King County, Washington vs Maricopa County, Arizona

Washington's ABD program pays a monthly cash grant — up to $450 for a single person or $570 for a married couple — to low-income residents who are 65 or older, blind, or have a health condition that prevents work for at least 12 months, and who do not receive SSI. Countable income must be below the grant amount and countable resources at or below $12,000 in equity value. Apply at Washington Connection, by phone at 1-877-501-2233, or at a Community Services Office.

Estimated cash: $1,000–$5,400 a year

WA Cares is Washington's public long-term care insurance. Workers pay into it from each paycheck. Since July 2026, people who paid in and now need daily care can use a lifetime benefit of up to $36,500 (it grows with inflation). It pays for care at home or in a facility, paid care from a family member, respite, home changes, meals, rides and more. To qualify, you must have paid in for 10 years, or 3 of the last 6 years, or — if born before 1968 — at least one year, which earns 10% of the full benefit (about $3,650) for each year. You must also need help with 3 or more daily activities, like bathing or eating, for at least 90 days. Call 844-227-3492 (844-CARE4WA) or apply online.

Estimated service value: $3,650–$36,500 a year

Washington lets homeowners who are 60 or older by December 31 (or unable to work because of a disability) defer property taxes and special assessments — the state pays the taxes and is repaid, with 5% annual interest, when the home is sold or leaves the program. Up to 80% of home equity can be deferred with fire and casualty insurance naming the Department of Revenue as loss payee. Income must be under the county's deferral threshold (75% of county median household income). Apply through the county assessor at least 30 days before taxes are due; renew yearly.

Estimated bill savings: $500–$6,000 a year

The Military Family Relief Fund helps Arizona service members, veterans, and their families through financial hardship caused by the service member's military service — up to $20,000 per family, based on need. There are two parts: a post-9/11 fund and a pre-9/11 fund, so veterans of Vietnam, Korea, and other earlier eras can apply too. The core requirement is that the service member was deceased, wounded, injured, or became seriously ill in connection with service, has an Arizona connection (deployed from an Arizona base, Arizona home of record, Arizona National Guard, or established residency), and has lived in Arizona for at least the 12 months before applying. Help can include living expenses such as mortgage, rent, and utilities. An advisory committee reviews each application.

Estimated bill savings: $500–$20,000 a year

Arizona law gives a free hunting and fishing license to a veteran who receives U.S. government compensation for a permanent service-connected disability rated 100% disabling. The complimentary license carries the privileges of a combination hunting and fishing license. The veteran must have lived in Arizona for at least one year before applying. When the VA letter shows the 100% rating is permanent and will not be re-evaluated, the license is issued for the holder's lifetime — otherwise it is valid for three years at a time. Apply through the Arizona Game and Fish Department with a copy of the VA benefits letter.

This is a refundable Arizona income-tax credit (up to $502) for low-income residents who are 65 or older, or who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). It helps with property tax OR rent paid on your main Arizona home — so renters can claim it too. You must have lived in Arizona all year and have very low household income (as defined for this credit). File Form 140PTC by April 15.

Estimated bill savings: $0–$502 a year

This program freezes the taxable (limited) value of the home for Arizona homeowners age 65 or older, so that value can't rise while you qualify. To qualify, at least one owner must be 65+, you must have owned and lived in the home for the prior two years as your primary residence, and your 3-year-average total income from all sources must be $47,712 or less (one owner) or $59,640 or less (two or more owners). Apply to your county assessor on Form 82104 by September 1.

Estimated bill savings: $100–$1,500 a year