Senior benefits in Stevens County, Washington

Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern Washington is the Area Agency on Aging for Stevens County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to AAA for Ferry, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, and Whitman counties; care coordination, Medicaid in-home care, nutrition/meals, caregiver support, dementia support, falls prevention, and Medicare assistance. Rural Resources Community Action (Colville) delivers many aging services locally. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-509-458-2509 to get started.

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

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible households in Stevens County pay home heating bills, with emergency help for shut-offs. The Washington Department of Commerce funds the program, and Rural Resources Community Action 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 1-509-685-6161 to apply.

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

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Stevens County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Providence Mount Carmel Hospital for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. Critical-access hospital in Colville. Providence's Washington charity-care policy lists Mount Carmel among its Eastern Washington hospitals: family income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level gets a 100% write-off, and 301% to 400% gets a 75% discount. Apply within 240 days of the first bill after hospital care. WA charity care mandatory under RCW 70.170.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Stevens County offers real estate tax relief (exemption) for homeowners who are 61 or older or permanently disabled. Total household income must be $45,000 or less. RCW 84.36.381 exemption, age 61+ or permanently disabled. Stevens County Income Threshold 3 is $45,000 for tax years 2024-2026 (rises to $58,000 for 2027-2029 per DOR). Apply at the Stevens County Assessor's office, Colville; (509) 684-6161. Apply through the county assessor's office.

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

Rural Resources Community Action - Transportation serves Stevens County with Demand-response rural transportation across Stevens, Ferry, and Pend Oreille counties: Dial-A-Ride, Chewelah Shuttle, fixed commuter bus routes, and volunteer driver programs serving seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income riders. No fixed senior fare or age published. 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 1-800-776-9026 for schedules, eligibility, or to book a ride.

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