Free community resource. Questions? Call the nurse line: (205) 206-0029
alabamaswellness.com
Senior deadlines & enrollment dates in Alabama
Missing one of these dates can cost a family hundreds of dollars. Here is the plain English list, with the number to call for each one.
Medicare Open Enrollment
October 15 – December 7 every year
The one window each year when you can change your Medicare drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan. Changes start January 1.
Alabama SHIP counselors give free, unbiased help — no sales.
Call 1-800-243-5463Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
January 1 – March 31 every year
A second chance to switch Medicare Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare if the new plan is not working out.
Alabama SHIP / Area Agency on Aging counselors.
Call 1-800-243-5463LIHEAP heating assistance
Applications usually open in November and run until funds are gone
Help paying a winter heating bill. Apply early — money runs out in most Northern Alabama counties before spring.
Your local Community Action Agency.
Call 1-800-392-8098LIHEAP cooling assistance
Applications usually open in June
Help paying a summer power bill so the air conditioner can stay on. Same program as heating help, different season.
Your local Community Action Agency.
Call 1-800-392-8098Free tax help for seniors (AARP Tax-Aide / VITA)
Early February through April 15
Volunteers prepare and file simple returns at no charge. Many seniors who owe nothing still need to file to claim credits.
Local libraries and senior centers host the sites.
Call 1-888-227-7669Alabama property tax exemption for seniors
Claim between October 1 and December 31
Alabama homeowners 65 and older may be exempt from the state portion of property tax on their home. It is not automatic — you must claim it with your county.
Your county Revenue Commissioner or Tax Assessor office.
SNAP recertification
Whenever your notice arrives — usually every 6 or 12 months
Food assistance stops if the renewal paperwork is late. Watch the mail and call the day the notice arrives.
Alabama Department of Human Resources, county office.
Call 1-833-822-2202Medicare Savings Program & Extra Help
Apply any time of year
Programs that pay Medicare premiums and lower prescription costs for people with limited income. No deadline — but every month you wait is money lost.
Social Security and Alabama Medicaid.
Call 1-800-772-1213
Common questions about these dates
- When is Medicare Open Enrollment in Alabama?
- October 15 through December 7 each year. Any change you make takes effect January 1. Free, unbiased counseling is available from Alabama SHIP at 1-800-243-5463.
- How do I get help with a high power bill in Northern Alabama?
- Apply for LIHEAP through your local Community Action Agency. Heating help usually opens in November and cooling help in June, and funds run out, so apply the first week the window opens.
- Do Alabama seniors have to pay property tax?
- Alabama homeowners age 65 and older may be exempt from the state portion of property tax on their primary home, but the exemption is not automatic. Claim it with your county Revenue Commissioner between October 1 and December 31.
- Is help with these deadlines free?
- Yes. Every program on this page is a public or nonprofit service, and this directory never charges anything. If you are unsure which one applies to you, call the community nurse line at (205) 206-0029.
Not sure which one applies to you?
Nurse Joel or Nurse Dasha will walk through it with you. No cost, no sales.
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