Understand your benefits.
Plan with confidence.
Explore Social Security, Medicare and the programs that help with costs, and find official resources for your next step.
Program directory
Senior benefits, at a glance.
Medicare, Social Security, SSI and help with drug costs each have separate rules.
- 01
- Support
- Income based on your work record
- Learn about
- When to start and how timing matters
- 02
- Support
- Federal health insurance at 65+
- Learn about
- Enrollment periods and coverage choices
- 03
- Support
- Help paying Medicare premiums and costs
- Learn about
- Who qualifies and how to apply
- 04
- Support
- Lower prescription drug costs
- Learn about
- Applying through Social Security
- 05
- Support
- Monthly payments with limited income
- Learn about
- Income and resource rules
- 06
- Support
- Food boxes, produce and meals
- Learn about
- Programs for adults 60 and older
Program eligibility and benefits depend on individual circumstances. Check the official guidance.
Getting started
Getting ready for Medicare and retirement.
Most Medicare and Social Security steps can be done online, by phone or at a local office.
- 1Know your Medicare windowYour initial enrollment period starts three months before the month you turn 65.
- 2Decide when to start Social SecurityThe age you start changes your monthly amount for life.
- 3Check for cost helpMedicare Savings Programs and Extra Help can lower what you pay.
- 4Get free counselingYour State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) gives unbiased Medicare help.
- 5Review your coverage each fallRead your plan's Annual Notice of Change before open enrollment.
Common assumptions
Retirement and Medicare myths, checked
- AssumptionMedicare covers long-term nursing home care.What to checkMedicare generally does not cover long-term custodial care. Ask about Medicaid rules in your state.
- AssumptionEveryone has to start Social Security at 62.What to checkYou choose when to start. Review how timing changes your monthly benefit.
- AssumptionPeople with Medicare cannot get Medicaid.What to checkSome people qualify for both. Ask your state Medicaid agency.
- AssumptionExtra Help always needs a separate application.What to checkPeople with Medicaid, SSI or a Medicare Savings Program usually get it automatically.
Common pitfalls
Enrollment dates and penalties to watch
- Missed enrollment windowsLate Medicare sign-up can mean lasting penalties.
- Unread plan noticesPlans can change each year. Read the Annual Notice of Change.
- Unexpected callsBe wary of callers asking for your Medicare or Social Security number.
Frequently asked questions
Senior benefits questions.
Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7 each year. In 2026 you can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change Advantage plans, or join, drop or switch a Part D plan, and changes start January 1, 2027.
Your initial enrollment period lasts seven months: the three months before the month you turn 65, that month, and the three months after. If you already get Social Security, you are usually enrolled automatically.
For people born in 1960 or later, full retirement age is 67. You can start as early as 62 with a permanently reduced benefit, or wait past full retirement age for a larger one.
Yes. If you are younger than full retirement age and earn above a yearly limit, Social Security temporarily withholds some benefits. Once you reach full retirement age, the limit no longer applies.
They are state programs that help pay Medicare premiums and, in some cases, deductibles and copays for people with limited income and resources. Apply through your state Medicaid agency.
Extra Help is a federal program that lowers Medicare Part D prescription drug costs for people with limited income and resources. You can apply through Social Security.
Your local Area Agency on Aging can connect you with services like home-delivered meals, rides and caregiver support. The Eldercare Locator finds your local agency.
Official sources
Medicare.gov and SSA.gov pages
Independent guide
GrantsHubUSA explains programs and links to official resources. We do not run these programs or process applications.
Read our editorial policyEligibility wizard
Answer a few questions and see which programs are worth a closer look. Only the agency decides eligibility.