Senior benefits in Suffolk County, Massachusetts

Boston Senior Home Care is the Area Agency on Aging for Suffolk County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to ASAP for central Boston: home care, caregiver solutions, supportive housing, options counseling, Senior Care Options / One Care, community transition liaison, nutrition referrals. Information and referral via Boston ElderINFO: 617-292-6211. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-617-451-6400 to get started.

Estimated service value: $500–$6,000 a year

Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible households in Suffolk County pay home heating bills from November 1 through April 30, with extra protection against winter shut-offs. The Commonwealth funds the program, and Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) - Fuel Assistance takes applications for this county. Homeowners and renters can qualify, including renters whose heat is included in rent. Call 1-617-357-6012 to apply.

Estimated bill savings: $300–$1,000 a year

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Suffolk County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Massachusetts General Hospital for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. Mass General Brigham financial assistance offers 70-100% low-income discounts on emergency/medically necessary care when household income is below 301% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, plus help enrolling in MassHealth, Health Connector, and the statewide Health Safety Net (free/reduced-cost care for eligible low-income patients at all Massachusetts acute-care hospitals and community health centers; see https://www.mass.gov/info-details/health-safety-net-for-patients). Boston Medical Center (bmc.org) is the city's principal safety-net hospital alternative.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The MBTA subway, buses, commuter rail, and ferries serve Boston and the rest of Suffolk County. Riders 65 and older can get a Senior CharlieCard for roughly half-price one-way fares plus $10 7-day and $30 monthly LinkPasses; apply online or bring a government-issued photo ID to the Charlie Service Center. People with disabilities and Medicare cardholders get the same reduced fares with a Transportation Access Pass (TAP) CharlieCard. The RIDE (https://www.mbta.com/accessibility/the-ride) gives door-to-door shared rides in Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop for people whose disability keeps them from using the bus or subway; book online, in the app, or by calling TRAC at 844-427-7433. For help applying for a reduced-fare card, call MBTA customer support at 617-222-3200.

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