Senior benefits in Washington County, Arkansas

The Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Arkansas is the Area Agency on Aging for Washington 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 Washington County branch office is at 4332 N. Waterside Court, Fayetteville; call 479-442-5194. Senior centers in the county include senior activity centers in Fayetteville (479-571-2920), Elkins (479-643-2741), Farmington (479-267-5709), Lincoln (479-824-3861) and Prairie Grove (479-846-2794). 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 Washington County, Economic Opportunity Agency of Washington County (EOAWC) takes LIHEAP applications. Its office is at 614 E. Emma Ave. Ste. M 401, Springdale; call 479-872-7479. 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 Washington County is at 4201 N. Shiloh Dr. Suite 110, Fayetteville, AR 72703-2084. It is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 479-521-1270. A second Washington County DHS office is at 4252 Frontage Road, Fayetteville (479-442-4029). 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

Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville gives financial assistance for medically necessary, non-elective, emergent and urgent care to patients who are uninsured or underinsured, for both inpatient and outpatient care. Under its 2026 Financial Assistance policy, households with income at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines can get a 100% write-off; 138% to 150% can get up to 90% off the amounts generally billed; and 151% to 200% can get up to 75% off. Some uninsured or underinsured patients with income above 201% but below 400% may get 50% off gross charges. To reach a financial counselor, call 479-463-6000.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Ozark Regional Transit Authority (ORT) runs public buses in Northwest Arkansas, including Washington 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