Senior benefits in Arenac County, Michigan
Seniors aged 65 and older in Arenac County, Michigan, may qualify for a wide range of benefit programs — from local services to state and federal support. Region 9 Area Agency on Aging is a strong local starting point, connecting older adults to Older Americans Act Services right here in the county. Other local options include Home Heating & Energy Assistance through NEMCSA, MyMichigan Medical Center Standish Financial Assistance for those facing medical costs, and the Arenac Public Transit Authority's Reduced Fare & Curb-to-Curb Service for getting around. At the state level, programs like MI Choice Waiver, Michigan Home Heating Credit, MMAP Medicare counseling, and Michigan Caregiver Support may help with care, costs, and coverage. Veterans in the county may also find help through Michigan Veterans Trust Fund Emergency Grants and other veteran-specific programs. Federal programs add even more options for eligible residents. Each program listed on this page includes its official source and the date it was last verified. The administering agency always makes the final eligibility decision.
4
Local programs
17
Michigan programs
25
Federal programs
19
Categories
Last verified · September 26, 2026
Local starting point
Region 9 Area Agency on Aging (NEMCSA)
1-800-219-2273
See which of these Arenac County programs you may qualify for.
Find my benefitsHelping others? Print the Arenac 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 Arenac County
Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving Arenac County. Start here.
Elder Services in Arenac County
Programs here are typically worth $1,500–$6,000 a year to an eligible household.
Region 9 Area Agency on Aging — Older Americans Act Services (Arenac County)
CountyThe Region 9 Area Agency on Aging, run by Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency (NEMCSA), serves older adults in Arenac County. Services include home-delivered and congregate meals, in-home and personal care, respite and caregiver support, Medicare and Medicaid counseling (MMAP), long-term care options counseling, and help applying for the MI Choice Medicaid waiver. Adults age 60 and over, and adults with disabilities, can call 1-800-219-2273 to ask what help is available.
$1,500–$6,000/yr
Energy Assistance in Arenac County
Programs here are typically worth $200–$1,500 a year to an eligible household.
Home Heating & Energy Assistance — NEMCSA (Arenac County)
CountyNortheast Michigan Community Service Agency (NEMCSA) is the community action agency for Arenac County. It delivers free home weatherization, help with water and sewer bills, and connects households to low-income heating help. Apply for state energy help (LIHEAP / State Emergency Relief) through MI Bridges, dial 211 for local referrals, or call NEMCSA at 1-800-219-2273.
$200–$1,500/yr
Healthcare in Arenac County
MyMichigan Medical Center Standish Financial Assistance (Arenac County)
CountyMyMichigan Medical Center Standish offers MyMichigan Health's Patient Financial Assistance Program for patients in Arenac County who cannot afford their bill. It uses a discounted/sliding fee based on family size and income, and no patient is denied needed care for inability to pay. Ask a financial counselor or call 1-844-832-1956 to apply.
Transportation in Arenac County
Programs here are typically worth $200–$1,200 a year to an eligible household.
Arenac Public Transit Authority — Reduced Fare & Curb-to-Curb Service (Arenac County)
CountyArenac Public Transit Authority runs countywide curb-to-curb public transportation from Standish across Arenac County. Riders age 65 and over, people with disabilities, and students pay a reduced fare, and riders age 80 and over and veterans ride free. Call 989-846-7500 to schedule a ride.
$200–$1,200/yr
In this county: Reduced and free fares require proof of age, disability, or veteran status. Fares and service hours are set by Arenac Public Transit Authority and can change. Not legal or financial advice.
Local agencies serving Arenac 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.
MyMichigan Health
Runs: MyMichigan Medical Center Standish Financial Assistance
Region 9 Area Agency on Aging (NEMCSA)
Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency (NEMCSA)
Michigan and federal programs
Open to eligible households in Arenac County and across the rest of Michigan. Full details are on the Michigan benefits page.
Caregiver Support
Emergency Aid
Employment
- Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)Federal$15,000–$17,000/yrOfficial source →
Energy Assistance
- Michigan Home Heating CreditState$100–$600/yrOfficial source →
- State Emergency Relief — Energy & Heat (LIHEAP) + MEAPState$175–$1,200/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 →
Health Coverage
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 →
- MMAP — Michigan's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (Medicare Counseling)StateOfficial source →
Home Care
- Home Help Program (Medicaid Personal Care)State$3,000–$20,000/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 →
- MI Choice Waiver Program (Home & Community-Based Services)State$10,000–$60,000/yrOfficial source →
- PACE — Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (Michigan)State$10,000–$80,000/yrOfficial source →
- Michigan Veteran Homes (State Long-Term Care)StateOfficial 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 Program (Michigan) — QMB / SLMB / QIState$2,100–$8,000/yrOfficial source →
Nutrition
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 →
- Michigan Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses for 100% Disabled VeteransStateOfficial source →
- Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency Claims Assistance (Free VA Claims Help)StateOfficial source →
Tax Relief
- Federal Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled (IRS Schedule R)Federalup to $1,125/yrOfficial source →
- Michigan Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption (Full Homestead Exemption)State$2,000–$5,200/yrOfficial source →
- Michigan Homestead Property Tax CreditState$100–$1,900/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 →
Nearby counties
County 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.