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 residency.
2. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or Meals on Wheels affiliate by phone to start your application. In California, call 1-800-510-2020. In Florida, Kentucky, New York, or Texas, call 1-800-677-1116. You may also apply online through your state's program portal.
3. Complete a brief functional assessment with a program representative. This is typically done over the phone or during an in-home intake visit. The assessment helps confirm that home-delivered meals are the right fit for your needs.
4. Submit your proof of age and proof of residency as directed by your local program representative during or after the assessment.
5. Ask the program representative about expected processing times, as they vary by location.

What to expect: After submitting your application and completing the functional assessment, your local Area Agency on Aging or Meals on Wheels affiliate will review your information and determine your eligibility. If approved, hot or frozen meals — typically five to seven per week — will be delivered to your home. A voluntary contribution of a few dollars per meal is suggested but never required, and no one is turned away for inability to pay. Each delivery also serves as a wellness check, with trained drivers watching for any changes in your health or living conditions. To keep receiving meals, you will go through a periodic functional re-assessment, typically once a year — your local program will let you know when it is time to renew.

Renewals

ongoing (periodic functional re-assessment, typically annually)