DiscoverSeniorBenefits

Senior benefits in Otero County, Colorado

Seniors in Otero County, Colorado have access to a wide range of benefit programs that can help with everyday costs like food, energy bills, housing, health care, and transportation. The Lower Arkansas Valley Area Agency on Aging is a key local starting point — it connects older adults to services and support across the region. Otero County residents may also qualify for local programs such as LEAP energy assistance intake through the Otero County Department of Human Services, financial help through Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center's Hospital Financial Assistance program, and transportation options through SETran and La Junta Transit's Dial-a-Ride service. State programs available here include the Property Tax/Rent/Heat Credit Rebate, the Senior Property Tax Exemption, Health First Colorado, Old Age Pension cash assistance, and free Medicare counseling through Colorado SHIP. Dozens of federal programs may apply as well. Each listing on this page includes its official source and the date it was last verified, but the administering agency always makes the final eligibility decision.

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Local programs

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Colorado programs

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Federal programs

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Categories

Last verified · October 12, 2026

Local starting point

Lower Arkansas Valley Area Agency on Aging

1-719-383-3166

See which of these Otero County programs you may qualify for.

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Helping others? Print the Otero 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.

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Programs run in Otero County

Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving Otero County. Start here.

Elder Services in Otero County

Programs here typically provide services worth $200–$2,000 a year to an eligible household.

Area Agency on Aging services (Lower Arkansas Valley Area Agency on Aging) — Otero

County · Colorado

The Lower Arkansas Valley Area Agency on Aging (LAVAA) serves Baca, Bent, Crowley, Kiowa, Otero and Prowers counties, including Otero County. It connects older adults and the people who care for them to information and services on a range of help for daily living. Call 719-383-3166 (13 West 3rd Street, La Junta).

Estimated service value: $200–$2,000 a year

How to apply →Official source →1-719-383-3166Last verified · October 12, 2026

Energy Assistance in Otero County

Programs here typically lower an eligible household's bills by $200–$1,000 a year.

LEAP energy assistance intake (Otero County Department of Human Services) — Otero

County · Colorado

Colorado's Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) helps pay part of winter heating costs. Residents of Otero County can get a LEAP application or help applying from the Otero County Department of Human Services. The county LEAP office is in Room 102 of the Otero County Courthouse, and state applications open November 1 each program year. Call 719-383-3168, or apply online through Colorado PEAK.

Estimated bill savings: $200–$1,000 a year

How to apply →Official source →1-719-383-3168Last verified · October 4, 2026

Healthcare in Otero County

Hospital Financial Assistance (Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center) — Otero

County · Colorado

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Otero County can apply for financial assistance at Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center in La Junta for emergency and medically necessary care. Under Colorado's Hospital Discounted Care law, patients with household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty guidelines can have their hospital bills limited and get an income-based payment plan. Call 719-383-6441 for help applying.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

How to apply →Official source →1-719-383-6441Last verified · October 11, 2026

Transportation in Otero County

Programs here typically provide services worth $150–$1,500 a year to an eligible household.

Public & Dial-a-Ride Transit (SETran (Southeast Transit) Help Line / La Junta Transit) — Otero

County · Colorado

Southeast Transit (SETran) runs a free help line that matches Otero County riders with local rides — including La Junta Transit (719-384-5453), Bent County Transit, Bustang, the Lower Arkansas Valley AAA, Otero Veterans, and Medicaid-only ride services. Call or text 719-931-3100.

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

How to apply →Official source →1-719-931-3100Last verified · October 7, 2026

Local agencies serving Otero County

Who runs the county programs above, and how to reach them. Every line comes from a program record on this page — nothing is added that the catalog does not cite.

Colorado and federal programs

Open to eligible households in Otero County and across the rest of Colorado. Full details are on the Colorado benefits page.

Money & income3 programs

Cash paid to you, and emergency help when money runs short.

Health & Medicare costs8 programs

Medicaid, Medicare savings, and help with drug and doctor bills.

Food6 programs

SNAP (food stamps), meals, and farmers market coupons.

Home, bills & taxes10 programs

Help with heating and electric bills, rent, property taxes, and home repairs.

Care at home & long-term care3 programs

Help staying in your home, nursing home alternatives, and support for family caregivers.

Help, advice & legal4 programs

Free counseling, legal help, rides, and other senior services.

Veterans3 programs

Benefits for veterans and their surviving spouses.

Nearby counties

Local programs differ from one county to the next. If you live near a county line, or you are helping a parent who lives in one of these, it is worth checking there too.

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Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.