How do I find help for an aging parent in Pennsylvania when I don't know where to start?

Call 2-1-1 or the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116. Both are free, available statewide, and staffed by specialists who can assess needs and connect families to local services — including meal delivery, in-home care, transportation, and caregiver support — without requiring you to already know which program fits.

Can a Pennsylvania senior get help paying for both utilities and food at the same time?

Yes. LIHEAP and SNAP are separate programs with separate applications, and many seniors qualify for both. Eligibility is based primarily on income and household size. Applying through compass.state.pa.us lets you apply for multiple programs at once, or you can call 2-1-1 for guided help.

What is PACE/PACENET and how is it different from Medicare Part D?

PACE and PACENET are Pennsylvania state programs that help older adults pay for prescription drugs. Unlike Medicare Part D, they are specifically for Pennsylvania residents aged 65 and older who meet income limits set by the state. They can work alongside Medicare Part D in some cases. Call 1-800-225-7223 or visit aging.pa.gov for current income thresholds and enrollment details.

Is there free legal help available for seniors in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Pennsylvania's Area Agencies on Aging often coordinate access to legal assistance for older adults, including help with wills, benefits denials, landlord disputes, and protective orders. Contact your county AAA through the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 to ask about legal services in your area. 2-1-1 can also identify local legal aid organizations.

Senior Resources Resources in Pennsylvania

Last updated September 26, 2026

Pennsylvania is home to a strong network of state and federally funded programs designed to help older adults live safely, independently, and with dignity. Whether you need help with utility bills, groceries, healthcare coverage, or in-home support, there are real resources available — many at little or no cost. The best starting point for most Pennsylvanians is calling 2-1-1, a free, confidential helpline that connects callers to local services across the state.

Pennsylvania's Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are county-based organizations funded through the Older Americans Act that coordinate a wide range of services for adults aged 60 and older, including meal delivery, caregiver support, transportation, and long-term care counseling. You can find your local AAA by calling the national Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or visiting eldercare.acl.gov. These agencies are often the single most important contact for older Pennsylvanians navigating complex needs.

If you or someone you care for is in a mental health crisis, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by call or text. Older adults experience depression and isolation at high rates, and getting help is a sign of strength. Likewise, seniors experiencing domestic violence can reach confidential support anytime through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

Key programs in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Area Agencies on Aging (via Eldercare Locator)

Coordinates in-home care, meal programs, caregiver support, transportation, legal assistance, and long-term care options for adults 60 and older in each county.

How to access: Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 (Monday–Friday, 9am–8pm ET) or visit eldercare.acl.gov to find your county's Area Agency on Aging and connect with a local care coordinator.

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) — Pennsylvania

Helps income-eligible Pennsylvanians pay heating bills and, in some cases, cooling costs or utility emergencies. Seniors on fixed incomes are a priority population.

How to access: Apply through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Visit compass.state.pa.us or call your county assistance office. You can also call 2-1-1 for help completing your application.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) — Pennsylvania

Provides monthly benefits on an EBT card to help low-income older adults purchase groceries. Many seniors who are eligible do not apply — it's worth checking.

How to access: Apply online at compass.state.pa.us, in person at your county assistance office, or by calling the PA DHS helpline. 2-1-1 can also assist with applications and answer eligibility questions.

Pennsylvania Medicaid (Medical Assistance)

Covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, long-term care, and home- and community-based services for income-eligible seniors. The PACE/PACENET program also helps Pennsylvania seniors with prescription costs regardless of Medicaid status.

How to access: Apply for Medicaid through compass.state.pa.us or your county assistance office. For PACE/PACENET prescription assistance, call 1-800-225-7223 or visit aging.pa.gov.

HUD-Approved Housing Counseling & Continuum of Care (Pennsylvania)

Helps seniors facing housing instability, eviction, or homelessness connect with emergency shelter, subsidized housing, and rental assistance. HUD-approved counselors can also advise on reverse mortgages and foreclosure prevention.

How to access: Call 2-1-1 to find local housing resources in your county, or visit hud.gov/housingcounseling to locate a HUD-approved counseling agency near you. Veterans should additionally contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000.

Senior Resources resources for Pennsylvania

Eldercare Locator

Nationwide

Public service connecting older adults and caregivers to trustworthy local support resources.

1-800-677-1116

Visit

Graham Ellery — free family-caregiver resources

Nationwide

Free printable agenda to help families discuss an aging parent’s preferences, divide everyday tasks, identify a backup and agree on a check-in. General planning material, not clinical advice or a care service. Published on the website promoting Apparently, I’m the Caregiver by Graham Ellery (a pen name); no purchase or signup required to use the resource.

Visit

Medicare

Nationwide

Federal health insurance information and enrollment help for people 65+ and some younger people with disabilities.

1-800-633-4227

Visit

National Council on Aging

Nationwide

Benefits screening and programs to help older adults age well and stay financially secure.

Visit

Other resources in Pennsylvania

Senior Resources in other states

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