DiscoverSeniorBenefits

Senior benefits in Rice County, Minnesota

Seniors living in Rice 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 for connecting older adults and their families to services and support. Three Rivers Community Action provides local intake for the Energy Assistance Program, which can help with home heating costs. Seniors who need medical care may find help through the Hospital Financial Assistance program at Allina Health Faribault Medical Center. For getting around, Three Rivers Hiawathaland Transit offers public and dial-a-ride options. At the state level, programs like Medical Assistance, Medicare Savings Programs, the Elderly Waiver, and property tax relief options may be available depending on your situation. Federal programs also apply here, covering areas like food assistance, veterans benefits, and prescription drug costs. Each program listing below includes its official source and the date it was last verified. The administering 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

Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging

1-507-288-6944

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

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Helping others? Print the Rice 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 Rice County

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

Elder Services in Rice 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) — Rice

County · Minnesota

Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging is the Minnesota Board on Aging's designated Area Agency on Aging for Rice 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 9, 2026

Energy Assistance in Rice County

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

Energy Assistance Program intake (Three Rivers Community Action) — Rice

County · Minnesota

Three Rivers Community Action takes Minnesota Energy Assistance Program applications for Rice 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 507-316-0610 to apply through the local provider.

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

How to apply →Official source →1-507-316-0610Last verified · October 2, 2026

Healthcare in Rice County

Hospital Financial Assistance (Allina Health Faribault Medical Center) — Rice

County · Minnesota

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Rice County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Allina Health Faribault Medical Center 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 →1-612-262-9000Last verified · October 12, 2026

Transportation in Rice County

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

Public & Dial-a-Ride Transit (Three Rivers Hiawathaland Transit) — Rice

County · Minnesota

Three Rivers Hiawathaland Transit provides public transit service for Rice 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 866-623-7505 to schedule a ride or ask about senior fares.

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

How to apply →Official source →1-866-623-7505Last verified · October 1, 2026

Local agencies serving Rice 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 Rice 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.