Senior benefits in Chelan County, Washington

Aging & Adult Care of Central Washington is the Area Agency on Aging for Chelan County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to Serves Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Lincoln and Okanogan counties (verified on aaccw.org and the DSHS/ALTSA county resources directory). In-home care assistance, caregiver support, information & assistance, nutrition (home-delivered meals and senior centers), transportation assistance, legal assistance, and long-term care facility advocacy for seniors aged 60 and over and adults with disabilities. Toll-free 800-572-4459; main office 270 9th St. NE Suite 100, East Wenatchee. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-509-886-0700 to get started.

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

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible households in Chelan County pay home heating bills, with emergency help for shut-offs. The Washington Department of Commerce funds the program, and Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council 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 1-509-662-6156 to apply.

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

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Chelan County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Central Washington Hospital (Wenatchee) for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. Confluence Health Charity Care covers medically necessary care for households with income below 300% of the federal poverty level (per the FAP page); toll-free 888-499-4801. Washington's Charity Care Act (RCW 70.170) makes hospital financial assistance mandatory statewide.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Chelan County offers real estate tax relief (exemption) for homeowners who are 61 or older or permanently disabled. Total household income must be $48,000 or less. RCW 84.36.381 senior/disabled property tax exemption. $48,000 matches DOR Income Threshold 3 for Chelan County, tax years 2024-2026 (DOR publication https://dor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-08/Income_ThreshTY24-26.pdf). The DOR 2027-2029 table raises Chelan's threshold to $68,000 for taxes due 2027 onward. Apply through the county assessor's office.

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

Link Transit serves Chelan County with Link Transit serves Chelan and Douglas counties with fixed-route, DART, and paratransit service. The entire system is zero-fare, so no senior fare or reduced-fare age applies. 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 1-509-662-1155 for schedules, eligibility, or to book a ride.

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