Senior benefits in Jefferson County, Alabama
4
Local programs
10
Alabama programs
25
Federal programs
15
Categories
Last verified · September 27, 2026
Local starting point
United Way Area Agency on Aging of Jefferson County (United Way of Central Alabama)
1-205-458-3330
See which of these Jefferson County programs you may qualify for.
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When benefit rules change, it’s tracked here
Income limits, new requirements, how to apply — see what’s changed across senior benefit programs, from the official source in plain English.
Programs run in Jefferson County
Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving Jefferson County. Start here.
Elder Services in Jefferson County
Programs here typically provide services worth $200–$2,000 a year to an eligible household.
Area Agency on Aging services (United Way Area Agency on Aging of Jefferson County) — Jefferson
CountyThe United Way Area Agency on Aging of Jefferson County, a program of United Way of Central Alabama, is the Area Agency on Aging for Jefferson County. Its Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) gives free information and referrals to adults 60 and over, people with disabilities, and caregivers. Staff can help with applications for SNAP, Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help with drug costs, and senior farmers market coupons. Other services include home-delivered meals, Alabama Cares caregiver support, legal help, Medicare counseling, and the long-term care ombudsman. Call 205-458-3330, or 1-800-AGE-LINE (1-800-243-5463).
Estimated service value: $200–$2,000 a year
Energy Assistance in Jefferson County
Programs here typically lower an eligible household's bills by $280–$1,100 a year.
LIHEAP energy assistance (Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama) — Jefferson
CountyThe Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay home heating and cooling bills. In Jefferson County, LIHEAP applications are taken by Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama, the Community Action Agency the state lists for the county. The state agency, ADECA, does not take applications. Call the agency's call center at 855-287-1730 (main office 256-638-4430) to ask how to apply. Older adults and people with disabilities are among the priority groups. Help depends on available funds.
Estimated bill savings: $280–$1,100 a year
Healthcare in Jefferson County
Hospital Financial Assistance (UAB Hospital) — Jefferson
CountyUAB Hospital in Birmingham is part of UAB Medicine. Patients with gross yearly household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level qualify for full charity care, and those between 200% and 400% may qualify for discounted charges, if they meet the other rules. Financial assistance covers medically necessary services. Call UAB Medicine billing and financial services at 205-801-9910 or toll-free 800-388-7210.
Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year
Transportation in Jefferson County
Programs here typically provide services worth $150–$1,500 a year to an eligible household.
Senior and paratransit rides (ClasTran) — Jefferson
CountyClasTran gives curb-to-curb, demand-response rides in Jefferson and Shelby counties, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. In urban areas you qualify if you are 60 or older or have a disability. In rural areas of the two counties, anyone can ride. You must apply first; allow about ten days for the application to be processed. Dispatchers help you plan trips in advance. Call 205-325-8787.
Estimated service value: $150–$1,500 a year
Local agencies serving Jefferson County
Who runs the county programs above, and how to reach them. Every line comes from a program record on this page — nothing is added that the catalog does not cite.
United Way Area Agency on Aging of Jefferson County (United Way of Central Alabama)
Runs: Area Agency on Aging services (United Way Area Agency on Aging of Jefferson County)
UAB Hospital (UAB Medicine)
ClasTran (Birmingham Regional Paratransit Consortium)
Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama, Inc.
Runs: LIHEAP energy assistance (Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama)
Alabama and federal programs
Open to eligible households in Jefferson County and across the rest of Alabama. Full details are on the Alabama benefits page.
Elder Services
- Free legal help for adults 60+ (Legal Assistance Program)State$0–$2,000/yrService valueOfficial source →
- Alabama SHIP — free Medicare and insurance counselingState$100–$2,000/yrService valueOfficial source →
Employment
- Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)Federal$15,000–$17,000/yrCashOfficial source →
Energy Assistance
- LIHEAP energy assistance (Alabama)State$280–$1,100/yrLower billsOfficial source →
Food Assistance
- Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) Senior Food BoxFederal$240–$600/yrService valueOfficial source →
- Congregate Meals at Senior CentersFederal$1,000–$2,500/yrService valueOfficial source →
- Home-Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels)Federal$1,500–$4,000/yrService valueOfficial source →
- Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)Federal$35–$50/yrCashOfficial source →
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) for SeniorsFederal$280–$2,400/yrCashOfficial source →
- SNAP food assistance (Alabama Food Assistance Program)State$300–$3,576/yrCashOfficial source →
Health Coverage
- Alabama Medicaid for people 65+, blind, or disabled (SSI and SSI-related)State$2,000–$15,000/yrService valueOfficial source →
Healthcare
- CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA)Federal$3,000–$15,000/yrLower billsOfficial source →
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)FederalOfficial source →
- VA Health CareFederal$5,000–$20,000/yrLower billsOfficial source →
- SenioRx — free or low-cost prescription drugsState$0–$5,000/yrLower billsOfficial source →
Housing
- Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)Federal$8,000–$20,000/yrLower billsOfficial source →
- HUD Section 202 Supportive Housing for the ElderlyFederal$5,000–$15,000/yrLower billsOfficial source →
Income Support
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)Federal$11,928–$17,892/yrCashOfficial source →
Long Term Care
- PACE — Program of All-Inclusive Care for the ElderlyFederal$6,000–$40,000/yrService valueOfficial source →
- Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Medicaid Waiver — care at home instead of a nursing homeState$5,000–$25,000/yrService valueOfficial source →
Medicare Savings
- Extra Help (Part D Low-Income Subsidy)Federal$4,000–$5,300/yrPremium savingsOfficial source →
- Qualifying Individual (QI)Federalabout $2,435/yrPremium savingsOfficial source →
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)Federal$2,435–$3,500/yrPremium savingsOfficial source →
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)Federalabout $2,435/yrPremium savingsOfficial source →
- Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI-1)State$2,100–$5,200/yrPremium savingsOfficial source →
Supportive Services
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman ProgramFederalOfficial source →
- National Family Caregiver Support Program (OAA Title III-E)Federal$1,000–$5,000/yrService valueOfficial source →
- Older Americans Act Supportive Services (Title III-B)Federal$500–$3,000/yrService valueOfficial source →
- Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)FederalOfficial source →
Tax Relief
- Federal Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled (IRS Schedule R)Federal$0–$1,125/yrLower billsOfficial source →
- Homestead exemption for homeowners 65+, disabled, or blind (property tax)State$50–$1,500/yrLower billsOfficial source →
- Alabama income tax: retirement income exclusion for age 65+ (and exempt Social Security and pensions)State$0–$300/yrLower billsOfficial source →
Utility Assistance
- Federal LifelineFederal$111–$411/yrLower billsOfficial source →
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)Federal$3,000–$8,000/yrLower billsOfficial source →
Veteran Benefits
- VA Aid & Attendance (Improved Pension)Federal$12,000–$34,488/yrCashOfficial source →
Nearby counties
County programs differ from one county to the next. If you live near a county line, or you are helping a parent who lives in one of these, it is worth checking there too.
Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.