Senior benefits in Benzie County, Michigan

The Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan serves older adults in Benzie County. Services include home-delivered and congregate meals, in-home and personal care, caregiver support, Medicare and Medicaid counseling (MMAP), long-term care options counseling, and help applying for the MI Choice waiver. Adults age 60 and over, and adults with disabilities, can call 1-800-442-1713 to ask what help is available.

Estimated service value: $1,500–$6,000 a year

Help with heat and utility bills in Benzie County comes from MDHHS State Emergency Relief, Michigan's LIHEAP program, which is applied for through MI Bridges. State Emergency Relief can pay toward a past-due electric, natural gas, propane or wood-heat bill and can stop a shutoff. Michigan Energy Assistance Program help in this county comes from MDHHS's statewide partners. Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency is still the Community Action agency here, but it now offers only weatherization and emergency home repair, not utility bill payment. Apply at MI Bridges or call MDHHS at 1-844-464-3447.

Estimated bill savings: $200–$1,500 a year

Munson Healthcare offers financial assistance for emergency and medically necessary care at its hospitals serving Benzie County, with Munson Medical Center in Traverse City as the regional hospital. Free care (100% discount) is available for patients with family income at or below 249% of the federal poverty level, and a 75% discount for income from 250% to 400%. Ask a financial counselor or call 231-935-2350 to apply.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency helps income-eligible homeowners in Benzie County fix urgent problems that make a home unsafe — a leaking roof, dangerous wiring, plumbing leaks, a failed furnace or water heater, a well or septic system, or a needed wheelchair ramp or accessible bathroom. Repairs under $2,500 are a grant with nothing to pay back; larger repairs are a 0% loan with no monthly payments that is repaid only when the home changes owners. Funds are limited. Email HEESIntake@nmcaa.net, fill out the pre-screen application on the NMCAA website, or call 231-947-3780.

Benzie Bus provides Dial-A-Ride service in Benzie County. Seniors 60 and older ride for $1.50 each way instead of the $3.00 regular fare, with no application needed; people with disabilities get the same reduced fare after an approved Reduced Fare Application signed by a medical professional. Benzie Senior Resources also buys bus passes that let qualifying seniors ride free; call them at 231-525-0600. To book a ride, call Benzie Bus at 231-325-3000.

Estimated service value: $200–$1,200 a year

In this county: The reduced fare is $1.50 each way in county. Free rides for qualifying seniors depend on bus passes bought by Benzie Senior Resources. Out-of-county Dial-A-Ride trips have no discounted fare. Fares and rules are set by the Benzie Transportation Authority and can change. Not legal or financial advice.