Senior benefits in Dukes County, Massachusetts
Seniors and family caregivers in Dukes County, Massachusetts have access to a wide range of benefit programs that can help with health care, housing, energy costs, transportation, and more. Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, Inc. serves as the local Area Agency on Aging and is a strong starting point for finding help. Residents may also benefit from local programs like Hospital Financial Assistance through Martha's Vineyard Hospital, energy cost help through the LIHEAP program delivered locally, and reduced-fare transit through the Martha's Vineyard Transit Authority. State programs such as the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit, MassHealth Standard for Seniors 65+, the Frail Elder Waiver, and SHINE Medicare Counseling may also be available to qualifying residents. Federal programs covering food, health care, and financial support apply here as well. This page lists each program with its official source and the date it was last verified. The administering agency always makes the final eligibility decision.
4
Local programs
19
Massachusetts programs
25
Federal programs
18
Categories
Last verified · October 8, 2026
Local starting point
Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, Inc. — Massachusetts Aging Services Access Point / AAA network (Executive Office of Aging & Independence)
1-508-394-4630
See which of these Dukes County programs you may qualify for.
Discover my benefitsHelping others? Print the Dukes 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 Dukes County
Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving Dukes County. Start here.
Elder Services in Dukes County
Programs here typically provide services worth $500–$6,000 a year to an eligible household.
Area Agency on Aging (Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, Inc.) — Dukes
County · MassachusettsElder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, Inc. is the Area Agency on Aging for Dukes County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to Supportive services & care management, senior nutrition, family caregiver support, wellness and prevention, protective services — serving all Martha's Vineyard towns. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-508-394-4630 to get started.
Estimated service value: $500–$6,000 a year
Energy Assistance in Dukes County
Programs here typically lower an eligible household's bills by $300–$1,000 a year.
Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) — Dukes
County · MassachusettsFuel Assistance (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible households in Dukes County pay home heating bills from November 1 through April 30, with extra protection against winter shut-offs. The Commonwealth funds the program, and South Shore Community Action Council, Inc. (SSCAC) takes applications for this county. Homeowners and renters can qualify, including renters whose heat is included in rent. Call 1-508-746-6707 to apply.
Estimated bill savings: $300–$1,000 a year
Healthcare in Dukes County
Hospital Financial Assistance (Martha's Vineyard Hospital) — Dukes
County · MassachusettsUninsured and underinsured residents of Dukes County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Martha's Vineyard Hospital for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. MGB's system-wide financial assistance page lists 'Martha's Vineyard Hospital Patient Financial Counseling, One Hospital Road, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557, 508-957-9588' and covers state programs including MassHealth, the Health Connector, and the statewide Health Safety Net (cited separately at the state level), plus 70%-100% discounts for low-income patients.
Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year
Transportation in Dukes County
Programs here typically provide services worth $150–$1,500 a year to an eligible household.
Senior & Disabled Transit (Martha's Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA)) — Dukes
County · MassachusettsMartha's Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) serves Dukes County with Island-wide bus service is currently fare free for all riders under the MA Legislature's prepaid fare program (flyer 'FREE FARE CONTINUES!' updated March 15, 2026), so no senior fare applies. ADA paratransit 'The LIFT' also operates. 11A Street, Airport Business Park, Edgartown. Older adults and people with disabilities can use reduced fares or demand-response rides for medical appointments, shopping, and other essential trips. Rides are free or low-cost depending on the service. Call 1-508-693-9440 for schedules, eligibility, or to book a ride.
Estimated service value: $150–$1,500 a year
Local agencies serving Dukes County
Who runs the county programs above, and how to reach them. Every line comes from a program record on this page — nothing is added that the catalog does not cite.
Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, Inc.
Runs: Area Agency on Aging (Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, Inc.)
Martha's Vineyard Hospital
Runs: Hospital Financial Assistance (Martha's Vineyard Hospital)
Martha's Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA)
Runs: Senior & Disabled Transit (Martha's Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA))
Massachusetts and federal programs
Open to eligible households in Dukes County and across the rest of Massachusetts. Full details are on the Massachusetts benefits page.
Money & income2 programs
Cash paid to you, and emergency help when money runs short.
Health & Medicare costs9 programs
Medicaid, Medicare savings, and help with drug and doctor bills.
- Medicare Savings Programs (QMB / SLMB / QI) — Massachusetts
- MassHealth Standard for Seniors 65+
- Health Safety Net (Hospital & Health Center Care)
- SHINE — Medicare Counseling (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone)
- Extra Help (Part D Low-Income Subsidy)
- Qualifying Individual (QI)
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
Food6 programs
SNAP (food stamps), meals, and farmers market coupons.
Home, bills & taxes11 programs
Help with heating and electric bills, rent, property taxes, and home repairs.
- Fuel Assistance (HEAP / LIHEAP) — Massachusetts
- Weatherization Assistance Program — Massachusetts
- Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit
- Local Senior Property Tax Exemptions & Deferral (Town-by-Town)
- Local Property Tax Exemptions for Veterans (Clause 22 Series)
- Congregate Housing — Shared Affordable Housing with Services
- Federal Lifeline
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
- Federal Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled (IRS Schedule R)
- Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
- HUD Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly
Care at home & long-term care6 programs
Help staying in your home, nursing home alternatives, and support for family caregivers.
- Home Care Program (State-Funded, via the ASAPs)
- Frail Elder Waiver (MassHealth Long-Term Care at Home)
- Massachusetts Veterans Homes (Chelsea & Holyoke)
- Family Caregiver Support Program — Massachusetts
- PACE — Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly
- National Family Caregiver Support Program (OAA Title III-E)
Help, advice & legal6 programs
Free counseling, legal help, rides, and other senior services.
- Community Transition Liaison Program — Help Leaving a Nursing Facility
- Money Management Program — Free Bill-Paying Help for Older Adults
- Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemeteries (Agawam & Winchendon)
- Older Americans Act Supportive Services (Title III-B)
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
- Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)
Veterans4 programs
Benefits for veterans and their surviving spouses.
Nearby counties
Local programs differ from one county to the next. If you live near a county line, or you are helping a parent who lives in one of these, it is worth checking there too.
Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.