Senior benefits in Jefferson County, Missouri

Aging Ahead (Missouri AAA Region 8) is the Area Agency on Aging for Jefferson County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to Region 8 AAA serving Jefferson County. Meals on Wheels, senior centers / CHOICE locations (including House Springs), Community Options and Services benefits counseling, caregiving services, public education and outreach. Verbatim: "We have been providing supportive services in St. Louis, St. Charles, Franklin and Jefferson counties since 1973." and "Adults 60 and older count on Aging Ahead to provide nutritious meals, connection to resources and supportive services". Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-800-243-6060 to get started.

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

Missouri's Energy Assistance and Energy Crisis Intervention programs (LIHEAP) help income-eligible households in Jefferson County pay heating and cooling bills and resolve utility emergencies. The DSS Family Support Division funds the program, and Jefferson-Franklin Community Action Corporation (JFCAC) takes applications for this county. Winter and summer components run on their own seasons while funds last. Call 1-636-789-2686 to apply.

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

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Jefferson County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Mercy Hospital Jefferson for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. In-county hospital in Crystal City, MO (https://www.mercy.net/practice/mercy-hospital-jefferson/). Mercy's system financial-assistance page: Level I (0-200% FPL) = 100% hospital and physician discount; Level II (201-300% FPL) = 80% hospital / 70% physician discount. Mercy Hospital South in south St. Louis County is the other Mercy facility Jefferson County residents commonly use.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Jefferson County has adopted Missouri's senior property tax credit (SB 190): homeowners 62 or older can freeze the real-estate tax bill on their primary home, so it stops rising in later years. Applications: The Tax Credit for Seniors application will be available between March 1st - June 30th for new applicants. Enacted February 15, 2024 by Jefferson County under Ordinance #24-0132 in response to the state enabling legislation. An eligible taxpayer is a Jefferson County resident who is 62+ by January 1 of the initial base tax year, is an owner of record of a homestead (or holds a legal/equitable interest evidenced by a written instrument) on that date, is liable for the real property taxes on the homestead, and is not delinquent on Jefferson County real estate taxes. The credit equals the difference between the current-year real property tax liability on the homestead and the liability in the year the taxpayer became eligible. Administered by the Jefferson County Collector. Apply through the county's program office.

Estimated bill savings: $100–$2,000 a year

OATS Transit - Jefferson County serves Jefferson County with Local medical and shopping routes weekdays 10am-1pm in Arnold, De Soto, Festus, Fenton, High Ridge, Cedar Hill, House Springs and the I-55 corridor; monthly (3rd Tuesday) trips to St. Louis for medical appointments; countywide rural service Monday-Friday 7am-7pm. General-public bus fare $2.00 one-way. Office hours Monday-Friday 7:30am-5pm. OATS Transit is open to riders of any age — the page for this county states it is 'available to anyone regardless of age, income, disability, race, gender, religion, or national origin'. Fares are listed above, but riders age 60 and older — and riders with disabilities — who travel under the Area Agency on Aging contract do not pay a set fare. They are asked to contribute what they can instead. Ask about the AAA contract when you book. Call ahead, as rides are scheduled in advance. Call 1-636-933-9380 for schedules, fares, or to book a ride.

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