They say that death and taxes are unavoidable, but what about senior care? We all grow old and need a roof over our heads, and we may need some extra help, too, when it comes to daily activities.

You can’t avoid the costs associated with senior living. You can certainly reduce them, though, to ensure you don’t clear out your bank account by merely trying to survive.

Although private funds are commonly used to help pay for nursing home care, assisted living communities, home healthcare, and the like, we’ll look at alternatives to finance this need. And while you can research options like long-term care insurance, life settlements, senior living lines of credit, and more, this article will focus on funding from different government programs.

Use the following as a quick crash course to see the government-funded options at your disposal. You can then dive deeper by clicking the links in each section to visit the programs’ official websites to learn more.

1. Medicare

What is Medicare?

A health insurance program from the federal government.

Who qualifies for Medicare?

Seniors over 65 and people with specific disabilities.

Are there income requirements for Medicare?

No. Unlike many assistance programs from the government, income will not exclude you from Medicare coverage. You can end up paying higher premiums, however, if you make above a certain amount.

How can Medicare help with senior housing and care?

Medicare’s Part A coverage that focuses on hospital insurance can help pay for senior housing if you need inpatient care, hospice care, skilled nursing facility care, or home health agency care.

2. Medicaid

What is Medicaid?

Like Medicare, it is a health insurance program from the federal government that also involves the state you live in. As such, Medicaid services can differ from state to state.

Who qualifies for Medicaid?

Families and individuals who have a financial need and cannot pay for care on their own. Since financial need plays a significant part in determining who receives benefits, income is considered for eligibility.

How can Medicaid help with senior housing and care?

By paying for nursing facility care (60 percent coverage), inpatient hospital services, and home health and community-based care. It’s worth noting that assisted living coverage drops to 10 percent, with the rest covered by private funds.

3. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

What is SSI?

A government program administered by the Social Security Administration that offers monthly payments to those who qualify. It is not the same as Social Security, however.

Who qualifies for SSI?

People with financial need who are over 65, are disabled, or are blind.

How can SSI help with senior housing and care?

Part of your SSI monthly payment can be used for nursing home care, assisted living, etc.

4. Aid and Attendance for Veterans

What is Aid and Attendance?

A federal program from the Department of Veterans Affairs that offers monthly payments on top of VA pensions.

Who qualifies for Aid and Attendance?

Veterans and surviving spouses who are housebound or need help with daily activities.

How can Aid and Attendance help with senior housing and care?

As with SSI, you can use some of the benefits you get from this program to help pay for expenses linked to nursing home care, assisted living communities, or care in your home.