Low-cost and subsidized telephone services for seniors

Information, on Internet-based long-distanced phone services, from the DC office of the People’s Counsel. Lifeline provides discounted telephone service for low-income seniors.  To find a lifeline program in your state, click here.

Cooling Assistance in Virginia

The state offers assistance to help older residents cope with high temperatures. Virginia state’s cooling assistance program provides financial assistance to certain low-income senior residents to help pay cooling expenses. Free fans are available to certain l0w-income senior residents through the Fan Care Program.

Cooling Assistance in Maryland

The state and some local jurisdictions offer assistance to help older residents cope with high temperatures. Maryland state’s Electrical Universal Service Program helps certain low-income residents with their electric bills. Prince George’s  County cooling centers: During heat emergencies, the county opens cooling centers for county residents.  For more information, call 301-265-8450.

Cooling Assistance in DC

The city offers a variety of services to help older residents cope with high temperatures. Cooling Centers: During heat emergencies, the city opens indoor cooling centers for DC residents.  To learn about transportation options to a cooling center, phone the DC Hypothermia hotline at 202-399-7093. Financial assistance is available to certain low-income DC residents to [...]

Lifeline Telephone Assistance

Learn about Lifeline telephone assistance for low-income seniors at their website. Call or email Iona Information & Referral (202-895-9448; info@Iona.org) for answers to aging-related resource questions.

Utility Assistance

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program, which helps to off-set utility costs for low-income persons. Learn more about LIHEAP in DC. Learn more about LIHEAP in MD. Learn more about LIHEAP in VA. Did you know Iona social workers help low-income DC seniors* apply for public benefits like [...]

Free & Emergency Cell Phones for Seniors

The DC Metropolitan Police, through their “Secure the Call” program, distributes to seniors recycled cell phones, which may be used to dial 911 in an emergency. Montgomery County (MD) Police Department, through their “Senior Cell Phone” program, distributes to seniors recycled cell phones, which may be used to dial 911 in an emergency. Safelink Wireless [...]