Senior benefits in Barry County, Michigan
Not in Michigan? Barry County, Missouri
Seniors aged 65 and older in Barry County, Michigan, may qualify for more benefit programs than they realize. This page brings together local, state, and federal options in one place so you can quickly see what may be available to you or a loved one. Locally, CareWell Services Southwest serves as the Area Agency on Aging for this region and connects older adults to Older Americans Act Services covering meals, transportation, and more. Barry County Transit offers a Reduced-Fare Dial-A-Ride program for getting around, while the Community Action Agency of South Central Michigan can help with home heating costs through its energy assistance program. Corewell Health financial assistance is also available through Pennock Hospital for those who need help with medical bills. At the state level, programs like MI Choice Waiver, Michigan Caregiver Support, and the Michigan Home Heating Credit may apply. Federal programs add even more options. Every listing on this page includes its official source and the date it was last verified, though the administering agency always makes the final eligibility decision.
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Local programs
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Michigan programs
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Federal programs
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Categories
Last verified · October 12, 2026
Local starting point
CareWell Services Southwest (Region 3-B Area Agency on Aging)
1-800-626-6719
See which of these Barry County programs you may qualify for.
Discover my benefitsHelping others? Print the Barry 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 Barry County
Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving Barry County. Start here.
Elder Services in Barry County
Programs here typically provide services worth $1,500–$6,000 a year to an eligible household.
CareWell Services Southwest — Older Americans Act Services (Barry County)
County · MichiganCareWell Services Southwest, the Region 3-B Area Agency on Aging, serves older adults in Barry County. Services include home-delivered and congregate meals, in-home and personal care, caregiver support, Medicare/Medicaid counseling (MMAP), long-term care options counseling, and help applying for the MI Choice waiver. Older adults age 60 and over, and adults with disabilities, can call 1-800-626-6719 to ask what help is available.
Estimated service value: $1,500–$6,000 a year
Energy Assistance in Barry County
Programs here typically lower an eligible household's bills by $200–$1,500 a year.
Home Heating & Energy Assistance — Community Action Agency of South Central Michigan (Barry County)
County · MichiganThe Community Action Agency of South Central Michigan delivers low-income energy assistance for Barry County, including help with electric, natural gas, and deliverable-fuel bills and shutoff protection through the Michigan Energy Assistance Program. Apply for state energy help through MI Bridges, dial 211 for local referrals, or call 877-422-2726 to set up an appointment.
Estimated bill savings: $200–$1,500 a year
Healthcare in Barry County
Corewell Health Financial Assistance — Pennock Hospital (Barry County)
County · MichiganCorewell Health Pennock Hospital in Hastings offers financial assistance for emergency and medically necessary care. Free care is available for patients with household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level, with sliding-scale discounts up to 400%. Ask a financial counselor or call 1-877-687-7309 to apply.
Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year
Transportation in Barry County
Programs here typically provide services worth $200–$1,200 a year to an eligible household.
Barry County Transit — Reduced-Fare Dial-A-Ride (Barry County)
County · MichiganBarry County Transit offers door-to-door, advance-reservation rides across Barry County. Riders age 60 and over and people with disabilities qualify for reduced fares, starting at $1.00 for trips up to five miles. Reserve a ride by calling 269-948-8098.
Estimated service value: $200–$1,200 a year
In this county: Reduced fares apply to seniors 60+ and people with disabilities. Fares and reservation rules are set by Barry County Transit and can change. Not legal or financial advice.
Local agencies serving Barry 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.
Corewell Health (Pennock Hospital)
CareWell Services Southwest (Region 3-B Area Agency on Aging)
Community Action Agency of South Central Michigan (CAASCM)
Michigan and federal programs
Open to eligible households in Barry 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.
