As the cost of living continues to rise, many seniors across the United States are unknowingly missing out on valuable financial assistance that could make a real difference in their monthly budget.
The Extra Help program — designed to assist Medicare beneficiaries with the cost of prescription drugs — is providing up to $1,500 per year in savings for those who qualify.
Yet, thousands of eligible seniors never apply because they don’t realize they meet the requirements. Let’s break down how this benefit works, who qualifies, and how you can check your eligibility today.
What Is the Extra Help Program?
The Extra Help program (also known as the Low-Income Subsidy, or LIS) is a federal benefit administered through Social Security. It helps seniors with limited income and resources pay for the costs related to Medicare Part D — including monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and co-payments for prescription medications.
Depending on your financial situation, Extra Help can reduce or even eliminate these costs entirely, allowing you to save up to $1,500 or more every year on prescriptions you already need.
Who Qualifies for Extra Help in 2025?
Eligibility for Extra Help is determined by your income and resources (such as savings, investments, and property other than your home). The limits are adjusted each year, but here’s what generally applies in 2025:
- Individual Income Limit: up to around $22,000 per year
- Married Couple Limit: up to around $30,000 per year
- Resource Limits: typically under $17,000 for individuals and $34,000 for couples, not counting your home, car, or personal belongings.
Even if your income is slightly above these amounts, you may still qualify for partial Extra Help — so it’s always worth applying.
What Does Extra Help Cover?
If approved, Extra Help can assist with:
- Monthly premiums for your Medicare Part D plan
- Annual deductible (which can be reduced or removed entirely)
- Co-payments for generic and brand-name prescriptions
- Late enrollment penalties, in some cases
These savings can add up quickly, especially for seniors who need ongoing medications for chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure.
How to Apply for Extra Help
Applying is simple and free, and you can do it entirely online or by mail. Here are your options:
- Online through Social Security:
Visit www.ssa.gov/extrahelp and complete the secure online application. It takes about 10 minutes. - By phone:
Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 and request an application or assistance completing it. - In person:
You can also apply at your local Social Security office if you prefer face-to-face help.
Once submitted, Social Security will review your information and notify you if you qualify — usually within a few weeks.
Other Benefits You Might Be Missing
If you qualify for Extra Help, you may also be eligible for other programs that help reduce healthcare costs, including:
- Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) — which can help pay your Part B premium.
- State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs) — available in certain states.
- Local aid programs that provide discounts on medical services and transportation.
These programs are often interconnected, so getting approved for one can open the door to others.
Prescription drugs can be one of the most expensive parts of retirement — but they don’t have to be. The Extra Help program is one of the best-kept secrets for seniors living on a fixed income, offering real financial relief and peace of mind.
If you or someone you love is on Medicare, it’s absolutely worth checking your eligibility. Many seniors are surprised to find out they qualify — even with modest savings or pensions.
🩵 Important Note
This article is for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with Medicare or the Social Security Administration. Always verify the most up-to-date eligibility rules and application details directly through official government sources such as www.ssa.gov/extrahelp or by calling 1-800-772-1213.