National Directory of Public Resources

Free, non-commercial public assistance

1. Eldercare Locator (Federal ACL Service)

   • Phone: 1-800-677-1116 | Website: eldercare.acl.gov (opens in a new tab)
   • What it is for: Connects you immediately to your local Area Agency on Aging, Meals on Wheels, and in-home respite grants.

2. SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program)

   • Website: shiphelp.org (opens in a new tab)
   • What it is for: 100% free, unbiased, one-on-one Medicare counseling. Volunteers never sell insurance products.

3. Adult Protective Services (APS) by State

   • What it is for: Confidential investigation of elder neglect, physical abuse, and financial exploitation.

4. Veterans Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support

   • Phone: 1-855-260-3274 | Website: caregiver.va.gov (opens in a new tab)
   • What it is for: Support, stipends, and medical equipment for veterans and their family caregivers.

5. Social Security Administration (SSA)

   • Phone: 1-800-772-1213 | Website: ssa.gov (opens in a new tab)
   • What it is for: Reporting death, survivor benefits, and representative payee appointments.

6. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Managing Someone Else's Money

   • Website: consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/educator-tools/resources-for-older-adults/managing-someone-elses-money (opens in a new tab)

7. Friendship Line (Institute on Aging)

   • Phone: 1-888-670-1360Friendship Line (Institute on Aging), EnglishAs of October 9, 2026.Free and confidential, answered 24 hours a day, for adults 60 and over, adults living with disabilities, and caregivers.Source: Institute on Aging: Friendship Line | Website: ioaging.org/friendship-line (opens in a new tab)
   • What it is for: A free, confidential line answered day and night for adults 60 and over, adults living with disabilities, and caregivers. For crisis lines, see Crisis lines and someone to talk to.
   • What it is for: Plain-language guides for agents under Power of Attorney and trustees.