Meals on Wheels Eligibility Checker & Locator
Check your eligibility for Meals on Wheels and congregate meal programs, then find providers near you.
Meals on Wheels and other senior nutrition programs are open to anyone 60 or older. There is no income test. Home-delivered meals also require some difficulty preparing food or getting around safely. Check your eligibility below, then use the official locator to find a program near you.
Many people assume these programs are only for seniors with very low income and never apply. There is no income requirement. Answer a few questions to check your eligibility for meals at a community site and for home delivery, then use the locator to find a provider.
Check Your Meals Eligibility
Your Results
No income test, no means test
A voluntary donation may be suggested on a sliding scale, but no eligible senior is turned away for inability to pay. Owning your home or having savings doesn't affect eligibility.
Based on your answers, you don't currently meet the age, spouse, or disability-cohabitant requirement for either program. Other food assistance may still apply. See our SNAP Eligibility Calculator.
Find a program near you
These are free official services. This tool links to them and does not keep its own list of providers.
Meals on Wheels America Locator
mealsonwheelsamerica.org →| Congregate meals | Home-delivered meals (Meals on Wheels) | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Senior centers and other community sites | Brought to your home |
| Who | Anyone 60 or older, and a spouse of any age | People 60 or older who have difficulty preparing meals or getting food |
| Income or asset test | None | None |
| Cost | Voluntary donation | Voluntary donation |
Home delivery has one extra condition. You need some difficulty preparing meals or getting food safely, because of a physical or cognitive limitation, a recent illness or hospital stay, or being largely homebound. The local program confirms this with a short assessment by phone or home visit.
No one is turned away for inability to pay. Both programs are funded under the Older Americans Act. Programs may suggest a donation, and the funding rules do not allow them to refuse an eligible person who cannot contribute. Owning a home or having savings does not matter.
Waiting lists. Demand for home delivery is higher than funding in some areas. If there is a wait, ask about congregate meals, a private-pay option, or other local meal programs in the meantime.
How to sign up. Thousands of local agencies run these programs. The Eldercare Locator, run by the federal Administration for Community Living, will direct you to the one for your area: 1-800-677-1116 or eldercare.acl.gov. Many programs can provide diabetic, low-sodium or other special meals, so mention any dietary needs when you call.
See congregate meals vs Meals on Wheels for help choosing between the two.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Meals on Wheels?
Generally anyone 60 or older who has difficulty preparing meals or getting food because of a physical or cognitive limitation. Spouses of eligible seniors, and people with disabilities who live with an eligible older adult, can also qualify.
Is there an income requirement for Meals on Wheels?
No. There is no income test and no citizenship requirement. Some programs suggest a voluntary donation, and no eligible person is turned away for being unable to pay.
What's the difference between congregate meals and home-delivered meals?
Congregate meals are served at senior centers and similar places and are open to anyone 60 or older and their spouse. Home-delivered meals (Meals on Wheels) also require difficulty preparing food or getting around safely.
How do I find a Meals on Wheels program near me?
Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or go to eldercare.acl.gov. You can also use the Meals on Wheels America locator at mealsonwheelsamerica.org.
Does owning my home disqualify me from Meals on Wheels?
No. The program has no asset or income test, so a home or savings does not affect eligibility.
Can my spouse get meals too if they're under 60?
Yes. The spouse of an eligible older adult can receive meals through the same program at any age.
This tool gives a general self-check based on federal Older Americans Act rules. It is not a determination of eligibility, because local capacity, waiting lists and criteria vary. To reach a program in your area, contact the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or eldercare.acl.gov.