Senior benefits in Washtenaw County, Michigan

If you are looking after an older adult, AgeWays gives you a free subscription to Trualta, an online training and support service you would otherwise pay for. You get expert guidance on things like preventing falls and handling difficult behaviour, training matched to your own situation, peer support groups, webinars and a community chat. You can watch videos, read articles or join live sessions whenever it suits you. Register through AgeWays or call them to set it up.

In this county: This is for the family caregiver, not the older adult — so it can help an adult child or spouse doing the caring. AgeWays offers it to caregivers in Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Washtenaw counties. The FAQ says caregivers living in the region, or caring for someone 60 or older who lives there, qualify. No income test is published.

AgeWays Nonprofit Senior Services (Area Agency on Aging 1-B) serves older adults in Washtenaw 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 1-800-852-7795 to ask what help is available.

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

Washtenaw County's Barrier Busters network connects low-income residents with emergency help for utility bills, heating, and shutoff protection through more than 100 partner agencies. Apply for state energy help (LIHEAP/State Emergency Relief) through MI Bridges and dial 211 to reach a Barrier Busters partner near you.

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

In this county: Energy assistance is income-based and subject to available funds. State help (LIHEAP/State Emergency Relief) is applied for through MI Bridges; local emergency utility help is reached by dialing 211. The agency makes the final determination. Not legal or financial advice.

University of Michigan Health (Michigan Medicine), based in Ann Arbor, offers MSupport financial assistance for medically necessary care at its facilities. Michigan residents with household income at or below 300% of the federal poverty level, limited liquid assets, and a Medicaid or Marketplace denial may qualify for a 100% discount on eligible charges. Call the financial counselors at 855-855-0863 or 734-615-0863 to apply.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: MSupport gives a 100% discount on eligible charges when household income is at or below 300% of the federal poverty level, liquid assets are $10,000 or less (up to $100,000 in a retirement account is allowed), the patient lives in Michigan, and Medicaid or Marketplace coverage was applied for and denied. Approval lasts twelve months. The hospital makes the final determination. Not legal or financial advice.

The Community Living Program helps older adults stay safely at home, at no cost. A care team works out a plan with you and anyone helping look after you. Services can include in-home support such as medication reminders, short-term family respite so your caregiver can rest, help identifying assistive devices, light housekeeping, simple meal preparation, and help with shopping and errands. State and federal money pays for it. Voluntary contributions are welcome but never required, and refusing to contribute does not affect the care you get.

In this county: Available to eligible residents of Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Washtenaw counties. There is no cost and contributions are never required, but the services you receive depend on the care plan AgeWays agrees with you and on available funding — this is not an entitlement.

In-home services for veterans using a self-directed model: the veteran has a say in who provides the care and how it is delivered. Standard supports can include a care assessment, ongoing case management, help with personal care and homemaking, a personal emergency response system, transportation, and fiscal-intermediary services that handle paying the workers. AgeWays receives referrals from the Detroit and Ann Arbor VA Medical Centers; veterans interested in VDC should ask their VA care team for a referral. AgeWays: (800) 852-7795.

TheRide (Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority) serves the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti areas of Washtenaw County. Seniors age 65 and over ride fixed-route buses free with a GoldRide card, riders age 60 to 64 ride at reduced fare, and A-Ride door-to-door paratransit serves people whose disability prevents them from using fixed-route buses. Call 734-973-6500 to apply or learn more.

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

In this county: GoldRide free fixed-route rides require age 65+; reduced fare applies at 60-64; A-Ride paratransit requires an ADA eligibility determination. Service area covers the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti urbanized area; western Washtenaw is served by WAVE (Western-Washtenaw Area Value Express). Fares and rules can change. Not legal or financial advice.