Financial Assistance Application Checklist
Your step-by-step guide to navigating hearing aid assistance programs—from gathering documents to tracking applications
Applying for hearing aid financial assistance can feel overwhelming—multiple programs, different requirements, unclear timelines. You might wonder where to start, which documents you actually need, or how long the process takes.
This checklist breaks down the application process into manageable steps. Whether you're exploring your first program or applying to several at once, you'll find the specific documents needed, realistic timelines, and guidance on which programs to prioritize based on your situation.
Many people successfully navigate these programs—with preparation and the right information, you can too.
How to Use This Checklist
- Review Part 2 first to identify which programs match your income and situation
- Gather documents from Part 1 (nearly all programs need these core items)
- Follow the application steps for each program you're pursuing
- Track your progress using the table in Part 5
- Keep copies of everything you submit—you may need them for other applications
Part 1: Documents All Programs Need
Before starting any application, gather these core documents. Having them ready saves time and reduces stress when you're filling out multiple applications.
Core Document Checklist
- Most recent tax return
- Last 2-3 pay stubs
- Social Security award letter
- Pension statement
- Unemployment benefits statement
Part 2: Understanding Your Program Options
Each program serves different income levels and has unique application processes. We recommend starting with government programs (Medicaid, Vocational Rehabilitation) since charitable programs often require you to explore these options first.
Important About Program Information
While we've verified this information as of October 2025, program details change. Always confirm current requirements, fees, and timelines by calling the program directly before applying. Website information and published materials sometimes lag behind actual procedures.
Starkey Cares Hear Now Program
Starkey merged their two assistance programs (Starkey Cares Foundation and Hear Now) into one unified program in May 2021. This program provides new behind-the-ear or receiver-in-canal hearing aids with 3-year warranties.
($31,300 individual / $42,300 couple)
(Sources show $125-$300)
(Call for estimate)
[email protected]
Important Website Note
The correct website is www.starkey.com/starkeycares (not starkeycares.org, which is an unrelated Florida charity). Provider information is at starkeypro.com/starkeycares.
Application Steps
What to know: The program requires demonstrating personal financial inability beyond just meeting income limits—they'll consider savings, investments, and property. Audiograms must be less than 9 months old. If approved, you typically cannot reapply for 5 years.
Lions Clubs International
Lions Clubs operate through highly decentralized local clubs rather than a national program. This means assistance varies dramatically by location—eligibility, costs, and availability all depend on your specific local club's resources and policies.
(No universal standard)
(Depends on region)
(Volunteer-dependent)
(Use club locator)
Regional Variations
Programs are more established in states with Lions Hearing Foundations (Oregon, Washington, California/Nevada, Illinois, Tennessee, New Hampshire). Some clubs provide new hearing aids while others offer refurbished devices from donations.
Application Steps
Club 2: _________________ Phone: _________________
Club 3: _________________ Phone: _________________
What to know: Official guidance acknowledges requests "take time to process due to the fact that all members of the local Lions Club are volunteers." They recommend following up within a week or trying nearby clubs if you don't get a response. Many clubs may lack current funds when applications arrive, so contacting multiple clubs increases your chances.
Medicaid (State Programs)
Medicaid hearing aid coverage splits sharply between children and adults. While children receive comprehensive coverage in nearly all states, adult coverage varies dramatically—22 states provide no coverage, while 28 states offer varying levels of assistance.
(Typically ≤138% FPL)
Authorization varies
state Medicaid office
Check Your State's Adult Coverage
Before applying, verify whether your state covers hearing aids for adults. The 22 states with no adult coverage are: Alabama, Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wyoming.
Application Steps
What to know: Even in states that cover adults, coverage limitations vary significantly—dollar caps ($500-$5,000), frequency limits (every 3-7 years), requiring "medical necessity" documentation, and restricting technology levels. Medicare does NOT cover hearing aids, though some Medicare Advantage plans offer limited benefits.
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
VR provides hearing aids when hearing loss creates barriers to employment. Eligibility depends on having a documented disability that creates employment barriers and needing services to obtain, maintain, or advance in employment—not on income limits.
(Employment focus)
initial assessment
(Find state office)
Employment Connection Required
The key is demonstrating how hearing loss specifically impacts your work. Prepare concrete examples: missing information in meetings, phone communication difficulties, safety concerns, inability to collaborate effectively. VR counselors need to see clear work-related barriers.
Application Steps
• Phone communication difficulties: ☐
• Safety concerns on job: ☐
• Unable to collaborate effectively: ☐
What to know: Federal law mandates VR determine eligibility within 60 days. However, 37 states currently maintain "Order of Selection" policies due to limited funding, prioritizing the most significantly disabled individuals. In these states, less severe cases may face wait lists. VR typically covers one set of hearing aids every 4-5 years.
Part 3: Additional Programs to Consider
If the programs above don't work for your situation, these additional organizations may help. Many require exhausting other options first, so document any denials you receive.
| Program | Best For | Income Limit | Fee | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miracle-Ear Foundation | Very low income, exhausted all other options | ≤200% FPL | $200 (adults) None (children) |
800-234-5422 Apply through local store |
| Help America Hear | Low-moderate income | Tiered: $15K-$36K/year |
$300-$1,000 (by income tier) |
helpamericahear.org |
| Sertoma | Varies by club | Varies | None | sertoma.org Find local club |
About AUDIENT Alliance
We previously listed AUDIENT Alliance as an active program. However, as of October 2025, we cannot verify current program activity—their website appears non-functional and the most recent information dates from 2005-2015. If you're interested in this program, contact EPIC Hearing Healthcare at 866-956-5400 or the Northwest Lions Foundation directly to verify current availability before applying.
Part 4: State-Specific Programs
Many states offer additional assistance programs beyond Medicaid and VR. These vary dramatically in existence, funding levels, and eligibility criteria.
Where to Look for State Programs
Examples of State Programs
New Jersey: NJ Hearing Aid Project (free refurbished aids); HAAAD program for PAAD/Lifeline enrollees (2025 income limits: $53,446 single, $60,690 married)
Wisconsin: WISHES (6-month loans for children 0-3); WisLoan (low-interest loans)
Maine: TEP for seniors 65+; mPower loans; Title 7 Part B grants
South Dakota: Hearing Aid Assistance Program for children under 19 (income limit 400% FPL with sliding scale)
Part 5: Application Tracking
Use this table to track your applications. Keeping organized records helps you follow up appropriately and know which programs are still possibilities.
| Program | Date Submitted | Date to Follow Up | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Use this space to track your applications manually | ||||
Important Application Tips
- Start with government programs first: Many charitable programs require exhausting government options (Medicaid, VR) before considering your application
- Apply strategically: You can pursue government programs simultaneously, but consider charitable programs sequentially to respect "last resort" requirements
- Make copies of everything: Keep copies of all documents before submitting—you may need them for other applications
- Follow up appropriately: Wait 2-3 weeks after submitting, then call to check status
- Document denials: Keep any denial letters—they strengthen applications to other programs
- Don't let missing documents stop you: Ask programs what you can substitute if you're missing something
- Be honest on applications: Inaccuracies can result in denial and may affect future applications
- Verify current details: Call programs directly to confirm fees, timelines, and requirements before applying
The Bottom Line
Navigating financial assistance programs takes preparation and patience, but many people successfully obtain hearing aids through these programs. The key is gathering your core documents first, understanding which programs match your situation, and applying strategically—typically starting with government programs before moving to charitable organizations.
Processing timelines vary significantly and often aren't publicly available, so plan ahead and follow up appropriately. If one program doesn't work out, document that denial and try another—each operates independently with different criteria.
Remember that program details change frequently. Always verify current information directly with programs before applying, as fees, timelines, and requirements may differ from what's published online.
Common Questions About Financial Assistance Applications
Government programs (Medicaid, VR, VA benefits) can and should be pursued simultaneously—they operate independently. For charitable programs, exercise more caution. Many explicitly require exhausting other resources first and demonstrating "last resort" status. Consider applying to government programs first, documenting any denials, then applying to charitable programs one at a time, using each denial letter to strengthen subsequent applications.
Income limits serve as guidelines, and some programs consider other factors like assets, medical expenses, and household size. If you're slightly above a published limit, it's still worth calling to ask about your specific situation—programs sometimes have flexibility, especially when considering someone with unusual circumstances or high medical costs.
Timelines vary dramatically. VR must determine eligibility within 60 days by federal law. Medicaid enrollment takes 30-90 days, though hearing aid authorization adds more time. Miracle-Ear Foundation states "up to 4 weeks" for processing. Help America Hear cites "2-3 weeks for review; 2-6 months total including provider matching." Most charitable programs don't publish specific timeframes, so ask when you apply and plan for several months in most cases.
Most programs require audiograms from the last 6-12 months. If yours is older, you'll need a new hearing test. Some audiologists offer sliding-scale fees for testing, or you might find low-cost testing through local hearing aid dispensers, university audiology clinics, or community health centers. Don't skip this step—an outdated audiogram will delay or prevent approval.
Coverage varies by program. Services typically NOT covered even when hearing aids are provided: fitting/dispensing fees (sometimes), replacement ear molds, follow-up visits beyond initial period, batteries, repairs after warranty, and maintenance. Always ask specifically what is and isn't covered before accepting assistance so you can budget for ongoing costs.
Reapplication rules vary. Most programs prohibit reapplying for several years after approval (typically 3-5 years). If you're denied, rules differ—some programs allow immediate reapplication with additional documentation, while others require waiting periods. Always ask about reapplication policies when you receive a denial, and request specific feedback on what would strengthen a future application.