Senior benefits in Clark County, Washington

Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington is the Area Agency on Aging for Clark County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to Regional AAA for Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, Skamania, and Wahkiakum counties. Offers information and assistance (resource center), in-home assistance and case management, family and kinship caregiver support, dementia resources, long-term care advocacy (ombudsman), and Medicare information/counseling. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-360-735-5720 to get started.

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

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible households in Clark County pay home heating bills, with emergency help for shut-offs. The Washington Department of Commerce funds the program, and Clark Public Utilities 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 1-855-353-4328 to apply.

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

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Clark County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center (Vancouver) for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. System-wide PeaceHealth financial assistance policy (applies to all PeaceHealth hospitals including Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver); eligibility based on Federal Poverty Guidelines adjusted for family size, and no patient is denied care due to inability to pay. Washington's Charity Care Act (RCW 70.170) requires financial assistance at all WA hospitals.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Clark County offers real estate tax relief (exemption) for homeowners who are 61 or older or permanently disabled. Total household income must be $62,000 or less. Statewide senior/disabled property tax exemption (RCW 84.36.381) with county-specific income thresholds. Eligibility per DOR: at least 61 years of age by Dec. 31 of the assessment year, or unable to work due to disability (any age), or qualifying disabled veteran ('At least 61 years of age.' — DOR eligibility page https://dor.wa.gov/taxes-rates/property-tax/property-tax-exemption-seniors-people-retired-due-disability-and-veterans-disabilities). Clark County applications run through the assessor's Property Tax Exemption Program portal (assessor-property-tax-exemption-program-clarkcountywa.hub.arcgis.com), phone 564.397.2391, taxreduction@clark.wa.gov. DOR TY2024-2026 thresholds for Clark: $44,000 / $53,000 / $62,000, deferral $65,548. Note: DOR has already published higher 2027-2029 thresholds (Clark $85,000) effective for tax year 2027. Apply through the county assessor's office.

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

C-TRAN (Clark County Public Transit Benefit Area Authority) serves Clark County with C-TRAN's Honored (reduced) fare covers riders 65+, low-income (up to 200% FPL), Medicare recipients, and riders with a qualifying disability: $0.75 per ride Local (vs $1.50 adult), $2.80 day cap, $28 monthly cap. Requires a C-TRAN Discounted Fare ID / Hop ID card obtained through Customer Service. C-VAN ADA paratransit is $1.50 per ride. Uses the Portland-region Hop Fastpass system, not the Puget Sound Regional Reduced Fare Permit. 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 1-360-695-0123 for schedules, eligibility, or to book a ride.

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