Senior benefits in Klickitat County, Washington

Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington is the Area Agency on Aging for Klickitat 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, in-home assistance and case management, family and kinship caregiver support, dementia resources, long-term care advocacy, and Medicare information. Local delivery in Klickitat County is through Klickitat County Senior Services (Goldendale 509-773-3757, White Salmon 509-493-3068), listed as the AAA's Klickitat contacts. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-509-773-3757 to get started.

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

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible households in Klickitat County pay home heating bills, with emergency help for shut-offs. The Washington Department of Commerce funds the program, and Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) 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 509-493-2662 x202 to apply.

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

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Klickitat County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Klickitat Valley Health (Goldendale) for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. Critical-access hospital at 310 S. Roosevelt, Goldendale. Financial-assistance page: free and discounted care based on family size and income, even with insurance, per state charity-care law (RCW 70.170); Spanish materials available. West-county residents (White Salmon/Bingen area) are closer to Skyline Health in White Salmon (509-493-1101, FAP at https://myskylinehealth.org/patients-and-visitors/billing-information/).

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Klickitat County offers real estate tax relief (exemption) for homeowners who are 61 or older or permanently disabled. Total household income must be $47,000 or less. Senior and Disabled Exemption Program per the Klickitat County assessor: at least 61 years old as of December 31 of the application year, or unable to work due to disability, or veteran with service-connected disability rated 80%+; must own and occupy the primary residence more than six months of the year; combined household income $47,000 or less including gross Social Security. Matches DOR TY2024-2026 Income Threshold 3 for Klickitat ($33,000/$40,000/$47,000, deferral $49,422 — https://dor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-08/Income_ThreshTY24-26.pdf). Apply to the Assessor's Office, 205 South Columbus Ave Rm 200, Goldendale, 509-773-3715; a related deferral (up to 80% of home equity) is also described on the page. Apply through the county assessor's office.

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

Mount Adams Transportation Service (MATS) — Klickitat County Senior Services (part of the Gorge TransLink alliance) serves Klickitat County with County-run dial-a-ride/volunteer-driver service open to Klickitat County residents who lack transportation, for medical appointments, grocery shopping, social service appointments, education, and limited employment trips. Goldendale office (509-773-3757) serves the east county; White Salmon office (509-493-3068) serves Dallesport/Klickitat and west. Senior transportation is funded in part by the AAA of Southwest Washington; for that funding a senior is defined as 60+. 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 1-509-773-3757 for schedules, eligibility, or to book a ride.

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