Free Things For Seniors

One of the great benefits of becoming older is that you are now eligible for many Free Things For Seniors that are offered through the government and other organizations.

The only problem is to take advantage of these “freebies”, you must first know about them.

Below is a list of some of the Free Stuff For Seniors:

Free Things for Seniors When Traveling

If you are 62 or older, you qualify for the Golden Age Passport, which is a lifetime entrance pass to national parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, and national wildlife refuges that charge an entrance fee. There is a one-time $10 processing charge.

You can receive a free passport if you are a member of a family visiting an overseas grave site of a veteran. Eligibility includes widows, parents, children, sisters, brothers, and guardians of the deceased who are buried on foreign soil.

Hobbies and Free Time

Many County Cooperative Extension offices offer free courses, workbooks and videos about cooking, sewing, and other hobbies. Check with your local office.

If you are into genealogy, then you may want to check with Ellis Island. For $10 you can receive a copy of the ship passenger log of immigrants arriving through Ellis Island. The organization has records dating back to the 1800's.

Visit your local library for free books, free audio books, and much more.

If you enjoy dancing, painting, or writing, you may be eligible to receive a grant or fellowship to help you pursue your art form. Contact The National Endowment For The Arts for more information.

There are many free outdoor concerts and theater productions that are offered during the summer months. Check with your local park and recreation department. Plus, many ballets, orchestras, museums and art galleries offer discounted admission to senior citizens. Or consider volunteering as an usher and receive free tickets in exchange for your work.

Volunteer!
Contact the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Foster Grandparent Program, ...etc.

Education

Many colleges and universities offer special programs for senior citizens who are interested in going back to school. This often includes free or low-cost tuition and discounts on fees and books.
Contact your local community college or university for more information.

There is also financial assistance in the form of grants for senior citizens that are awarded every year by the United States Federal Government. These federal grants can be used for assistance in education, employment training, medical, and housing.

Free Things for Seniors' Health

Medical researchers get million of dollars each year to study the causes, cures, and treatments of common conditions, such as Alzheimer's, cataracts, and heart disease. If your condition is being studied, you might qualify for a clinical trial.
Call the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center for more information.

National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse provides free educational materials to help increase knowledge and understanding about diabetes. They also offer a free cookbook for diabetics.

Check with your local social services agency to see if you qualify for assisted meals or food stamps.

Contact you local County Cooperative Extension office for free cooking classes, weight loss information, and free pamphlets on healthy cooking. Some offices even offer free videos on the subject.

The National Institute on Aging has an Exercise Packet online. There are also free videos to watch on health and exercising for senior citizens.

Free Legal Help

Many states offer free legal advice through a hotline for older citizens. Contact your state Department of Aging.

Eldercare Locator can provide you with access to organizations serving older people at state and local levels, including legal assistance and other advocates.

If your insurance company has denied a recent medical claim, contact your state Insurance Commissioner. They may be able to help reverse the decision for free.

Free Things for Seniors' Housing

Order your FREE guide to senior living options.

The USDA Rural Housing Service can help you fix up your home in the form of grants or low-interest loans. The average grant is $7,500, but you could qualify for more. To learn more, contact your local Rural Housing and Community Development Services.

Get free firewood for your personal use from most National Forests.

Get free fertilizer from your local US Department of Agriculture Extension Service.

Receive 10 free trees by becoming a member of the Arbor Day Foundation. The membership cost is $10.

Order free trees, shrubs, and other plants from Free Trees and Plants. You pay the shipping and handling charges.

Miscellaneous Free Things for Seniors

Many local beauty and barber schools will offer free or low cost haircuts.

If you need expensive dental work and can not afford it, local dental clinics and dental colleges will often offer quality dental care at little or no cost.