DiscoverSeniorBenefits

Senior benefits in Mower County, Minnesota

Seniors living in Mower County, Minnesota have access to a wide range of benefit programs that can help with health care, housing costs, food, energy bills, and transportation. The Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging is a strong local starting point — it connects older adults and caregivers to services across the region. Mower County residents can also turn to Semcac for help applying for the Energy Assistance Program, and SMART Transit offers public and dial-a-ride options for getting around the area. If you need help with medical bills, Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin has a financial assistance program worth exploring. 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. Dozens of federal programs apply here as well. Each listing on this page includes its official source and the date it was last verified — but the agency behind each program makes the final eligibility decision.

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Local programs

11

Minnesota programs

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Federal programs

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Categories

Last verified · October 12, 2026

Local starting point

Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging

1-507-288-6944

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

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Helping others? Print the Mower 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 Mower County

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

Elder Services in Mower 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) — Mower

County · Minnesota

Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging is the Minnesota Board on Aging's designated Area Agency on Aging for Mower 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 10, 2026

Energy Assistance in Mower County

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

Energy Assistance Program intake (Semcac) — Mower

County · Minnesota

Semcac takes Minnesota Energy Assistance Program applications for Mower 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 9, 2026

Healthcare in Mower County

Hospital Financial Assistance (Mayo Clinic Health System — Austin) — Mower

County · Minnesota

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Mower County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Mayo Clinic Health System — Austin for emergency and medically necessary care. Free or discounted care is based on household income and size under the hospital's financial assistance policy. The Albert Lea and Austin campuses operate as one Mayo hospital; the Austin campus is in Mower County.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

How to apply →Official source →1-844-217-9591Last verified · October 2, 2026

Transportation in Mower County

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

Public & Dial-a-Ride Transit (SMART Transit) — Mower

County · Minnesota

SMART Transit provides public transit service for Mower 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 507-433-2379 to schedule a ride or ask about senior fares.

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

How to apply →Official source →1-507-433-2379Last verified · October 12, 2026

Local agencies serving Mower 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 Mower 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.