Senior benefits in Howard County, Maryland
4
Local programs
11
Maryland programs
25
Federal programs
15
Categories
Local starting point
Office on Aging and Independence
1-410-313-1234
See which of these Howard County programs you may qualify for.
Find my benefitsHelping others? Print the Howard 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 Howard County
Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving Howard County. Start here.
Elder Services
Programs here are typically worth $200–$2,000 a year to an eligible household.
Area Agency on Aging (Office on Aging and Independence) — Howard
CountyOffice on Aging and Independence is the Area Agency on Aging and Maryland Access Point (MAP) partner serving Howard: 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 410-313-1234 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 — Howard
CountyCommunity Action Council of Howard County takes Maryland Energy Assistance (MEAP) and Electric Universal Service Program applications for Howard residents — heating and electric bill help and arrearage assistance. Apply through myMDTHINK, by mail, or in person; call 410-313-6440 with questions.
$100–$1,500/yr
Healthcare
Hospital Financial Assistance (Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center) — Howard
CountyUninsured and underinsured residents of Howard can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center for emergency and medically necessary care. Johns Hopkins provides free or discounted care based on household income compared with the federal poverty guidelines. 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 (Regional Transit Agency) — Howard
CountyHoward is served by Regional Transit Agency (RTA) of Central Maryland routes and paratransit 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 (410-313-1234) helps arrange senior transportation.
$150–$1,500/yr
Maryland and federal programs
Open to eligible households in Howard 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.