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14 Benefits Seniors Are Entitled to But Often Forget to Claim
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Inflation, tariffs, and skyrocketing bills have hit seniors harder than any other group. While politicians debate, smart seniors are taking action with these little-known programs and strategies that help offset rising costs.
Whether you’re on a fixed income watching grocery bills climb, dealing with higher insurance premiums, or seeing your savings stretched thinner each month, you’re not powerless. These 14 solutions help seniors reclaim financial control when everything costs more.
Dollarperk’s editors are here to help you make the most of your money. With new tariffs and policy changes ahead, these programs could become even more competitive or disappear entirely.
We cut through the clutter to bring you tools and tips that leave more cash in your wallet—because, let’s face it, every penny counts. So grab your coffee, and let’s get started.
1. Make sure to build your retirement foundation wisely
Eliminate Expensive Debt Before It Drains Your Future: High-interest debt acts like quicksand for your retirement plans. Target credit cards and loans with rates above 10% first
Maximize Your Age Advantage: Once you hit 50, the IRS gives you special “catch-up” privileges that younger savers can’t use. These enhanced contribution limits let you stash significantly more in retirement accounts annually — it’s your reward for getting a later start, plus you’ll cut your current tax bill.
Create Multiple Money Streams: Smart retirees rarely depend on just one income source. Use your skills and available time to generate additional revenue — whether through consulting, rental income, dividend investments, or monetizing a hobby.
Do a 30-Day Money Reality Check: Think you know your spending habits? Most people are surprised when they track every expense for a month. This eye-opening exercise reveals hidden money leaks and shows you exactly where to redirect funds toward your retirement goals.
Make Saving Effortless: the most successful savers don’t rely on motivation — they use automation. Schedule regular transfers to retirement accounts and high-yield savings. When saving happens automatically, you can’t forget, procrastinate, or spend the money elsewhere.
2. Ohio seniors save up to $1,025 on car insurance
You might not even realize it, but your car insurance company is probably overcharging you. In fact, they’re kind of counting on you not noticing. Luckily, this problem is easy to fix.
This company called Insurify shows you all your options at once — seniors who do this save up to $1,025 per year.
Here’s how to quickly qualify:
- Click the link below and start by inserting your zip code
- Answer a few questions about your car
- Choose the best offer and lock in your rate
Find out how much you can save on your auto insurance
3. Borrow from your home equity with this new program
You can now tap into the equity you’ve worked hard to build in your home, without any hassle or expensive fees, whether you are tackling short term debt or looking to make home improvements.
That’s right, with LendingTree’s New Program, homeowners unlock equity funds without affecting their mortgages. It works more like a credit card — giving you access to funds when you need them and letting you pay back only what you use.
Get started with these easy steps:
- Check out LendingTree’s HELOC calculator
- Tell them a bit about your home
- Lock in your rate today
700+ Credit Score: Calculate how much you’re eligible to access today
4. Beat food & entertainment cost increases
Restaurant prices up 25%, groceries up 30%? These senior discounts help you maintain your lifestyle:
Phone Plan: T-Mobile’s senior plans start at $60 per month for two lines and include unlimited talk, text, and data
Applebee’s: Ready to enjoy some comfort food and cheerful vibes? Applebee’s offers up to 10-15% off for seniors
IHOP + Denny’s: Have a special “55+ menu” with smaller portions at lower prices. Plus, AARP members enjoy an extra 10% off their meal — sweet deal for your sweet tooth.
AMC Theatres: Most locations offer discounted tickets for seniors, typically saving you 30-50% on movie admission.
AARP: Offering seniors plenty of discounts on Airfare, Hotels, Cruises and Rental Cars, Restaurant & Meal Deliveries. You can Get 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $15 the first year.
5. Overpaying for bathroom renovation? Seniors in these ZIP codes qualify for major savings
A walk-in shower helps you stay in your home longer by making bathing safer and easier. With features like low-step entry, non-slip surfaces, and hydrotherapy jets, it’s more than just a shower — it’s a way to stay independent and avoid accidents.
What many seniors don’t know is that walk-in showers may qualify for financial assistance or tax breaks, but these benefits are often overlooked. This upgrade isn’t just about comfort — it can save you money while keeping you safe.
It is also a much more cost – effective solution than a walk in tub.
See if you qualify for savings on walk-in showers today
6. Seniors can save thousands on home insurance in Columbus
Alright, friend, let’s talk about something that might be draining your wallet without you even realizing it: your home insurance. Yep, you could be paying thousands more than you need to, and the kicker? It’s totally fixable.
Too many homeowners skip this step — not realizing that they could save potentially $1,000s over the lifetime of owning their house just by switching. And yes, you can switch your home insurance at any time starting today.
It’s totally free to check. All you need to do is answer a few simple questions about your home and let the rest do the job for you.
Enter your zip code to see if you are eligible for cheaper home insurance rates
7. Stop Paying Out of Pocket for Vet Bills
You protect your home, your car, and your health — because it saves you from massive, unexpected costs. So why not do the same for your pet?
Wag’s Policy Comparison Tool helps consolidate the best coverage plans for your pet and protect you from expensive vet bills due to unexpected accidents, illness, or emergency care — the kind that can run you thousands out of nowhere.
Having insurance for your pet is no different than having insurance for yourself, it would save you serious money and avoid the stress of having to choose between your pet’s health and your budget.
For just a few bucks a month, you can protect the animal that protects your heart.
Click here to find the perfect policy for your pet
8. Travel costs through the roof? These programs still provide value for seniors
Airline tickets cost 60% more than pre-2020. Hotels doubled. Gas prices volatile. But these senior programs provide stability:
National Park Service Senior Pass: For a one-time fee of $80, U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 62 and older can obtain a lifetime Senior Pass. This pass grants access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks and wildlife refuges.
Amtrak Senior Discounts: 10% discount on most rail fares to travelers aged 65 and older.
Greyhound Senior Discount: 5% discount on fares for passengers aged 62 and older. This discount is available on cross-border routes.
9. Don’t let unexpected auto repairs drain your wallet
Car breakdown happens, will you be prepared? Without coverage, a single fix could drain your monthly income stream.
With hundreds of millions in paid claims since 2012 and thousands of 5-star reviews, Endurance offers top-rated service and helps drivers like you save thousands in unexpected auto repairs.
Their monthly plans are flexible and affordable, with now offering $300 off on any plan as well as one year free elite perks like 24/7 roadside assistance, tire coverage and more.
Get the right plan for your with a few easy steps:
- Answer a few question about your car
- Generate your personalized protection plan with $300 off
- Pick your plan and feel confident with Endurance’s 30 day, money back guarantee.
Get your free quote from award winning protection today!
9. Save thousands on new windows if you live in these zip codes in Ohio
If your windows are over 5 years old, you could be missing out on big-time savings.
Seniors in select ZIP codes in Ohio are getting access to deep discounts on energy-efficient window upgrades — without the premium price tag.
WindowsUSA are making it easier than ever for seniors to replace outdated windows with newer, energy-optimized models by creating a bidding war for your business and getting you the best deal without sacrificing quality.
In order to qualify you need to:
- Own your home
- Have windows that are 5+ years old
- Live in an eligible zip code
Complete this short form to see if you qualify today
10. Save as much as 80% on weight loss meds
If you’re finally ready to lose weight, FDA-approved GLP-1s — like Semaglutide & Tirzepatide — burn fat fast. And this company we found called MyStart gets them to you 80% cheaper!
It might sound crazy, but MyStart operates on a cash-only basis and does not accept insurance. This is how they’re able to provide up to 80% off the typical cost of weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Zepbound. (You can pay via credit cards, including Visa and Mastercard.)
Skip the surgeries, diets, and expensive costs of weight loss. Get real results with GLP-1s at 80% less than name brands! Plus, get access to U.S.-based doctors 24/7 when you go through MyStart. No insurance is required and there are no hidden fees.
Dr. Ritu Chopra (from the show “The Doctors”) says this is the future of weight loss. Join now before prices go up! You could qualify in 5-minutes or less.
Take the quiz to get up to 80% off weight loss medications starting at $180/month ($6/day)