Senior benefits in Arenac County, Michigan
Seniors aged 65 and older in Arenac County, Michigan, may qualify for a wide range of benefit programs — from local services to state and federal support. Region 9 Area Agency on Aging is a strong local starting point, connecting older adults to Older Americans Act Services right here in the county. Other local options include Home Heating & Energy Assistance through NEMCSA, MyMichigan Medical Center Standish Financial Assistance for those facing medical costs, and the Arenac Public Transit Authority's Reduced Fare & Curb-to-Curb Service for getting around. At the state level, programs like MI Choice Waiver, Michigan Home Heating Credit, MMAP Medicare counseling, and Michigan Caregiver Support may help with care, costs, and coverage. Veterans in the county may also find help through Michigan Veterans Trust Fund Emergency Grants and other veteran-specific programs. Federal programs add even more options for eligible residents. Each program listed on this page includes its official source and the date it was last verified. The administering agency always makes the final eligibility decision.
4
Local programs
17
Michigan programs
25
Federal programs
19
Categories
Last verified · October 12, 2026
Local starting point
Region 9 Area Agency on Aging (NEMCSA)
1-800-219-2273
See which of these Arenac County programs you may qualify for.
Discover my benefitsHelping others? Print the Arenac 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.
Programs run in Arenac County
Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving Arenac County. Start here.
Elder Services in Arenac County
Programs here typically provide services worth $1,500–$6,000 a year to an eligible household.
Region 9 Area Agency on Aging — Older Americans Act Services (Arenac County)
County · MichiganThe Region 9 Area Agency on Aging, run by Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency (NEMCSA), serves older adults in Arenac County. Services include home-delivered and congregate meals, in-home and personal care, respite and caregiver support, Medicare and Medicaid counseling (MMAP), long-term care options counseling, and help applying for the MI Choice Medicaid waiver. Adults age 60 and over, and adults with disabilities, can call 1-800-219-2273 to ask what help is available.
Estimated service value: $1,500–$6,000 a year
Energy Assistance in Arenac County
Programs here typically lower an eligible household's bills by $200–$1,500 a year.
Home Heating & Energy Assistance — NEMCSA (Arenac County)
County · MichiganNortheast Michigan Community Service Agency (NEMCSA) is the community action agency for Arenac County. It delivers free home weatherization, help with water and sewer bills, and connects households to low-income heating help. Apply for state energy help (LIHEAP / State Emergency Relief) through MI Bridges, dial 211 for local referrals, or call NEMCSA at 1-800-219-2273.
Estimated bill savings: $200–$1,500 a year
Healthcare in Arenac County
MyMichigan Medical Center Standish Financial Assistance (Arenac County)
County · MichiganMyMichigan Medical Center Standish offers MyMichigan Health's Patient Financial Assistance Program for patients in Arenac County who cannot afford their bill. It uses a discounted/sliding fee based on family size and income, and no patient is denied needed care for inability to pay. Ask a financial counselor or call 1-844-832-1956 to apply.
Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year
Transportation in Arenac County
Programs here typically provide services worth $200–$1,200 a year to an eligible household.
Arenac Public Transit Authority — Reduced Fare & Curb-to-Curb Service (Arenac County)
County · MichiganArenac Public Transit Authority runs countywide curb-to-curb public transportation from Standish across Arenac County. Riders age 65 and over, people with disabilities, and students pay a reduced fare, and riders age 80 and over and veterans ride free. Call 989-846-7500 to schedule a ride.
Estimated service value: $200–$1,200 a year
In this county: Reduced and free fares require proof of age, disability, or veteran status. Fares and service hours are set by Arenac Public Transit Authority and can change. Not legal or financial advice.
Local agencies serving Arenac 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.
MyMichigan Health
Runs: MyMichigan Medical Center Standish Financial Assistance
Region 9 Area Agency on Aging (NEMCSA)
Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency (NEMCSA)
Michigan and federal programs
Open to eligible households in Arenac County and across the rest of Michigan. Full details are on the Michigan benefits page.
Money & income3 programs
Cash paid to you, and emergency help when money runs short.
Health & Medicare costs9 programs
Medicaid, Medicare savings, and help with drug and doctor bills.
- Medicare Savings Program (Michigan) — QMB / SLMB / QI
- Michigan Medicaid — Aged, Blind & Disabled (AD-Care)
- MI Coordinated Health (Medicare-Medicaid Integrated Plan, formerly MI Health Link)
- MMAP — Michigan's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (Medicare Counseling)
- Extra Help (Part D Low-Income Subsidy)
- Qualifying Individual (QI)
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
Food6 programs
SNAP (food stamps), meals, and farmers market coupons.
- Senior Project FRESH / Market FRESH (Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program)
- Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) Senior Food Box
- Congregate Meals at Senior Centers
- Home-Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels)
- Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) for Seniors
Home, bills & taxes9 programs
Help with heating and electric bills, rent, property taxes, and home repairs.
- Michigan Home Heating Credit
- State Emergency Relief — Energy & Heat (LIHEAP) + MEAP
- Michigan Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption (Full Homestead Exemption)
- Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit
- Federal Lifeline
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
- Federal Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled (IRS Schedule R)
- Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
- HUD Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly
Care at home & long-term care7 programs
Help staying in your home, nursing home alternatives, and support for family caregivers.
- Home Help Program (Medicaid Personal Care)
- MI Choice Waiver Program (Home & Community-Based Services)
- PACE — Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (Michigan)
- Michigan Veteran Homes (State Long-Term Care)
- Michigan Caregiver Support (Family Caregiver Services)
- PACE — Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly
- National Family Caregiver Support Program (OAA Title III-E)
Help, advice & legal5 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.
Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.
