If you are an older adult, or if you have an older adult in your life that you care for, you might feel overwhelmed and a little anxious when you turn on the news nowadays. No matter your political leaning, worries about Medicaid and Social Security cuts might have you feeling a little unsure about your financial future. While Elon Musk and DOGE are making cuts (and then sometimes needing to reverse those cuts) at a national level, you might already be seeing the results of these cuts in your local community.
Here are just a few community services for seniors that are at risk, or might be at risk, due to current and potential DOGE cuts.
Energy Assistance Programs
Older adults often receive federal and state support to supplement finances. Community programs are designed to lift older adults out of poverty, as many may not have the money to support their basic needs in their late retirement years. Energy assistance programs, like LIHEAP (low income home energy assistance program), are federally funded, and many people rely on it in order to keep the heat and air conditioning on in their homes. The future of LIHEAP’s payments is in question, as the program has been on the table for cuts long before DOGE began their quest to make the government run more efficiently.
What can you do? Apply for LIHEAP quickly and meet the application deadlines for this year. If possible, start a small savings account that could help out with energy costs if needed in the future.
Social Security Assistance
Social Security, a federal program designed to support seniors, is also at risk of delays or funding cuts. However, financial worries aside, the staff at most Social Security local offices has been drastically cut, with more cuts potentially on the way. For seniors who are not comfortable hopping online to get a question answered about benefits, they call their local office to speak to a representative to help them understand their benefits and what comes next. Without these helpful representatives to answer the phone or sit down with them at the office, seniors might not understand their benefits. Not all seniors have a family member who can fill this need, and even if they do, many family members don’t understand the complexities of Social Security.
What can you do? Anticipate delays in payments as well as in customer support. Try calling the local office early in the day and plan on being on hold. Be patient. Schedule a sit-down appointment and then compile a list of questions to ask during that time.
Housing Repairs
Affordable housing is home to many low-income seniors. Unfortunately, potential cuts from DOGE could make repairing and maintaining senior housing buildings nearly impossible. In addition to cutting funds that help to maintain HUD or Section 8 housing, cuts might also mean fewer low-income senior housing buildings being built over the next 1-5 years. With many older adults unable to afford single-family homes or senior living communities, HUD-subsidized housing has been crucial to their life. There is often a waiting list that is years long for these senior housing complexes, demonstrating the need for more. However, without federal funding, more buildings might not be on the horizon.
What can you do? If possible, get on a waiting list for local senior housing buildings as soon as possible. Have a plan for housing alternatives.
Educational Presentations
Many social services programs in your local area are likely funded, at least in part, by federal grants. This money allows for staff to give educational presentations in the community on topics for seniors and their family caregivers. Not only do these presentations offer excellent information, it is also a way for seniors to get out of their home and get in touch with their local resources. Without these presentations, seniors might miss out on a friendly face and the opportunity to learn about a service or local resource that could add to their wellness.
What can you do? Support your local social service agencies. Offer to volunteer.
