Senior benefits in Swift County, Minnesota
Seniors living in Swift 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 Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging is a key local starting point for connecting with services and guidance. Prairie Five Community Action Council helps residents apply for energy assistance through the Energy Assistance Program, and Prairie Five Rides offers public and dial-a-ride transit options for getting around the county. CentraCare — Benson provides hospital financial assistance for those who qualify. At the state level, programs like Medical Assistance, Medicare Savings Programs, the Elderly Waiver, Alternative Care, and property tax relief options may be available depending on your situation. Dozens of federal programs also apply here, covering areas like food, veterans' benefits, and prescription drug costs. Each program listed on this page includes its official source and the date it was last verified. The sponsoring agency always makes the final decision on eligibility.
4
Local programs
11
Minnesota programs
25
Federal programs
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Categories
Last verified · October 12, 2026
Local starting point
Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging
1-507-387-1256
See which of these Swift County programs you may qualify for.
Discover my benefitsHelping others? Print the Swift 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.
Programs run in Swift County
Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving Swift County. Start here.
Elder Services in Swift County
Programs here typically provide services worth $200–$2,000 a year to an eligible household.
Area Agency on Aging services (Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging) — Swift
County · MinnesotaMinnesota River Area Agency on Aging is the Minnesota Board on Aging's designated Area Agency on Aging for Swift 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 507-387-1256 or Minnesota Aging Pathways (formerly the Senior LinkAge Line) at 800-333-2433 to get connected.
Estimated service value: $200–$2,000 a year
Energy Assistance in Swift County
Programs here typically lower an eligible household's bills by $200–$1,400 a year.
Energy Assistance Program intake (Prairie Five Community Action Council) — Swift
County · MinnesotaPrairie Five Community Action Council takes Minnesota Energy Assistance Program applications for Swift 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 320-269-6578 to apply through the local provider.
Estimated bill savings: $200–$1,400 a year
Healthcare in Swift County
Hospital Financial Assistance (CentraCare — Benson) — Swift
County · MinnesotaUninsured and underinsured residents of Swift County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at CentraCare — Benson 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
Transportation in Swift County
Programs here typically provide services worth $150–$1,500 a year to an eligible household.
Public & Dial-a-Ride Transit (Prairie Five Rides) — Swift
County · MinnesotaPrairie Five Rides provides public transit service for Swift 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 1-877-757-4337 to schedule a ride or ask about senior fares.
Estimated service value: $150–$1,500 a year
Local agencies serving Swift 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 River Area Agency on Aging
Runs: Area Agency on Aging services (Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging)
Prairie Five Community Action Council (local EAP service provider)
Runs: Energy Assistance Program intake (Prairie Five Community Action Council)
Prairie Five Rides
Minnesota and federal programs
Open to eligible households in Swift 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.
- Energy Assistance Program (EAP)
- Homestead Credit Refund (Homeowner's Property Tax Refund)
- Senior Citizens Property Tax Deferral
- Renter's Credit (Property Tax Refund for Renters)
- Federal Lifeline
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
- Federal Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled (IRS Schedule R)
- Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
- HUD Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly
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.
Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.