How to apply for Home-Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels)

Who it's for

Federally authorized under the Older Americans Act and locally operated by Area Agencies on Aging and Meals on Wheels affiliates, the Home-Delivered Meals Program brings hot or frozen meals — typically five to seven per week — to seniors age 60 and older who are homebound or have difficulty preparing meals safely on their own. There is no income test; the program is open to all qualifying seniors regardless of wealth. A voluntary contribution is suggested (a few dollars per meal) but never required, and no senior is turned away for inability or unwillingness to pay. Beyond the meals themselves, the daily home visit functions as a wellness check — drivers are trained to notice changes in health, mood, or living conditions and to alert local care coordinators when something looks wrong.

What you'll need

• Proof of age 60+ (driver's license, state ID, or birth certificate)
• Proof of residency
• Brief functional assessment from the local Area Agency on Aging or Meals on Wheels affiliate (typically done over the phone or during an in-home intake visit)

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Home-Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of age 60+ (driver's license, state ID, or birth certificate), proof of residency, brief functional assessment from the local Area Agency on Aging or Meals on Wheels affiliate (typically done over the phone or during an in-home intake visit) — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Gather your proof of age — a driver's license, state ID, or birth certificate — and proof of your current address.
2. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or Meals on Wheels affiliate by phone or online to start your application. Most states can be reached at 1-800-677-1116. California residents should call 1-800-510-2020.
3. Complete a brief functional assessment with the local agency. This is usually done over the phone or during an in-home intake visit. The agency uses it to confirm that you are homebound or have difficulty preparing meals safely on your own.
4. Submit any requested documents — proof of age and proof of residency — to the local agency as directed during your intake.

What to expect: After you apply, your local Area Agency on Aging or Meals on Wheels affiliate will review your functional assessment and documents. Processing times vary, so ask the agency for an estimate when you apply. If approved, hot or frozen meals — typically five to seven per week — will be delivered to your home, and each delivery also serves as a wellness check. There is no income test, and no one is turned away for inability to pay; a voluntary contribution is suggested but never required. Enrollment is ongoing, but expect a periodic functional re-assessment — typically once a year — to confirm you still qualify. If you do not consider yourself homebound or disabled but have trouble leaving home or cooking safely, contact your local agency anyway, as you may still be eligible.

Renewals

ongoing (periodic functional re-assessment, typically annually)