Turning 65
What to do first
- Sign up for Medicare in your first window, which starts 3 months before the month you turn 65.
- If you already get Social Security benefits, you are usually signed up for Medicare on your own.
- Get free Medicare advice from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
- If money is tight, ask about Extra Help with drug costs and your state's help with Medicare costs.
Talk it through
Tell us more about what happened. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.
Dates that matter
These windows are set by federal rules. Your state may have its own dates too, so ask the agency.
7 months
Medicare sign-up window
Your first chance to sign up lasts 7 months. It starts 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ends 3 months after it.
Source: Medicare.govA penalty that lasts
Signing up late for Part B
If you do not sign up for Part B when you first can, you may pay a penalty every month for as long as you have Part B. Coverage from a job usually lets you wait.
Source: Medicare.gov
Help from Alabama
Alabama programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Alabama Department of Senior Services
Aging and Disability Resource Centers
Local ADRCs help older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers find services and apply for support.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Alabama Medicaid Agency
Alabama Medicaid
Alabama Medicaid pays for health care for eligible residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Alabama Department of Human Resources
Food Assistance Program
In Alabama, SNAP is called Food Assistance.
Alabama Food Assistance provides monthly benefits to eligible households to help pay for food.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
LIHEAP helps eligible households pay heating and cooling costs.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help
These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.
SHIPhelp.org
Free Medicare advice
Every state has a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) with free, unbiased help choosing Medicare plans.
SSA.gov
Your full retirement age
For people born in 1960 or later, full retirement age for Social Security is 67.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Medicare
Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.
Most people sign up through Social Security, online at SSA.gov or by phone. Medicare.gov compares plans.
Social Security Administration
Extra Help with Medicare drug costs
Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.
Apply online at SSA.gov or call Social Security. People with Medicaid or SSI may get it without applying.
Social Security Administration
Social Security retirement benefits
Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.
Apply online at SSA.gov about four months before you want payments to start, or call Social Security.
Social Security Administration
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.
Apply online at SSA.gov or call Social Security to make an appointment. Bring proof of age, income and any medical records.
Checked on October 9, 2026
Help near you
Find county and state offices near you, or call 211 to talk to someone about help in your area.
Talk to a person
- 211 Connects Alabama
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988