Senior benefits in Dane County, Wisconsin
4
Local programs
12
Wisconsin programs
25
Federal programs
16
Categories
Local starting point
ADRC of Dane County
1-608-240-7400
See which of these Dane County programs you may qualify for.
Find my benefitsHelping others? Print the Dane County benefits checklist — free to hand out.
When benefit rules change, it’s tracked here
Income limits, new requirements, how to apply — see what’s changed across senior benefit programs, from the official source in plain English.
Programs run in Dane County
Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving Dane County. Start here.
Elder Services
Programs here are typically worth $200–$2,000 a year to an eligible household.
Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC of Dane County) — Dane
CountyADRC of Dane County is the county's one-stop for aging help: benefits counseling (Medicare, FoodShare, Medicaid), long-term-care options and Family Care/IRIS enrollment, caregiver support, home-delivered and senior dining meals, transportation arrangements, and falls-prevention programs. Services are free and open to adults 60 and over and adults with disabilities. Call 608-240-7400 or the statewide line 1-844-947-2372.
$200–$2,000/yr
Energy Assistance
Programs here are typically worth $100–$1,500 a year to an eligible household.
Energy Assistance (WHEAP) intake — Dane
CountyEnergy Services Inc - WHEAP takes Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program applications for Dane County residents — heating and electric bill help, crisis assistance, and emergency furnace repair. Household income must be at or below 60% of the state median (see the statewide WHEAP listing for current figures). Apply online at energybenefit.wi.gov, or by phone, mail, or in person through the local agency at 800-506-5596.
$100–$1,500/yr
Healthcare
Hospital Financial Assistance (UW Health University Hospital) — Dane
CountyUninsured and underinsured residents of Dane County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at UW Health University Hospital for emergency and medically necessary care. UW Health provides 100% free care at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level and sliding discounts to 600%. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level.
Transportation
Programs here are typically worth $150–$1,500 a year to an eligible household.
County Elderly & Disabled Transportation (§85.21) — Dane
CountyEvery Wisconsin county, including Dane County, receives state aid under Wis. Stat. §85.21 to run specialized transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities — typically door-to-door van or volunteer-driver rides to medical appointments, nutrition sites, and shopping. Services and fares vary by county; the ADRC connects riders with the county's program. Call 608-240-7400 to schedule or learn what is available.
$150–$1,500/yr
Wisconsin and federal programs
Open to eligible households in Dane County and across the rest of Wisconsin. Full details are on the Wisconsin benefits page.
Employment
- Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)Federal$15,000–$17,000/yrOfficial source →
Energy Assistance
- Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP)State$100–$1,500/yrOfficial source →
Food Assistance
- Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) Senior Food BoxFederal$240–$600/yrOfficial source →
- Congregate Meals at Senior CentersFederal$1,000–$2,500/yrOfficial source →
- Home-Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels)Federal$1,500–$4,000/yrOfficial source →
- Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)Federal$35–$50/yrOfficial source →
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) for SeniorsFederal$280–$2,400/yrOfficial source →
- FoodShare Wisconsin (SNAP) for Older AdultsState$300–$3,500/yrOfficial source →
Health Coverage
- Wisconsin Medicaid for the Elderly, Blind or Disabled (EBD)State$2,000–$15,000/yrOfficial source →
Healthcare
- CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA)Federal$3,000–$15,000/yrOfficial source →
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)FederalOfficial source →
- VA Health CareFederal$5,000–$20,000/yrOfficial source →
- Medigap Helpline & Part D Counseling (Board on Aging) — WisconsinStateOfficial source →
- SeniorCare Prescription Drug Assistance — WisconsinState$300–$3,000/yrOfficial source →
Housing
- Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)Federal$8,000–$20,000/yrOfficial source →
- HUD Section 202 Supportive Housing for the ElderlyFederal$5,000–$15,000/yrOfficial source →
Income Support
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)Federal$11,928–$17,892/yrOfficial source →
- Wisconsin SSI State Supplement & SSI-EState$1,000–$3,000/yrOfficial source →
Long Term Care
- PACE — Program of All-Inclusive Care for the ElderlyFederal$6,000–$40,000/yrOfficial source →
- Family Care & IRIS (Long-Term Care Programs) — WisconsinState$5,000–$50,000/yrOfficial source →
Medicare Savings
- Extra Help (Part D Low-Income Subsidy)Federal$4,000–$5,300/yrOfficial source →
- Qualifying Individual (QI)Federal$2,400–$2,435/yrOfficial source →
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)Federal$2,435–$3,500/yrOfficial source →
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)Federal$2,400–$2,435/yrOfficial source →
- Medicare Savings Programs (QMB / SLMB / SLMB+) — WisconsinState$2,000–$8,000/yrOfficial source →
Nutrition
- Senior Dining & Home-Delivered Meals — WisconsinState$500–$2,500/yrOfficial source →
Supportive Services
Tax Relief
- Federal Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled (IRS Schedule R)Federalup to $1,125/yrOfficial source →
- Homestead Credit — WisconsinState$100–$1,168/yrOfficial source →
- Property Tax Deferral Loan Program (WHEDA) — WisconsinState$500–$4,000/yrOfficial source →
Utility Assistance
- Federal LifelineFederal$111–$411/yrOfficial source →
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)Federal$3,000–$8,000/yrOfficial source →
Veteran Benefits
- VA Aid & Attendance (Improved Pension)Federal$12,000–$34,488/yrOfficial source →
- Veterans & Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit — WisconsinState$1,000–$6,000/yrOfficial source →
Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.