Senior benefits in St. Francois County, Missouri

Aging Matters (Southeast Missouri Area Agency on Aging) is the Area Agency on Aging for St. Francois County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to Congregate and home-delivered meals through the Farmington and Park Hills senior centers, family caregiver support, in-home services, long-term care ombudsman, Medicare/benefits information and assistance, and coordination of contracted transportation. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-800-392-8771 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 St. Francois County pay heating and cooling bills and resolve utility emergencies. The DSS Family Support Division funds the program, and East Missouri Action Agency (EMAA) takes applications for this county. Winter and summer components run on their own seasons while funds last. Call 1-800-392-8663 to apply.

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

Uninsured and underinsured residents of St. Francois County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Parkland Health Center, Farmington for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. Parkland Health Center (https://www.bjc.org/locations/parkland-health-center) is a BJC HealthCare hospital in Farmington; financial assistance is administered system-wide by BJC. The BJC page states 'BJC hospitals want to help patients who do not have health insurance or who need help paying their hospital bills' and links an Income and Discount Schedule; specific FPL percentages are in the linked policy documents, not on the page.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

St. Francois 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: ENROLLMENT begins on Monday, March 2, 2026, and ends Friday, May 29, 2026 (the FAQ states applications are accepted March 1st through May 31st of each year). St. Francois County Senior Real Estate Tax Relief Program (Real Estate Property Tax Credit for Seniors), passed by the St. Francois County Commission in December of 2024 as Ordinance #2024-12-10-1. Eligible taxpayer: a St. Francois County resident who is 62 or older by January 1 of the initial base tax year, is an owner of record of a homestead (or holds a legal or equitable interest evidenced by a written instrument), is liable for the real estate taxes on that homestead, and is not delinquent on St. Francois County real estate taxes. Enrollment is in person at the Collector's office, 1 W. Liberty St., Ste 201 (2nd Floor), Farmington, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm; bring a government-issued photo ID, plus the trust document or LLC operating agreement if applicable. Approved applicants are renewed automatically each year. The county notes 'This is not a freeze on our real property tax assessment and credit is when future reassessments are done.' Apply through the county's program office.

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

Southeast Missouri Transportation Service (SMTS, Inc.) serves St. Francois County with SMTS runs multiple services in St. Francois County: a deviated fixed route in Farmington with multiple stop options, plus door-to-door demand response and long-distance routes. Farmington office at 400 North Washington Street, Suite 13. Phone numbers are from the SMTS office list at https://ridesmts.org/service-area/. 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 573-431-5765 or 866-349-8525 for schedules, eligibility, or to book a ride.

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