Senior benefits in Ray County, Missouri

Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) Department of Aging and Adult Services (Area Agency on Aging, Region 7) is the Area Agency on Aging for Ray County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to MARC's Aging and Adult Services program is the Area Agency on Aging for Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte and Ray counties. It coordinates and delivers community-based services that link older adults to local, public, private, voluntary and corporate resources — home-delivered meals, congregate dining, transportation to medical appointments, caregiver support, health and wellness workshops, food access, integrated care and the Long-term Care Ombudsman program. Information and Referral: 816-421-4980; toll-free 800-593-7948. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-816-421-4980 to get started.

$500–$6,000/yr

Missouri's Energy Assistance and Energy Crisis Intervention programs (LIHEAP) help income-eligible households in Ray County pay heating and cooling bills and resolve utility emergencies. The DSS Family Support Division funds the program, and Missouri Valley Community Action Agency (MVCAA) takes applications for this county. Winter and summer components run on their own seasons while funds last. Call 1-660-886-7476 to apply.

$300–$1,000/yr

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Ray County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Ray County Hospital and Healthcare for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. 904 Wollard Blvd., Richmond, MO 64085. 'At Ray County Hospital and Healthcare, we are eager to help those in our community who qualify for financial assistance from us.' The page posts the Financial Assistance Policy, the Plain Language Summary, the Financial Assistance Application, a Verification of Non-Filing form and the Collection Policy, in English and Spanish. Ask for Lisa Conley at 816-470-5432 (ext. 528 for policy copies). The hospital also partners with Missouri SHIP for free Medicare counseling (1-800-390-3330). No income threshold or FPL percentage is published on the page itself.

Ray 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: March 2, 2026 through June 30, 2026 for new 2026 applications; the page also states the annual window as 'beginning March 1st through June 30th, each year.' Applications must be notarized (the Collector's office notarizes free of charge) and submitted in person during business hours, Monday-Friday 8:00-12:00 and 1:00-4:00.. Ray County Senior Tax Credit, administered by Collector of Revenue Julie Chowning, 100 W. Main, Suite 12, Richmond, MO 64085. The credit applies only to the residential portion of the real estate tax statement on the applicant's primary residence. The initial credit year is the tax year in which the applicant is 62 or older and files a completed application; the first credit appears on the following year's statement. Proof of residency (2 documents) is required. General Obligation Bonds (debt service), the State Blind Pension Fund and special assessments cannot be frozen — the page names Orrick, Lawson, Excelsior Springs, Polo and Norborne school districts and the cities of Richmond and Lawson as districts with bonds. New construction/improvements are added to the initial credit year amount. If the real estate tax ever decreases, that year becomes the new initial credit year. A change of primary residence requires a new application. The authorizing Order of the Ray County Commission (amended) is posted at https://raycountycollectormo.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/AMENDED-ORD.pdf. Apply through the county's program office.

$100–$2,000/yr

Direct Transit (Ray County Transportation, Inc.) serves Ray County with Ray County has no OATS Transit service (OATS has no Ray County page) and no RideKC/KCATA service. Direct Transit, a private not-for-profit public transportation provider and subsidiary of Ray County Transportation, Inc., is the county provider — 213 Valley Dr, Richmond, MO 64085. Door-to-door demand response; call at least 24 hours in advance. Fares: Richmond $2.25, Richmond resident outside city limits $2.75, Henrietta $3; free for 'Seniors 60+, Passengers with Disabilities and Medicaid.' Missouri Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation is booked through 866-269-5927 at least 3 days ahead. Toll-free 1-888-776-8058.. Older adults and people with disabilities can use these services for medical appointments, shopping, and other essential trips. Rides are free or low-cost depending on the service. Call 1-816-776-8058 for schedules, eligibility, or to book a ride.

$150–$1,500/yr