Senior benefits in Essex County, Massachusetts

AgeSpan is the Area Agency on Aging for Essex County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to ASAP and AAA (formerly Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley and North Shore): care coordination, nutrition/Meals on Wheels, housing support, Medicare/SHINE counseling, behavioral health, protective services, family caregiver support, long-term-care ombudsman. Toll-free 800-892-0890. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-978-683-7747 to get started.

Estimated service value: $500–$6,000 a year

Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible households in Essex County pay home heating bills from November 1 through April 30, with extra protection against winter shut-offs. The Commonwealth funds the program, and Greater Lawrence Community Action Council (GLCAC) - Home Energy Assistance takes applications for this county. Homeowners and renters can qualify, including renters whose heat is included in rent. Call 1-978-681-4950 to apply.

Estimated bill savings: $300–$1,000 a year

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Essex County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Salem Hospital for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. Salem Hospital uses the system-wide Mass General Brigham financial assistance program: 70-100% low-income discounts on emergency/medically necessary care for household income below 301% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, plus enrollment help for MassHealth and the statewide Health Safety Net (https://www.mass.gov/info-details/health-safety-net-for-patients). Other Essex hospitals: Lawrence General, Anna Jaques (Newburyport, BILH), Beverly Hospital and Addison Gilbert (BILH).

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

MBTA / MeVa / CATA serves Essex County with MBTA commuter rail and bus serve much of Essex County (Senior CharlieCard, roughly half-price fares; The RIDE paratransit in the MBTA district). Merrimack Valley Transit (MeVa) buses in Lawrence/Haverhill/Methuen and surrounds are permanently fare-free - its board 'voted 15-0 on February 6, 2025, with one abstention, to adopt a permanent fare-free policy' (https://mevatransit.com/in-a-historic-move-the-meva-advisory-board-voted-on-02-06-25-to-adopt-a-permanent-fare-free-policy/). Cape Ann Transportation Authority (CATA) Dial-A-Ride offers door-to-door service for 'eligible seniors (60+) and adults with disabilities' in Gloucester, Rockport, Ipswich, Essex, Hamilton, and Manchester-by-the-Sea (https://www.canntran.com/dial-a-ride, 978-283-7916). 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 1-617-222-3200 for schedules, eligibility, or to book a ride.

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