DiscoverSeniorBenefits

Senior benefits in Dakota County, Minnesota

Seniors living in Dakota County, Minnesota have access to a wide range of benefit programs that can help with health care, housing costs, food, energy bills, and more. The Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging serves as a key local resource, connecting older adults and their families to services and support. Scott-Carver-Dakota Community Action provides local intake for the Energy Assistance Program, which can help with home heating costs. Riders who need affordable transportation options may find help through Metro Transit's Public and Dial-a-Ride services, and M Health Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville offers financial assistance for qualifying patients. State programs available here include Medical Assistance, Medicare Savings Programs, the Elderly Waiver, Alternative Care, SNAP, and several property tax relief options. Federal programs — covering areas like food, veterans' benefits, and prescription drug costs — are listed on this page as well. Each program listing includes its official source and the date it was last verified. The sponsoring agency always makes the final eligibility decision.

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Local programs

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Minnesota programs

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Federal programs

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Categories

Last verified · October 12, 2026

Local starting point

Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging

1-651-641-8612

See which of these Dakota County programs you may qualify for.

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Helping others? Print the Dakota 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.

Benefit changes →

Programs run in Dakota County

Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving Dakota County. Start here.

Elder Services in Dakota County

Programs here typically provide services worth $200–$2,000 a year to an eligible household.

Area Agency on Aging services (Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging) — Dakota

County · Minnesota

Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging is the Minnesota Board on Aging's designated Area Agency on Aging for Dakota County. It administers Older Americans Act services for adults 60 and over and family caregivers — benefits counseling, caregiver support, home-delivered and congregate meals, chore and homemaker help, and local aging services. Call 651-641-8612 or Minnesota Aging Pathways (formerly the Senior LinkAge Line) at 800-333-2433 to get connected.

Estimated service value: $200–$2,000 a year

How to apply →Official source →1-651-641-8612Last verified · October 2, 2026

Energy Assistance in Dakota County

Programs here typically lower an eligible household's bills by $200–$1,400 a year.

Energy Assistance Program intake (Scott-Carver-Dakota Community Action) — Dakota

County · Minnesota

Scott-Carver-Dakota Community Action takes Minnesota Energy Assistance Program applications for Dakota County residents — help paying heating bills, crisis help, and emergency furnace repair. Household income must be at or below 50% of the state median income (see the statewide Energy Assistance record for details). The heating season program runs October 1 through May 31. Call 651-322-3500 to apply through the local provider.

Estimated bill savings: $200–$1,400 a year

How to apply →Official source →1-651-322-3500Last verified · October 12, 2026

Healthcare in Dakota County

Hospital Financial Assistance (M Health Fairview Ridges Hospital (Burnsville)) — Dakota

County · Minnesota

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Dakota County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at M Health Fairview Ridges Hospital (Burnsville) for emergency and medically necessary care. Free or discounted care is based on household income and size under the hospital's financial assistance policy.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

How to apply →Official source →1-855-324-7843Last verified · October 1, 2026

Transportation in Dakota County

Programs here typically provide services worth $150–$1,500 a year to an eligible household.

Public & Dial-a-Ride Transit (Metro Transit) — Dakota

County · Minnesota

Metro Transit provides public transit service for Dakota County riders under MnDOT's Greater Minnesota / metro transit program — typically dial-a-ride or deviated-route buses usable for medical appointments, shopping, and errands. Reduced fares for seniors and ADA paratransit vary by system. Call 612-373-3333 to schedule a ride or ask about senior fares.

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

How to apply →Official source →1-612-373-3333Last verified · October 6, 2026

Local agencies serving Dakota 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.

Minnesota and federal programs

Open to eligible households in Dakota County and across the rest of Minnesota. Full details are on the Minnesota benefits page.

Money & income2 programs

Cash paid to you, and emergency help when money runs short.

Health & Medicare costs7 programs

Medicaid, Medicare savings, and help with drug and doctor bills.

Food6 programs

SNAP (food stamps), meals, and farmers market coupons.

Home, bills & taxes9 programs

Help with heating and electric bills, rent, property taxes, and home repairs.

Care at home & long-term care4 programs

Help staying in your home, nursing home alternatives, and support for family caregivers.

Help, advice & legal4 programs

Free counseling, legal help, rides, and other senior services.

Veterans4 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.

← All Minnesota counties

Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.