DiscoverSeniorBenefits

Senior benefits in Houston County, Minnesota

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Seniors in Houston 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 Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging is a key local resource that can connect you to services and guidance. Semcac handles local intake for the Energy Assistance Program, which can help with home heating costs. If you need transportation, Rolling Hills Transit offers public and dial-a-ride options across the county. Seniors who receive care at Gundersen Health System may also want to ask about their financial assistance program. At the state level, programs like Medical Assistance, the Elderly Waiver, Alternative Care, Medicare Savings Programs, and property tax relief options may be available depending on your situation. Federal programs — including Extra Help for prescription costs and many others — may apply as well. Each program listing below includes its official source and the date it was last verified. The sponsoring agency always makes the final eligibility decision.

4

Local programs

11

Minnesota programs

25

Federal programs

15

Categories

Last verified · October 12, 2026

Local starting point

Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging

1-507-288-6944

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

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Helping others? Print the Houston 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.

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Programs run in Houston County

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

Elder Services in Houston County

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

Area Agency on Aging services (Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging) — Houston

County · Minnesota

Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging is the Minnesota Board on Aging's designated Area Agency on Aging for Houston 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 507-288-6944 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 →1-507-288-6944Last verified · October 12, 2026

Energy Assistance in Houston County

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

Energy Assistance Program intake (Semcac) — Houston

County · Minnesota

Semcac takes Minnesota Energy Assistance Program applications for Houston 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 507-864-7515 to apply through the local provider.

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

How to apply →Official source →1-507-864-7515Last verified · October 1, 2026

Healthcare in Houston County

Hospital Financial Assistance (Gundersen Health System (La Crosse area)) — Houston

County · Minnesota

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Houston County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Gundersen Health System (La Crosse area) for emergency and medically necessary care. Free or discounted care is based on household income and size under the hospital's financial assistance policy. No acute-care hospital in Houston County; Gundersen runs clinics in Caledonia and La Crescent.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

How to apply →Official source →Last verified · October 6, 2026

Transportation in Houston County

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

Public & Dial-a-Ride Transit (Rolling Hills Transit) — Houston

County · Minnesota

Rolling Hills Transit provides public transit service for Houston 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 1-800-528-7622 to schedule a ride or ask about senior fares.

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

How to apply →Official source →1-800-528-7622Last verified · October 11, 2026

Local agencies serving Houston 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 Houston 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.