Senior benefits in Deschutes County, Oregon

The Council on Aging of Central Oregon serves adults 60 and over in Jefferson, Crook, Deschutes and North Klamath counties. As Central Oregon's Aging and Disability Resource Center, its Help Desk connects older adults and their families with services such as Meals on Wheels and community dining, Medicare counseling, options counseling, family caregiver support, in-home help and Oregon Project Independence. Call 541-678-5483 or visit the Senior Services Center at 1036 NE 5th Street in Bend (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Medicaid long-term care is handled by the state Aging and People with Disabilities offices.

Estimated service value: $200–$2,000 a year

NeighborImpact runs energy assistance for Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, for households with gross income at or below 60% of Oregon's median income. The next heating assistance cycle is set to open Monday, October 5, 2026 for select households with Pacific Power or a past-due Cascade Natural Gas bill — including seniors 60 and older and people receiving qualifying disability benefits. Applications open in short cycles and are served first come, first served. Call 541-504-2155 for questions or to have an application mailed to you.

Estimated bill savings: $250–$1,750 a year

St. Charles Bend is part of St. Charles Health System. Its Financial Assistance Program gives discounts to families at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Guideline, or whose St. Charles bills total more than their yearly family income. Under Oregon law, St. Charles screens patients for financial assistance when they have Medicaid, have no insurance, or owe more than $1,500. Call the financial counselor at St. Charles Bend (2500 NE Neff Rd., Bend) at 541-706-7756.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Cascades East Transit (CET), run by the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council, offers Dial-A-Ride in Central Oregon communities including Bend, Redmond, La Pine and Sisters. It is shared-ride service for trips to appointments, shopping, school or work, built for seniors, people with disabilities and residents without other transit. The fare is $4.00 per ride; rural Dial-A-Ride (such as La Pine) is open to the general public with no application. Call 541-385-8680 to schedule, or use the Mobility by Ecolane app.

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