Meals on Wheels and Your Area Agency on Aging

What this program is, in plain English

Every county in the country is covered by an Area Agency on Aging. It is a real office with real people, paid for under the Older Americans Act, and its whole job is helping people 60 and older. Home-delivered meals, usually called Meals on Wheels, come through that office. So do group meals at senior centers, rides to the doctor, help at home, caregiver support, and benefits counseling. There is no income test for these services. They may ask for a voluntary donation and they are not allowed to turn you away if you cannot give one. If you only make one phone call from this whole site, make it this one, because that office can hand you everything else.

What you actually get

Home-delivered or group meals, plus a single local point of contact for in-home help, transportation, caregiver support, and benefits screening.

Who qualifies

• You are 60 or older.
• Income limit: Not yet verified — call to confirm
• No income test. Home-delivered meals generally require that you have trouble leaving home or preparing meals.

What to have ready

• Nothing in most places; some ask for proof of age and address

How to apply

This program is run by Area Agencies on Aging, funded by the Administration for Community Living. Most decisions take A few days to a few weeks. Waiting lists exist in some counties..