Senior benefits in District of Columbia

In the District, the Medicare Savings Program is a single program called QMB, run by DC Medicaid.

DC Medicaid covers people 65 and older under its aged, blind and disabled group and can pay health costs Medicare doesn't.

The DC State Health Insurance Assistance Program, called SHIP, gives free Medicare information, counseling, education and help.

All your Medicare and Medicaid care from one team, including rides, meals and home care, for people 55+ who need a nursing-home level of care.

Medical care, prescriptions and some dental and long-term care for enrolled veterans.

The District of Columbia does not run a program to help older people in general pay for prescriptions; its only drug program on Medicare's list is for people living with HIV.

Lowers your Part D premium, deductible and copays. You get it automatically with Medicaid, SSI or a Medicare Savings Program.

A yearly limit on what you pay for covered drugs.

A temporary program that lowers the copay for certain weight-loss drugs, outside your regular Part D plan.

The District pays an Optional State Supplemental Payment (OSSP) only to people on SSI who live in an adult foster care home, which means a community residential facility or an adult living facility.

A monthly payment for people 65+ with little income and savings. You don't need a work history.

Your monthly benefit from your work record. When you claim changes how much you get for life.

Monthly disability benefits from your work record. Switches to retirement benefits at full retirement age.

Benefits from a spouse's or ex-spouse's work record. Often missed, especially after a divorce or a death.

Ended the WEP and GPO reductions for teachers, police, firefighters and others with public pensions.

In the District, SNAP (once called food stamps) puts money for groceries on an EBT card each month.

A free monthly box of food through local food banks, for people 60+. You can get it alongside SNAP.

Seasonal coupons for fresh produce at farmers' markets. Limited and first-come.

Home-delivered and group meals for people 60+, with no income test.

Helps pay rent so you pay about 30% of your income. Waiting lists are long, so apply to more than one.

Subsidized apartments for very-low-income households with someone 62+. You apply at each building.

Low-interest loans and, for people 62+, grants to fix health and safety hazards in rural homes.

In the District, LIHEAP pays a one-time benefit of $250 to $1,800 toward heating and cooling bills, and emergency help if your gas or electric service has been cut off or your oil tank is nearly empty.

Free insulation, sealing and heating repairs that lower your energy bills for good.

A monthly discount on phone or internet service. The bigger ACP discount ended in 2024.

3 programs: Senior Citizen or Disabled Property Owner Tax Relief, Individual Income Property Tax Credit (Schedule H) and Low-Income Senior Citizen Property Tax Deferral.

An extra deduction for each person 65+, for tax years 2025 to 2028, whether or not you itemize.

A larger standard deduction once you turn 65, and more if you are blind.

Free tax preparation from trained volunteers, with a program just for people 60+.

Whether your benefits are taxed depends on your other income. Many people owe nothing.

Free or reimbursed rides through Medicaid, your local Area Agency on Aging, or the VA.

Personal care, adult day programs and home changes so you can stay home instead of moving to a nursing home.

A tax-free monthly payment for wartime veterans and surviving spouses who need help with daily activities.

Respite care, counseling and training for family caregivers, including grandparents raising grandchildren.

Paid part-time community-service work and job training for people 55+ with low incomes.

Free legal aid, a nursing-home complaint line in every state, and Adult Protective Services.