Senior benefits in Stoddard County, Missouri
Seniors in Stoddard County, Missouri have access to a wide range of benefit programs that can help with healthcare costs, home care, energy bills, food, transportation, and more. A good local starting point is Aging Matters (Southeast Missouri Area Agency on Aging), which connects older adults to services throughout the region. Residents may also find help through Southeast Missouri Transportation Service (SMTS, Inc.) for getting to appointments, the Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corporation (DAEOC) for energy assistance through LIHEAP, and Mercy Hospital Stoddard in Dexter for hospital financial assistance. At the state level, programs like MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind & Disabled, the Missouri Property Tax Credit (Circuit Breaker), Missouri SHIP free Medicare counseling, and Home & Community Based Services may be available depending on your situation. Federal programs add even more options for eligible seniors. Each listing on this page includes its official source and the date it was last verified. The sponsoring agency always makes the final eligibility decision.
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Local programs
17
Missouri programs
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Federal programs
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Categories
Last verified · October 8, 2026
Local starting point
Aging Matters (Southeast Missouri Area Agency on Aging) — Missouri Area Agency on Aging network (DHSS Senior and Disability Services)
1-800-392-8771
See which of these Stoddard County programs you may qualify for.
Discover my benefitsHelping others? Print the Stoddard 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 Stoddard County
Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving Stoddard County. Start here.
Elder Services in Stoddard County
Programs here typically provide services worth $500–$6,000 a year to an eligible household.
Area Agency on Aging (Aging Matters (Southeast Missouri Area Agency on Aging)) — Stoddard
County · MissouriAging Matters (Southeast Missouri Area Agency on Aging) is the Area Agency on Aging for Stoddard County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to Congregate and home-delivered meals through the Dexter, Malden and Puxico 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
Energy Assistance in Stoddard County
Programs here typically lower an eligible household's bills by $300–$1,000 a year.
Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) — Stoddard
County · MissouriMissouri's Energy Assistance and Energy Crisis Intervention programs (LIHEAP) help income-eligible households in Stoddard County pay heating and cooling bills and resolve utility emergencies. The DSS Family Support Division funds the program, and Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corporation (DAEOC) takes applications for this county. Winter and summer components run on their own seasons while funds last. Call 1-573-931-8400 to apply.
Estimated bill savings: $300–$1,000 a year
Healthcare in Stoddard County
Hospital Financial Assistance (Mercy Hospital Stoddard, Dexter) — Stoddard
County · MissouriUninsured and underinsured residents of Stoddard County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Mercy Hospital Stoddard, Dexter for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. In-county hospital at 1200 N. One Mile Road, Dexter, MO 63841 (formerly Southeast Health Center of Stoddard County). Financial assistance is administered system-wide by Mercy. Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston (https://www.missouridelta.com/patient-resources/financial-assistance) is the nearest alternative.
Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year
Transportation in Stoddard County
Programs here typically provide services worth $150–$1,500 a year to an eligible household.
Senior & Disabled Transit (Southeast Missouri Transportation Service (SMTS, Inc.)) — Stoddard
County · MissouriSoutheast Missouri Transportation Service (SMTS, Inc.) serves Stoddard County with Door-to-door demand-response plus local and long-distance routes; office hours Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. Dexter office at 1010 Wildwood Drive, which covers Stoddard, New Madrid and Pemiscot counties. 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 1-573-624-8624 for schedules, eligibility, or to book a ride.
Estimated service value: $150–$1,500 a year
Local agencies serving Stoddard 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.
Aging Matters (Southeast Missouri Area Agency on Aging)
Runs: Area Agency on Aging (Aging Matters (Southeast Missouri Area Agency on Aging))
Mercy Hospital Stoddard, Dexter
Runs: Hospital Financial Assistance (Mercy Hospital Stoddard, Dexter)
Southeast Missouri Transportation Service (SMTS, Inc.)
Runs: Senior & Disabled Transit (Southeast Missouri Transportation Service (SMTS, Inc.))
Missouri and federal programs
Open to eligible households in Stoddard County and across the rest of Missouri. Full details are on the Missouri benefits page.
Money & income3 programs
Cash paid to you, and emergency help when money runs short.
Health & Medicare costs9 programs
Medicaid, Medicare savings, and help with drug and doctor bills.
- Medicare Savings Programs (QMB / SLMB / QI-1) — Missouri
- MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind & Disabled (MHABD)
- MO HealthNet Spend Down
- Missouri SHIP — Free Medicare Counseling (formerly CLAIM)
- Extra Help (Part D Low-Income Subsidy)
- Qualifying Individual (QI)
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
Food7 programs
SNAP (food stamps), meals, and farmers market coupons.
- Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program — Missouri
- Senior Meals — Home-Delivered & Congregate (Missouri)
- Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) Senior Food Box
- Congregate Meals at Senior Centers
- Home-Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels)
- Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) for Seniors
Home, bills & taxes9 programs
Help with heating and electric bills, rent, property taxes, and home repairs.
- LIHEAP — Energy Assistance & Energy Crisis Intervention (Missouri)
- Weatherization Assistance Program — Missouri
- Missouri Property Tax Credit (Circuit Breaker)
- Social Security State Income Tax Exemption — Missouri
- Federal Lifeline
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
- Federal Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled (IRS Schedule R)
- Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
- HUD Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly
Care at home & long-term care6 programs
Help staying in your home, nursing home alternatives, and support for family caregivers.
Help, advice & legal5 programs
Free counseling, legal help, rides, and other senior services.
Veterans3 programs
Benefits for veterans and their surviving spouses.
Nearby counties
Local 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.