Meals on Wheels Eligibility Checker & Locator

Check your eligibility for Meals on Wheels and congregate meal programs, then find local providers near you.

Meals on Wheels and senior nutrition programs are open to anyone 60 or older, with no income test or means test. Home-delivered meals additionally require some difficulty preparing food or getting around safely. Check your eligibility below, then use the official locator to find a program near you.

A lot of people assume these programs are only for seniors with very low income, and skip applying because of that. There's actually no income requirement at all. Answer a few questions below to check your eligibility for congregate and home-delivered meals, then get connected to the official locator to find a provider in your area.

No Income Test — Older Americans Act Nutrition Programs

Check Your Meals Eligibility

This determines home-delivered meal eligibility specifically — it isn't required for congregate meals.

Senior nutrition programs, funded through the federal Older Americans Act, come in two forms with slightly different rules. Congregate meals, served at senior centers and similar community locations, are open to anyone 60 or older, and their spouse can join regardless of the spouse's own age. There's no additional requirement beyond that. Home-delivered meals, what most people call Meals on Wheels, add one more condition: you need some difficulty preparing meals or safely getting food on your own, due to a physical or cognitive limitation, a recent illness or hospitalization, or being largely homebound. Neither program has an income test, a means test, or a citizenship requirement. Programs often suggest a voluntary donation on a sliding scale, but funding rules specifically prohibit turning away an eligible senior who can't pay. Because these programs are run locally by thousands of different community agencies, the best way to actually connect with one is through the official Eldercare Locator, run by the federal Administration for Community Living, which can point you to the specific agency serving your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for Meals on Wheels?

Generally anyone 60 or older who has difficulty preparing meals or getting food due to a physical or cognitive limitation. Spouses of eligible seniors, and people with disabilities living with an eligible older adult, can also qualify.

Is there an income requirement for Meals on Wheels?

No. There's no income test, means test, or citizenship requirement. Some programs suggest a voluntary donation, but no eligible senior is turned away for inability to pay.

What's the difference between congregate meals and home-delivered meals?

Congregate meals are served at senior centers and similar locations and are open to anyone 60+ or their spouse. Home-delivered meals (Meals on Wheels) additionally 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 visit eldercare.acl.gov, or use the Meals on Wheels America locator at mealsonwheelsamerica.org.

Does owning my home disqualify me from Meals on Wheels?

No. There's no asset or income test for this program at all, so homeownership or savings don't 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, regardless of the spouse's own age.

This tool provides a general eligibility self-check based on federal Older Americans Act rules and does not constitute a determination of eligibility, since local program capacity, waitlists, and specific criteria can vary. For an official connection to a program in your area, contact the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or eldercare.acl.gov.