Turbo Takeaways
- The federal CARES Act, which assisted seniors and other Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic, is no longer distributing funds.
- Other federal programs, including Social Security and Medicare, aid seniors struggling to afford essentials during retirement.
- Seniors can also pursue debt relief options to overcome financial struggles.
Is the CARES Act Still Available in 2025?
The CARES Act was the U.S. government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic and the economic crisis it spurred. Congress passed the act, and it was signed by President Trump on March 27, 2020. It was a $2.2 trillion package that provided loan forgiveness, direct payments to millions of Americans, and other benefits to provide relief to families, corporations, and businesses.
The CARES Act has since expired and will no longer be available in 2025. However, older adults can still access various senior debt relief options, free services, and other key government benefits for those over 65.
How Can Stimulus and Other Programs Help Seniors?
Retirees are often the first to feel the pinch of high inflation. As of September 2025, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed a 3% increase in overall prices for essential goods and services.
With limited retirement income from Social Security and fixed monthly pensions, many retirees struggle to cover expenses. Retirement accounts are frequently severely underfunded and may not last the twenty or more years of an average retirement today.
Even a little financial help can make a big difference. Senior stimulus programs can ease the burden for millions of older adults who qualify. While the stimulus checks from the CARES Act have ceased, other financial assistance programs are still available for senior citizens.
What Senior Stimulus Programs Are Currently Available?
Although no new stimulus checks specifically for seniors are being issued, the federal government also offers the following senior assistance programs for financial support:
Social Security
Full Social Security benefits are available to those who are 62 years of age or older and have contributed to Social Security for at least ten years or 40 calendar quarters of covered employment. This is necessary to qualify for benefits under the U.S. Social Security program, also known as the OASDI tax program.
Additional financial assistance for seniors receiving Social Security payments may also be available, depending on eligibility. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, stimulus checks were automatically issued to individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and to everyone who was actively receiving Social Security benefits at the time.
The IRS has issued three economic impact payments, but you can claim the Recovery Rebate Credit if you were eligible and haven't received the payment.
Medicare
Medicare is a health service program specifically designed to help older adults pay for healthcare services and supplies. Depending on the Medicare plan you’ve signed up for, you may get dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
While Medicare itself does not provide stimulus payments, low-income seniors may qualify for Medicaid, which helps cover Medicare premiums, deductibles, and healthcare expenses.
“If you are over 65 years old and qualify for Medicare benefits, the Medicaid system has integrated with Medicare to provide additional healthcare-related benefits for low-income seniors who qualify,” explains Brad Reichert, a financial expert and the founder and managing director of Reichert Asset Management LLC.
“This is why it is critical to obtain the required 40 lifetime quarters (or 'credits') of covered employment to qualify for Social Security benefits,” Reichert adds.
While Medicare itself does not provide stimulus payments, low-income seniors may qualify for Medicaid, which helps cover Medicare premiums, deductibles, and healthcare expenses.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that helps qualifying seniors buy groceries at participating stores. To qualify, your gross monthly income must be below 130% of the federal poverty level. Benefits are provided through an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card, which works like a preloaded food allowance card.
To qualify for SNAP benefits, your income should not exceed 130% of the federal poverty threshold. To apply for SNAP benefits, visit a SNAP office near you or call the information hotline for questions.
What To Do Next
While stimulus programs are occasionally offered based on policy changes and economic needs, make a plan to manage your money on a fixed income based on your current income and budget.
However, when unexpected situations make it difficult to pay your monthly bills, consider seeking help through debt relief programs and government assistance.
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