Senior benefits in Winona County, Minnesota

Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging is the Minnesota Board on Aging's designated Area Agency on Aging for Winona 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

Semcac takes Minnesota Energy Assistance Program applications for Winona 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

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Winona County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Winona Health 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

The Winona Senior Advocates give free, private help to anyone in Winona County age 60 or older who lives on their own in the community. Advocates help fill out applications for energy assistance, property tax or renter's refunds, phone discounts, housing, prescription help and Winona County Human Services. They also offer health insurance and Medicare counseling, help with advance directives and money management, notary services and home visits. The office is at Winona City Hall, 207 Lafayette St., lower level, open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call the Senior Advocacy Line at 507-454-7369 to get help.

In this county: The advocates help you apply; each benefit they help with has its own eligibility rules and the agency makes the final decision. Not legal or financial advice.

Rolling Hills Transit provides public transit service for Winona 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