Senior benefits in Pima County, Arizona

Pima Council on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for Pima County, including Tucson and Green Valley. The Help Line connects older adults and caregivers to home-delivered and congregate meals, in-home and personal care, caregiver support, no-cost Medicare counseling, and transportation and housing information. Adults age 60 and over, and adults with disabilities, can call 520-790-7262 to ask what help is available.

Estimated service value: $1,500–$6,000 a year

The Pima County Community Assistance Division delivers low-income energy assistance (LIHEAP) for Pima County, working with local LIHEAP affiliate agencies to help pay electric and gas bills and prevent shutoffs. Emergency bill-payment help of up to $1,000 per year may be available to income-eligible households facing a crisis. Call 520-724-2667 to apply, or dial 2-1-1 for referrals. The statewide DES energy page is another entry point.

Estimated bill savings: $200–$1,000 a year

In this county: Energy assistance is income-based and subject to available funds. Crisis help is capped (up to $1,000 per year) and requires a qualifying hardship. The agency makes the final determination. Not legal or financial advice.

Banner – University Medical Center Tucson offers Basic and Enhanced Financial Assistance for uninsured, underinsured, and medically indigent patients. Charity care is based on household income and family size. A financial counselor can help with the application and supporting documents. Other Pima County hospitals with their own financial-assistance programs include Tucson Medical Center (tmcaz.com) and Carondelet / Northwest hospitals under CommonSpirit-Dignity Health (dignityhealth.org).

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Banner charity care is generally for household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, with discounted care up to 400% of the federal poverty level, based on income and family size. The hospital makes the final determination. Not legal or financial advice.

Sun Tran runs fixed-route buses across the Tucson metro area, with Sun Van providing curb-to-curb paratransit for riders who cannot use fixed-route buses because of a disability. Sun Van riders must be certified by the City of Tucson ADA Paratransit Eligibility Office (photo ID, doctor's documentation of disability, and proof of Pima County address). Sun Shuttle serves outlying communities such as Green Valley. Call 520-791-5409 to start Sun Van certification.

Estimated service value: $200–$1,200 a year

In this county: Sun Van paratransit requires ADA eligibility certification by the City of Tucson. Fares and reservation rules are set by Sun Tran and can change. Not legal or financial advice.