Senior benefits in Charles County, Maryland

Aging and Human Services is the Area Agency on Aging and Maryland Access Point (MAP) partner serving Charles: benefits counseling (Medicare/SHIP, energy assistance, SNAP), senior center and nutrition programs, home-delivered meals, caregiver support, Senior Care case management, and long-term-care options counseling. Services are free for adults 60 and over. Call 301-934-9305 or MAP statewide at 1-844-627-5465.

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

Southern Maryland Tri-County Community Action Committee (Hughesville) takes Maryland Energy Assistance (MEAP) and Electric Universal Service Program applications for Charles residents — heating and electric bill help and arrearage assistance. Apply through myMDTHINK, by mail, or in person; call the office with questions.

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

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Charles can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at UM Charles Regional Medical Center for emergency and medically necessary care. The University of Maryland Medical System offers free or lower-cost care under its system-wide financial assistance policy; apply through MyChart, by mail, or by phone. Maryland law requires every hospital to offer financial assistance with state-set minimums.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The Charles County Housing Authority helps low-income homeowners get indoor plumbing or safe drinking water for the home they live in. To qualify, you must own the home, live in it as your main home, and have a household income at or below the program limit ($74,800 a year for one person, $85,450 for two). Start by filling out the Plumbing Program Pre-Qualification Form on the county's page. The Housing Authority will then contact you. Call the Housing Authority at 301-934-9305 with questions.

In this county: This program is only for homes in Charles County that lack indoor plumbing or safe drinking water, which this check cannot see. The income limit grows with household size; this check uses the one-person limit. The Housing Authority reviews your application and decides. Not legal or financial advice.

Charles is served by VanGO fixed-route and demand-response service under MDOT MTA's Locally Operated Transit Systems program. Older adults and people with disabilities can use reduced fares, demand-response rides, or ADA paratransit for medical appointments, shopping, and errands — services and fares vary by system. The Area Agency on Aging (301-934-9305) helps arrange senior transportation.

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