Senior benefits in Benton County, Washington

Southeast WA Aging and Long Term Care (ALTC - Southeast Washington) is the Area Agency on Aging for Benton County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to Designated AAA for an eight-county area (Asotin, Benton, Columbia, Franklin, Garfield, Kittitas, Walla Walla, Yakima) operating county Aging and Disability Resource Centers. Services include information and referral, case management, senior nutrition programs, transportation, benefits assistance, health and wellness, senior foot care, legal services, and caregiver support. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-509-965-0105 to get started.

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

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible households in Benton County pay home heating bills, with emergency help for shut-offs. The Washington Department of Commerce funds the program, and Benton-Franklin Community Action Committee (dba Community Action Connections) takes applications and delivers benefits for this county. Older adults and people with disabilities are prioritized. Assistance is usually available once a year while funds last. Call 1-509-545-4042 to apply.

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

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Benton County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Kadlec Regional Medical Center (Providence Kadlec) for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. Richland (Benton County). Phone is Providence's financial assistance line from https://www.providence.org/billing-support/help-paying-your-bill. Charity care policy on file with WA DOH: https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/hospital-policies/CCP161.pdf (WA Charity Care Act, RCW 70.170, makes hospital financial assistance mandatory statewide).

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Benton County offers real estate tax relief (exemption) for homeowners who are 61 or older or permanently disabled. Total household income must be $56,000 or less. RCW 84.36.381 senior/disabled property tax exemption; statewide program with county-specific income thresholds set by DOR. Benton County exemption threshold (Income Threshold 3) is $56,000 for tax years 2024-2026. County assessor Tax Relief page lists the Senior Citizen & Disabled program and application form 64 0002.1 but no dollar figure. DOR has also posted new 2027-2029 thresholds (applications filed in 2026 for tax year 2027). Apply through the county assessor's office.

Estimated bill savings: $200–$3,000 a year

Ben Franklin Transit serves Benton County with Fixed-route bus, CONNECT general demand service, and Dial-A-Ride across the Tri-Cities (Benton and Franklin counties). Seniors 65 and older ride free with a free Senior ID pass on Fixed Route and CONNECT; reduced fare ($0.75 cash) with permanent disability documentation. Older adults and people with disabilities can use reduced fares or demand-response rides for medical appointments, shopping, and other essential trips. Rides are free or low-cost depending on the service. Call 1-509-735-5100 for schedules, eligibility, or to book a ride.

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