DiscoverSeniorBenefits.com · Free community handout
2026 Senior Benefits Checklist
Big Stone County, Minnesota
40 programs15 categoriesEvery one linked to its official sourceLast verified · September 8, 2026
Free · No Social Security number · No credit card · Not a government agency
Start here — the free 5-minute benefits check
- 1Answer a few plain-English questions (age, ZIP, rough income).
- 2See which of these programs fit — with a dollar estimate for each.
- 3Call or apply to your top match, using this sheet's phone numbers.
discoverseniorbenefits.com/scan?src=checklist-big_stone
Elder Services
Senior LinkAge Line (free Medicare & benefits counseling)
$100–$2,000/yr1-800-333-2433arrowheadaging.orgLast verified · September 8, 2026
Area Agency on Aging services (Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging) — Big Stone
$200–$2,000/yr1-507-387-1256mnraaa.orgLast verified · September 8, 2026
Employment
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)
$15,000–$17,000/yr1-877-872-5627www.dol.govLast verified · June 14, 2026
Energy Assistance
Energy Assistance Program (EAP)
$200–$1,400/yr1-800-657-3710liheapch.acf.govLast verified · September 8, 2026
Energy Assistance Program intake (Prairie Five Community Action Council) — Big Stone
$100–$1,400/yr1-320-269-6578liheapch.acf.govLast verified · September 8, 2026
Food Assistance
Home-Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels)
$1,500–$4,000/yr1-800-677-1116acl.govLast verified · September 8, 2026
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
$300–$3,500/yr1-888-711-1151edocs.dhs.state.mn.usLast verified · September 8, 2026
Congregate Meals at Senior Centers
$1,000–$2,500/yr1-800-677-1116acl.govLast verified · September 8, 2026
Health Coverage
Medical Assistance for people 65+, blind, or disabled (MA)
$2,000–$15,000/yr1-800-333-2433edocs.dhs.state.mn.usLast verified · September 8, 2026
Healthcare
VA Health Care
$5,000–$20,000/yr1-877-222-8387www.va.govLast verified · September 8, 2026
CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA)
$3,000–$15,000/yr1-800-733-8387www.va.govLast verified · September 8, 2026
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
1-800-677-1116acl.govLast verified · September 8, 2026
Housing
Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
$8,000–$20,000/yr1-800-955-2232www.hud.govLast verified · September 8, 2026
HUD Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly
$5,000–$15,000/yr1-800-955-2232www.hud.govLast verified · September 8, 2026
Income Support
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
$11,928–$17,892/yr1-800-772-1213www.ssa.govLast verified · September 8, 2026
Long Term Care
PACE — Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly
$6,000–$40,000/yr1-800-633-4227www.medicaid.govLast verified · June 21, 2026
Elderly Waiver (home & community-based services)
$5,000–$30,000/yr1-800-333-2433www.revisor.mn.govLast verified · September 8, 2026
Alternative Care program (home & community services for 65+)
$1,000–$15,000/yr1-800-333-2433www.revisor.mn.govLast verified · September 8, 2026
Medicare Savings
Extra Help (Part D Low-Income Subsidy)
$4,000–$5,300/yr1-800-772-1213www.ssa.govLast verified · September 8, 2026
Medicare Savings Programs (QMB / SLMB / QI)
$2,100–$5,200/yr1-800-333-2433edocs.dhs.state.mn.usLast verified · September 8, 2026
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
$2,435–$3,500/yr1-800-MEDICAREwww.medicare.govLast verified · September 8, 2026
Supportive Services
National Family Caregiver Support Program (OAA Title III-E)
$1,000–$5,000/yr1-800-677-1116acl.govLast verified · September 8, 2026
Older Americans Act Supportive Services (Title III-B)
$500–$3,000/yr1-800-677-1116acl.govLast verified · September 8, 2026
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
1-800-677-1116acl.govLast verified · September 8, 2026
Tax Relief
Homestead Credit Refund (Homeowner's Property Tax Refund)
$100–$3,500/yr1-651-296-3781www.revenue.state.mn.usLast verified · September 8, 2026
Renter's Credit (Property Tax Refund for Renters)
$100–$2,720/yr1-651-296-3781www.revenue.state.mn.usLast verified · September 8, 2026
Senior Citizens Property Tax Deferral
$200–$2,000/yr1-651-556-4803www.revenue.state.mn.usLast verified · September 8, 2026
Transportation
Public & Dial-a-Ride Transit (Prairie Five Rides) — Big Stone
$150–$1,500/yr1-877-757-4337www.dot.state.mn.usLast verified · September 8, 2026
Utility Assistance
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
$3,000–$8,000/yrwww.energy.govLast verified · September 8, 2026
Federal Lifeline
$111–$411/yr1-800-234-9473www.fcc.govLast verified · September 8, 2026
Veteran Benefits
VA Aid & Attendance (Improved Pension)
$12,000–$34,488/yr1-800-827-1000www.va.govLast verified · September 8, 2026
MDVA Soldiers Assistance Program (veterans financial help)
$500–$5,000/yr1-888-546-5838www.revisor.mn.govLast verified · September 8, 2026
Documents to gather before applying
- Photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
- Social Security card
- Medicare card (if enrolled)
- Proof of income (award letter, pay stubs, pension statement)
- Recent bank statements
- Proof of residency (utility bill or lease)
- List of current medications
- Insurance cards
Local starting point
Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging
1-507-387-1256
Your local Area Agency on Aging can walk through any program on this list by phone.