Senior benefits in Benton County, Arkansas

The Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Arkansas is the Area Agency on Aging for Benton County. It is a private, non-profit group that has served seniors in nine northwest Arkansas counties since 1979, and it also serves veterans and people with disabilities. Its services include adult day centers and services, care coordination, the Family Caregiver Support Program, housing, in-home services and help, Meals on Wheels, medical supplies, a personal emergency response system (Life Alert), and senior activity centers. The Benton County branch office is at 1410 SE 14th Street, Bentonville; call 479-273-9424. Senior centers in the county include senior activity and wellness centers in Bentonville (479-273-7348), Gravette (479-787-5950), Lowell (479-365-2755) and Siloam Springs (479-524-5735). The main office in Harrison can be reached toll-free at 1-800-432-9721.

Estimated service value: $200–$2,000 a year

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps households with home energy bills: heating costs in the winter and cooling costs in the summer. In Benton County, Our Healthy Communities takes LIHEAP applications. Its office is at 506 East Spruce St., Rogers; call 479-636-7301. Arkansas LIHEAP pays a regular benefit based on household income, household size and the type of energy used, and a crisis benefit that can prevent a shut-off, restore service, or provide fuel when it has run out. Applications are taken first-come, first-served, typically from January to April 30 and from July to September 30 each year. Apply through this agency, not the Arkansas Energy Office. LIHEAP never charges a fee to apply.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) county office for Benton County is at 900 SE 13th Court, Bentonville, AR 72712-5998. It is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 479-273-9011. DHS county offices are run by the Division of County Operations, which processes applications for public assistance. You can apply for health care (Medicaid) and SNAP food benefits at your local county office, or apply and manage benefits online at Access.Arkansas.gov.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas in Rogers is part of Mercy, which offers financial assistance for hospital care based on household income and family size, using the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines. Households at 0 to 200% of the poverty level can get a 100% hospital discount, and those at 201% to 300% can get an 80% hospital discount. For example, the 200% limit is $31,920 a year for one person and $43,280 for two. If you have no insurance, Mercy requires you to call its Medicaid Eligibility Screening team at 855-420-7900 before applying, and staff will help you apply for Medicaid if you may qualify. Customer Service at the same number can also set up a payment plan for any remaining balance.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Ozark Regional Transit Authority (ORT) runs public buses in Northwest Arkansas, including Benton County. It has fixed bus routes in Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers and Bentonville, and ORT On-Demand, a shared curb-to-curb ride service inside set zones around Fayetteville and Rogers (Monday to Saturday) and Bentonville and Springdale (Saturday only). On-Demand rides cost $1.25 per trip for up to 5 riders and can be booked in the app or by phone. ORT ADA Paratransit gives rides to people in Washington and Benton counties who apply and qualify because a disability keeps them from using the bus, for trips within 3/4 mile of a fixed or commuter route. Call 479-756-5901 (office hours Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Estimated service value: $150–$1,500 a year