Senior benefits in Franklin County, Massachusetts
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Seniors aged 65 and older in Franklin County, Massachusetts have access to a wide range of benefit programs that can help with health care, housing, energy costs, transportation, and more. LifePath, Inc., the local Area Agency on Aging serving Franklin County, is a strong starting point for connecting with many of these programs. Locally, the Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA) provides transit options for seniors and people with disabilities, while Community Action Pioneer Valley delivers Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) to help with heating costs. Baystate Franklin Medical Center offers a Hospital Financial Assistance program for those who need help covering medical bills. At the state level, programs like SHINE Medicare Counseling, the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit, MassHealth Standard, and the Frail Elder Waiver may also be available to qualifying residents. Dozens of federal programs 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
LifePath, Inc. — Massachusetts Aging Services Access Point / AAA network (Executive Office of Aging & Independence)
1-413-773-5555
See which of these Franklin County programs you may qualify for.
Discover my benefitsHelping others? Print the Franklin 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 Franklin County
Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving Franklin County. Start here.
Elder Services in Franklin County
Programs here typically provide services worth $500–$6,000 a year to an eligible household.
Area Agency on Aging (LifePath, Inc.) — Franklin
County · MassachusettsLifePath, Inc. is the Area Agency on Aging for Franklin County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to Home care services, Meals on Wheels and dining centers, information and caregiver resource center, money management, supportive housing, respite, long-term care ombudsman, behavioral health services. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-413-773-5555 to get started.
Estimated service value: $500–$6,000 a year
Energy Assistance in Franklin County
Programs here typically lower an eligible household's bills by $300–$1,000 a year.
Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) — Franklin
County · MassachusettsFuel Assistance (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible households in Franklin County pay home heating bills from November 1 through April 30, with extra protection against winter shut-offs. The Commonwealth funds the program, and Community Action Pioneer Valley (CAPV) takes applications for this county. Homeowners and renters can qualify, including renters whose heat is included in rent. Call 1-413-774-2310 to apply.
Estimated bill savings: $300–$1,000 a year
Healthcare in Franklin County
Hospital Financial Assistance (Baystate Franklin Medical Center) — Franklin
County · MassachusettsUninsured and underinsured residents of Franklin County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Baystate Franklin Medical Center for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. Greenfield hospital in the Baystate Health system; the systemwide billing page states 'We also offer financial assistance for qualifying patients' and lists the Baystate Franklin Medical Center financial counselor at 413-773-2849. Page also lists the statewide Health Safety Net (800-841-2900), cited separately at the state level.
Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year
Transportation in Franklin County
Programs here typically provide services worth $150–$1,500 a year to an eligible household.
Senior & Disabled Transit (Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA)) — Franklin
County · MassachusettsFranklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA) serves Franklin County with FRTA fixed-route buses are fare-free, so no senior fare applies. FRTA also operates demand-response van service for older adults and people with disabilities in its member towns. 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 1-413-774-2262 for schedules, eligibility, or to book a ride.
Estimated service value: $150–$1,500 a year
Local agencies serving Franklin 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.
Baystate Franklin Medical Center
Runs: Hospital Financial Assistance (Baystate Franklin Medical Center)
Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA)
Runs: Senior & Disabled Transit (Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA))
Massachusetts and federal programs
Open to eligible households in Franklin 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.