Senior benefits in Skamania County, Washington

Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington is the Area Agency on Aging for Skamania 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 aging services in Skamania County are delivered through Skamania County Senior Services (509-427-3990), which the AAA lists as its Skamania contact. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-509-427-3990 to get started.

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

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible households in Skamania 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 Skamania County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Skyline Health (Skyline Hospital, White Salmon) for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. Skamania County has no hospital. Nearest hospitals are Skyline Health in White Salmon (eastern Skamania/Gorge communities) and PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver (western Skamania; see Clark County entry). Skyline's billing-information page hosts its Financial Assistance Policy and application form (English and Spanish downloads). WA's Charity Care Act (RCW 70.170) requires financial assistance at every WA hospital.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Skamania County offers real estate tax relief (exemption) for homeowners who are 61 or older or permanently disabled. Total household income must be $58,000 or less. Senior Citizen/Disabled Persons Exemption per the Skamania County assessor: combined gross income $58,000 or less; tiers 0-$42,000 (exempt from regular taxes on greater of $60,000 or 60% of valuation, 100% exempt from excess levies, frozen value), $42,001-$50,000 (greater of $50,000 or 35%, excess levies exempt), $50,001-$58,000 (100% exempt from excess levies, frozen value). Matches DOR TY2024-2026 thresholds for Skamania ($42,000/$50,000/$58,000, deferral $61,846 — https://dor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-08/Income_ThreshTY24-26.pdf). Senior Tax Deferral (60+, income $61,846 or less) also described on the same page. Contact Leslie Moore 509-427-3720. Apply through the county assessor's office.

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

Skamania County Senior Services — Transit and Dial-a-Ride (part of the Gorge TransLink alliance) serves Skamania County with County public transportation includes a deviated fixed-route Transit service open to the general public (bus deviates up to 3/4 mile from the route with a day-ahead call) and Dial-a-Ride, which is donation-based for people 60 and over for medical rides and essential services; general-public Dial-a-Ride medical rides available for a fare. Medicaid medical transportation via Community in Motion, 1-800-752-9422. 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 1-509-427-3990 for schedules, eligibility, or to book a ride.

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