian Village and Buckner Retirement Village. Don’t hesitate to ask senior communities about low-income options; it’s a common need among seniors.

Social time, helping hands, and rides

Other Dallas groups help seniors stay connected with free and low-cost social programs, transportation, and help with benefits applications. For daily activities, seniors can visit any of 9 Dallas County Health and Human Services senior centers. Transportation is provided along with lunch, exercise, crafts, and field trips. Homebound seniors who want social time at home can benefit from the Senior Source’s Senior Companions program, which matches volunteer retirees with older clients in need of connections and home help.

You can find affordable and/or free Dallas senior resources and referrals through Resource Center Dallas’ Gray Pride LGBTQ programs, the Dallas Area Agency on Aging and the Connect to Care Dallas web site. All of these groups are ready to help you make the most of your budget so you can make the most of senior living in Dallas.

Learn more about Financial Assistance for Dallas Seniors:

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