DiscoverSeniorBenefits

Senior benefits in Traverse County, Minnesota

Seniors living in Traverse County, Minnesota may qualify for a wide range of benefit programs — from federal assistance to state and local support. Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging serves as a key local starting point, connecting older adults and their families to services that fit their needs. Locally, Rainbow Rider Transit offers public and dial-a-ride transportation options, West Central Minnesota Communities Action provides Energy Assistance Program intake for help with heating costs, and Sanford Wheaton Medical Center offers a financial assistance program for eligible patients. At the state level, programs such as Medical Assistance for people 65+, the Elderly Waiver, Alternative Care, Medicare Savings Programs, and property tax relief options like the Senior Citizens Property Tax Deferral may be available. Dozens of federal programs also apply here. Each listing on this page includes its official source and the date it was last verified, but the administering 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

Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging

1-218-745-6733

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

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Helping others? Print the Traverse 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 Traverse County

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

Elder Services in Traverse County

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

Area Agency on Aging services (Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging) — Traverse

County · Minnesota

Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging is the Minnesota Board on Aging's designated Area Agency on Aging for Traverse 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 218-745-6733 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 →1-218-745-6733Last verified · October 1, 2026

Energy Assistance in Traverse County

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

Energy Assistance Program intake (West Central Minnesota Communities Action) — Traverse

County · Minnesota

West Central Minnesota Communities Action takes Minnesota Energy Assistance Program applications for Traverse 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 218-685-4486 to apply through the local provider.

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

How to apply →Official source →1-218-685-4486Last verified · October 6, 2026

Healthcare in Traverse County

Hospital Financial Assistance (Sanford Wheaton Medical Center) — Traverse

County · Minnesota

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Traverse County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Sanford Wheaton 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 →1-877-629-2999Last verified · October 11, 2026

Transportation in Traverse County

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

Public & Dial-a-Ride Transit (Rainbow Rider Transit) — Traverse

County · Minnesota

Rainbow Rider Transit provides public transit service for Traverse 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 Toll free: 1-800-450-7770 or 320-283-5061 to schedule a ride or ask about senior fares.

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

How to apply →Official source →Last verified · October 10, 2026

Local agencies serving Traverse 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 Traverse 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.