Senior benefits in Dorchester County, Maryland
4
Local programs
11
Maryland programs
25
Federal programs
15
Categories
Local starting point
MAC, Inc.
1-410-742-0505
See which of these Dorchester County programs you may qualify for.
Find my benefitsHelping others? Print the Dorchester County benefits checklist — free to hand out.
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 Dorchester County
Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving Dorchester County. Start here.
Elder Services
Programs here are typically worth $200–$2,000 a year to an eligible household.
Area Agency on Aging (MAC, Inc.) — Dorchester
CountyMAC, Inc. is the Area Agency on Aging and Maryland Access Point (MAP) partner serving Dorchester: benefits counseling (Medicare/SHIP, energy assistance, SNAP), senior center and nutrition programs, home-delivered meals, caregiver support, Senior Care case management, and long-term-care options counseling. Services are free for adults 60 and over. Call 410-742-0505 or MAP statewide at 1-844-627-5465.
$200–$2,000/yr
Energy Assistance
Programs here are typically worth $100–$1,500 a year to an eligible household.
Energy Assistance (OHEP) intake — Dorchester
CountyDorchester Co. Dept. of Social Services takes Maryland Energy Assistance (MEAP) and Electric Universal Service Program applications for Dorchester residents — heating and electric bill help and arrearage assistance. Apply through myMDTHINK, by mail, or in person; call 410-904100 with questions.
$100–$1,500/yr
Healthcare
Hospital Financial Assistance (UM Shore Medical Center at Cambridge) — Dorchester
CountyUninsured and underinsured residents of Dorchester can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at UM Shore Medical Center at Cambridge for emergency and medically necessary care. The University of Maryland Medical System offers free or lower-cost care under its system-wide financial assistance policy; apply through MyChart, by mail, or by phone. Maryland law requires every hospital to offer financial assistance with state-set minimums.
Transportation
Programs here are typically worth $150–$1,500 a year to an eligible household.
Senior & Accessible Transportation (Delmarva Community Transit services for the mid-shore) — Dorchester
CountyDorchester is served by Delmarva Community Transit services for the mid-shore under MDOT MTA's Locally Operated Transit Systems program. Older adults and people with disabilities can use reduced fares, demand-response rides, or ADA paratransit for medical appointments, shopping, and errands — services and fares vary by system. The Area Agency on Aging (410-742-0505) helps arrange senior transportation.
$150–$1,500/yr
Maryland and federal programs
Open to eligible households in Dorchester County and across the rest of Maryland. Full details are on the Maryland benefits page.
Employment
- Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)Federal$15,000–$17,000/yrOfficial source →
Energy Assistance
- Maryland Energy Assistance (OHEP / MEAP)State$100–$1,500/yrOfficial source →
Food Assistance
- Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) Senior Food BoxFederal$240–$600/yrOfficial source →
- Congregate Meals at Senior CentersFederal$1,000–$2,500/yrOfficial source →
- Home-Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels)Federal$1,500–$4,000/yrOfficial source →
- Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)Federal$35–$50/yrOfficial source →
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) for SeniorsFederal$280–$2,400/yrOfficial source →
- Food Supplement Program (SNAP) for Older Adults — MarylandState$300–$3,000/yrOfficial source →
Health Coverage
- Maryland Medicaid for Aged, Blind or Disabled AdultsState$2,000–$15,000/yrOfficial source →
Healthcare
- CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA)Federal$3,000–$15,000/yrOfficial source →
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)FederalOfficial source →
- VA Health CareFederal$5,000–$20,000/yrOfficial source →
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) — MarylandStateOfficial source →
- Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program (SPDAP) — MarylandState$300–$1,200/yrOfficial source →
Housing
- Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)Federal$8,000–$20,000/yrOfficial source →
- HUD Section 202 Supportive Housing for the ElderlyFederal$5,000–$15,000/yrOfficial source →
Income Support
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)Federal$11,928–$17,892/yrOfficial source →
Long Term Care
- PACE — Program of All-Inclusive Care for the ElderlyFederal$6,000–$40,000/yrOfficial source →
- Home & Community-Based Options Waiver + Community First Choice — MarylandState$5,000–$50,000/yrOfficial source →
Medicare Savings
- Extra Help (Part D Low-Income Subsidy)Federal$4,000–$5,300/yrOfficial source →
- Qualifying Individual (QI)Federal$2,400–$2,435/yrOfficial source →
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)Federal$2,435–$3,500/yrOfficial source →
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)Federal$2,400–$2,435/yrOfficial source →
- Medicare Savings Programs (QMB / SLMB / QI) — MarylandState$2,000–$8,000/yrOfficial source →
Supportive Services
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman ProgramFederalOfficial source →
- National Family Caregiver Support Program (OAA Title III-E)Federal$1,000–$5,000/yrOfficial source →
- Older Americans Act Supportive Services (Title III-B)Federal$500–$3,000/yrOfficial source →
- Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)FederalOfficial source →
- Senior Call Check & Social Connections — MarylandStateOfficial source →
Tax Relief
- Federal Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled (IRS Schedule R)Federalup to $1,125/yrOfficial source →
- Homeowners' Property Tax Credit — MarylandState$200–$2,000/yrOfficial source →
- Renters' Tax Credit (60+) — MarylandState$100–$1,000/yrOfficial source →
- Senior Income Tax Credit (65+) — MarylandState$1,000–$1,750/yrOfficial source →
Utility Assistance
- Federal LifelineFederal$111–$411/yrOfficial source →
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)Federal$3,000–$8,000/yrOfficial source →
Veteran Benefits
- VA Aid & Attendance (Improved Pension)Federal$12,000–$34,488/yrOfficial source →
Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.