7 Free and Discounted Services You Didn't Know Were Available to Social Security Recipients
You've worked hard, you've earned your income, and now you're ready for life to be a bit easier. You're ready for the doors to open and the sun to shine as it should. Once you start collecting your Social Security check, you should be able to take it a little easier.
Read More:
Find Out:
The good news is that many organizations agree with this. Several programs make food, transportation, and fun all free or cheap for Social Security recipients.
Here are the top seven free or discounted programs that you may not have known were offered to Social Security recipients.
There's something so wonderful about farmers' markets. You get to get outside, mingle with your community, and get fresh, delicious food.
It's not all fruits and vegetables, either. You might find local honey, amazing baked goods, and even a great cup of coffee.
The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program wants America's seniors to get out, move around, and get healthy food. That's why low-income seniors get discount cards that will ensure they can buy from farmers' markets, roadside stands, and local farms at significant discounts.
All you have to do is sign up and get out there.
See Next:
But what if you can't get out there? It happens. It may be that you're not moving around as well as you used to. It might even be a temporary situation, just until you get in better shape.
Fear not.
Meals on Wheels is a program that will make sure you get the good food and nutrition you need while you're more housebound than usual. The organization delivers food to victims of natural disasters and seniors who struggle to leave their homes.
Many social security recipients can't get to the grocery store, or even afford enough groceries to feed themselves as much as they need. Or, you might not be in a position to cook and prepare healthy food. You need to keep your energy and health up to par.
That's where Meals on Wheels comes in. The food is hearty, healthy, and delivered with a smile.
Still, even if you don't have your vehicle, you can still get out. That's thanks to the transportation services available to seniors and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients.
The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center operates in all 50 states and ensures people without transportation, on social services, like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and SSI, can still get to where they need or want to go.
While many seniors and individuals with disabilities can use public transportation and receive discounts, others are unable to do so. It might be a case of living in a rural area, or you might be in a neighborhood without a close bus line.
In any event, your community should offer a supplemental service like Dial-a-Ride, volunteer transportation, or assisted transportation. Federal grants fund these programs, so they're free to social security recipients.
If you want to get out, you should be able to.
Speaking of getting out, fitness is essential at every age and for every ability. It's good for your body and your brain, and it can even help improve symptoms of many disabilities and aid in healthier aging.
And you can start a new fitness plan at any age. Many seniors realize they need to lift more weights and do more cardio once they retire.
Social Security recipients on Medicare Advantage are eligible for a program called Silver Sneakers. This plan gets you access to thousands of gyms, churches, and other fitness programs across the country.
And you can find a class or program that works for you. You'll find everything from yoga and swimming to Zumba or just plain old gym equipment on the gym floor.
It's a pain to pay your taxes every year. Not only might you have to come up with cash to pay what you owe, but you also have to put your documents in order and pay a preparer.
It's too much.
Well, the federal government agrees with you. Thanks to the VITA program, you may qualify for free tax help. It is particularly aimed at:
People with disabilities
People making less than $65,000
People aged 60 or older
Not only will you get free tax preparation, but you'll be able to trust that these services are reliable as they're certified through the IRS.
Thinking of going back to school? Why not?
Many seniors start a whole new life after retirement, and it can often begin with a few community college courses. Every state in the United States has universities and community colleges that offer free or steeply discounted courses to senior citizens.
You might explore a subject you've always been fascinated by, or you could go back to school to build on your existing education.
One of the greatest advantages of being older is the wisdom you get from life experiences. Building on that wisdom with an academic education can only be a win.
But academic education is not the only kind. The arts are, after all, what keep humans … well … human. And the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) feels the same way.
That's why the NEA offers free access to thousands of museums across the country for seniors and people with disabilities. And if you don't feel like exploring beauty inside, you can always take advantage of the National Parks' offer to explore one of the many natural beauties around the country.
The National Park Service offers free passes to Social Security recipients, so you can spend your golden years chasing some of the country's most magnificent waterfalls for free.
More From GOBankingRates
How Much Money Is Needed To Be Considered Middle Class in Every State?
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 7 Free and Discounted Services You Didn't Know Were Available to Social Security Recipients
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gizmodo
33 minutes ago
- Gizmodo
Forget The Apple Watch at Full Price, Our Favorite Galaxy Watch Ultra Is Now 40% Off on Amazon
The Galaxy Watch Ultra is the top of the line for Samsung's smartwatch lineup with high-end features that put it on the level with Apple Watch Ultra. Designed for serious athletes and technophiles, it is more than a simple fitness tracker: It's built to survive the most demanding workouts and outdoor pursuits. Right now, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is available on Amazon for an all-time low of $399, which is a staggering 39% off its initial list price of $649. For those interested in a deal with a 25W charger, the price is just $411 (down from $699), and either is an incredible bargain that's hard to pass up. See at Amazon Fantastic Android Watch Whether you're climbing mountains, cycling long distances or swimming in the ocean, this Android watch is designed to keep up. The rugged titanium construction ensures it can handle rain, dust, and even saltwater, which makes it a reliable companion for any adventure. Its gigantic and round 47mm display is sharp and clear to see with a responsive and intuitive touchscreen. The watch is light in weight despite having a rugged build, and it's comfortable enough to use throughout the day and night. You will also love the health and fitness tracking powered by Galaxy AI: The watch offers precise heart rate monitoring, removing body movement to provide precise readings even during intense exercise. Its sleep tracking is comprehensive so you can understand your sleep patterns and overall health. The GPS capabilities are a blessing for runners and cyclists as they allow you to track routes and follow progress without needing to bring your phone. Samsung included new features to empower users to push beyond their limits: The Energy Score is driven by Galaxy AI and reviews your step, heart rate and sleep from the day before to provide a personalized readiness score. This information informs you about your physical state and the best way to optimize your training or recovery. Besides that, the watch also provides daily personalized health recommendations based on what it's monitoring and gives you actionable tips to make sure you're functioning at your best. For training, adventures or just everyday life, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is perfect if you're looking for the best from your equipment. Make sure you grab this awesome deal on Amazon before it runs out of stock. See at Amazon
Yahoo
37 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Opinion - Beyond MAHA: Defeating obesity requires a new strategy
Obesity is a major health problem facing our country. According to the CDC, more than 40 percent of the U.S. population is obese, defined as having a body-mass index above 30. As astounding at that number is, it is perhaps even more surprising that nearly 20 percent of children in the U.S. are obese. Obesity leads to significant health challenges, including diabetes, stroke, cardiovascular disease and liver disease. It is clear that as a nation we must face this crisis on multiple fronts. Diet and exercise certainly help, and it's critical to ensure that people of all socioeconomic backgrounds have access to healthy foods (free of preservatives, unnecessary dyes, high fructose corn syrups etc.) and are educated in making healthy lifestyle choices. The MAHA or 'Make America Healthy Again' movement has highlighted this as one of its key objectives, and if it is successful, we should see an impact on obesity — especially in children, where diet and exercise have a huge impact on weight-related health outcomes. Obesity in adults, however, is often more challenging. Many adults with obesity struggle to lose weight, despite considerable efforts to modify their lifestyle through diet and exercise. This is because our metabolism changes as we age, and many adults who are overweight develop metabolic dysfunction or 'metabolic syndrome,' which then further perpetuates weight gain and exacerbates the situation. It has become clear in recent years that many people struggling with obesity require medical intervention – not just lifestyle intervention – and that prescriptions can substantially improve weight loss. The explosion in use of GLP-1 agonists, such as Wegovy and Zepbound, over the last two years has underscored the need for medical intervention in obese and overweight patients. Currently, about 6 percent of the U.S. population, or 15 million people, are on GLP-1 weight loss treatments, and the numbers are only expected to increase. However, while most patients lose 10 percent to 25 percent of their body weight while on a GLP-1, they do not maintain GLP-1 treatment in the long-term, with approximately 80 percent of patients discontinuing treatment within 1 year. Gastrointestinal side effects, injectable administration, and high cost have prevented long-term use of GLP-1's for weight maintenance. And unfortunately, most patients gain back all the weight after stopping the medication. Healthcare professionals and the pharmaceutical industry now recognize that obesity — like most other medical conditions — requires an 'arsenal' of treatments, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Post-GLP-1 weight maintenance is now widely recognized as an emerging unmet need. And patients who are not candidates for or cannot tolerate GLP-1s require alternatives. Diet and lifestyle modifications are important alongside prescription medications in fighting obesity. If we are going to be successful in overcoming this major health crisis, we need to ensure that both the pharmaceutical industry and groups like MAHA work hand in hand. Both treatment and prevention are critical in order to regain control of our nation's health. Dr. Shoshana Shendelman, Ph.D. is a scientist and entrepreneur who has founded numerous biotech companies. She is a pioneer in the development of drugs and therapeutics for rare and underserved diseases. Currently she is Vice Chair of the Advisory Board of Columbia University Medical Center and Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CNET
an hour ago
- CNET
Muscle Growth: How It Happens and When You'll See Results
Consistent strength training is the key to building muscle. While you may see some people gain muscle quickly all over social media, it's important to remember that building muscle is a marathon, not a sprint. Having a good routine and giving yourself a realistic timeline will yield the best results. Muscle growth -- specifically optimal muscle protein synthesis -- depends on several key factors. Your diet and genetics both have a role to play. And sleep, a factor that many ignore, also plays a bigger part than you may realize. Read on to break down how muscle growth works -- and how long it can really take. How muscle growth happens Each muscle is made up of muscle fibers, which are cylindrical cells. Weight training breaks them down and recovery helps them grow. Roger Harris/ScienceBuilding muscle involves the repair of microtraumas in your muscle fibers. Here's a breakdown of this extremely complex process: 1. Each muscle is made up of thousands of tiny muscle fibers. 2. When you lift weights (or do body weight exercises), your muscles endure tiny injuries throughout their fibers. 3. Then, when you rest your muscles, your body begins repairing your damaged muscle cells. 4. The repair process involves fusing torn muscle fibers back together, as well as laying down new proteins within each muscle cell. 5. Your muscles become bigger and stronger as a result of the repair process. Keep in mind that the above is a tremendously simplified version of what actually happens in your body after a weight training workout. In reality, the process includes more than just your muscles -- your nervous system, circulatory system and endocrine system all contribute to muscle repair and growth. How long does it take to see muscle growth? Building muscle is super hard. If it was easy, we'd all be no one muscle-building timeline, because several factors affect your ability to build muscle mass, including: Your protein intake: While all macronutrients have their roles, protein is king when it comes to building muscle. Your muscles need adequate protein to repair themselves after the stress of weight training. Without enough protein, muscle growth stagnates. Your calorie intake: If you don't eat enough calories on a daily basis, you won't build muscle even if you eat a lot of protein. To build muscle, your body must create new tissue, and it can't create something from nothing. Extra fuel from extra calories expedites muscle recovery and growth. This is one reason many people never reach their muscle growth goals -- they aren't willing to deal with the extra body fat that comes along with a muscle-building phase. Your sleep schedule: Lifting weights while sleep-deprived isn't a smart strategy. You might see some gains, but you definitely can't optimize muscle growth when you don't give your body a fighting chance to recover. Your lifting routine: If you're trying to build muscle, you should know about two key strength training concepts: frequency and volume. Frequency refers to how often you train a muscle or muscle group, while volume refers to the total load you stress a muscle with. For example, if you perform three sets of 10 reps on squats using 100 pounds, your total volume is 3,000 pounds. More volume and higher frequency typically equate to more muscle, unless you reach the point of overtraining. Your training age: The more advanced you are, the less muscle growth you'll see (yeah, that sounds backward). Everyone has a maximum genetic potential for muscle growth, and the closer you get to yours, the harder it gets to build more muscle. Your actual age: Like a lot of things, building muscle gets harder as you get older. Sarcopenia, or loss of muscle mass and function, is actually a big problem in older adults. That's one reason why it's so important to stay active as you get older. Other major factors include your genetic potential for building muscle (which is impossible to quantify without lab testing, and even then, kind of wishy-washy) and your testosterone levels -- which is why men typically have more muscle than women. Other hormones, including human growth hormone and insulin growth factor, also play a role in muscle growth. All that said, the muscle-building process starts the moment you challenge your muscles to do something. True beginners might see muscle growth within six weeks of starting a resistance training program, and advanced lifters may see results within six to eight weeks of switching up their usual strength training regimen. Regardless of fitness level, building muscle takes several weeks, even when your diet, sleep and training regimen are all dialed in to optimize muscle growth. Can you build muscle doing cardio? Cardio that involves high-volume weight training can help you build depends on your definition of cardio and your training age. Most people won't build much muscle from traditional cardio, such as walking or jogging, and people who've been training for a long time definitely won't build new muscle through traditional cardio. It doesn't recruit your muscles in a way that sends a muscle-building signal to your body. However, cardio that involves high-intensity exercises like plyometrics (think jump squats) or high-volume weight training can help you build muscle to an extent. Sprinting hills, hiking, skiing and other outdoor cardio can also contribute a small amount to muscle mass, especially for beginners. People with a long training history may not see as much success with cardio. Although cardio can improve your overall fitness and help build muscle in select scenarios, strength training remains the best way to build muscle mass. Muscle growth FAQs How long does it take to build muscle? There isn't a fixed timeline for how long it'll take to build muscle. It can take several weeks to several months. Beginners will see results earlier than intermediate or advanced people. However, the main crux is to find and follow the right combination of resistance training, eating habits and rest. These will help your body achieve muscle protein synthesis -- the process that builds muscle -- and result in muscle growth. How long does it take to have visible abs? Like any other muscle group, training your abs will help them grow and become visible, but there is also an added variable of body fat. An expert we consulted mentioned a typical person will need to have 15% body fat (or less) for abs to be visible. However, this number can change based on your genetics. Do your muscles grow on rest days? Yes, muscles grow on rest days. Our muscles don't grow while exercising because working out results in small muscle tears. Rest days allow your muscles to repair and build back up from exertion. If you don't take adequate rest days, your muscles will break down and throw off your progress. Focusing on proper nutrition and getting enough sleep is essential during your rest days.
