Senior benefits in Washington County, Maryland

Commission on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging and Maryland Access Point (MAP) partner serving Washington: 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 30790-0275 or MAP statewide at 1-844-627-5465.

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

Washington Co. Community Action Council, Inc. takes Maryland Energy Assistance (MEAP) and Electric Universal Service Program applications for Washington residents — heating and electric bill help and arrearage assistance. Apply through myMDTHINK, by mail, or in person; call 301-797-4161 with questions.

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

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Washington can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Meritus Medical Center for emergency and medically necessary care. Meritus offers free or reduced-cost care based on federal income guidelines, household assets, and family size. Maryland law requires every hospital to offer financial assistance with state-set minimums.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Washington County gives homeowners age 65 and older with limited income an extra property tax credit on top of Maryland's Homeowners' Property Tax Credit. Household income must be $60,000 or less and net worth $200,000 or less, not counting the home or retirement accounts. The credit applies to the county part of the tax bill, on up to the first $300,000 of the home's assessed value. Apply on the state Homeowners' Property Tax Credit application; one form covers both the state and county credits. SDAT reviews the form and figures the credit.

In this county: The State Department of Assessments and Taxation decides the credit amount from the Homeowners' Property Tax Credit application. The county credit only covers the county part of the tax bill on up to the first $300,000 of assessed value. Not legal or financial advice.

Washington is served by Washington County Transit (WCT) fixed routes, ADA service, and taxi vouchers for seniors 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 (30790-0275) helps arrange senior transportation.

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