Senior benefits in Multnomah County, Oregon
Seniors and their families in Multnomah County, Oregon have access to a wide range of benefit programs that can help with everyday needs. Multnomah County Aging, Disability and Veterans Services is a strong local starting point — this Area Agency on Aging connects older adults to services, guidance, and support across the county. Locally, programs like Ride Connection offer door-to-door transportation, and the Multnomah County Energy Assistance Program can help with energy bills. OHSU Hospital also provides financial assistance for qualifying patients. At the state level, programs such as Oregon Project Independence, the Oregon Health Plan, Medicare Savings Programs, SHIBA free Medicare counseling, SNAP food benefits, and Property Tax Deferral for Senior Homeowners may be available to eligible residents. Dozens of federal programs apply here as well. Each listing on this page includes its official source and the date it was last verified, so you can feel confident in the information — though the administering agency always makes the final eligibility decision.
6
Local programs
11
Oregon programs
25
Federal programs
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Categories
Last verified · October 12, 2026
Local starting point
Multnomah County Aging, Disability and Veterans Services Division
1-503-988-3646
See which of these Multnomah County programs you may qualify for.
Discover my benefitsHelping others? Print the Multnomah 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 Multnomah County
Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving Multnomah County. Start here.
Elder Services in Multnomah County
Programs here typically provide services worth $200–$2,000 a year to an eligible household.
Area Agency on Aging services (Multnomah County Aging, Disability & Veterans Services) — Multnomah
County · OregonMultnomah County Aging, Disability and Veterans Services is the Area Agency on Aging for Multnomah County. It connects older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers to in-home and residential care, Medicare help (SHIBA and Oregon Medicare Savings Connect), the Family Caregiver Support Program, adult care homes, Adult Protective Services, and veterans services. Call the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) Helpline at 503-988-3646, open 24/7.
Estimated service value: $200–$2,000 a year
Energy Assistance in Multnomah County
Programs here typically lower an eligible household's bills by $250–$1,750 a year.
Energy bill assistance (Multnomah County Energy Assistance Program via 211info) — Multnomah
County · OregonMultnomah County's Energy Assistance Program helps eligible low-income households pay heating and electric bills. The county works with six local nonprofits, including culturally specific groups, and serves people first-come, first-served. To apply, contact 211info: dial 2-1-1, text your ZIP code to 898211, or email help@211info.org (Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm).
Estimated bill savings: $250–$1,750 a year
Healthcare in Multnomah County
Hospital Financial Assistance (OHSU Hospital) — Multnomah
County · OregonOHSU Hospital in Portland offers financial assistance for emergency and medically necessary care. Families with income under three times the federal poverty level qualify for free care, and those between three and four times the poverty level get a 65% discount. Approved patients get free or discounted care for up to 12 months. For help with an application, call 503-494-8551 (9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year
Transportation in Multnomah County
Programs here typically provide services worth $150–$1,500 a year to an eligible household.
Ride Together Mileage Reimbursement (Ride Connection) — Multnomah
County · OregonRide Together lets older adults and people with disabilities in Multnomah County pick a family member, friend, or neighbor to drive them. You and your driver set the rides on your own schedule, and Ride Connection pays the driver back for the miles driven. Call Ride Connection at 503-226-0700 to get started.
Estimated service value: about $0 a year
RideWise Travel Training (Ride Connection) — Multnomah
County · OregonRideWise teaches people how to ride buses and trains safely and on their own. A trainer can make a trip plan with you and practice the route with you one-on-one, or you can join a guided group trip. Training is free for adults 65 or older, people with disabilities, and English language learners who live in Clackamas, Multnomah, or Washington County, including Multnomah County. Call Ride Connection at 503-226-0700 or email ridewise@rideconnection.org to get started.
Estimated service value: about $0 a year
Door-to-door rides (Ride Connection) — Multnomah
County · OregonRide Connection gives free door-to-door rides to older adults, people with disabilities, and people in rural areas in Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties. Rides can be for any purpose, such as medical visits, meals, or shopping, and drivers can help you in and out of the vehicle. Call 503-226-0700 to register; ride requests must be made at least 4 business days ahead. Donations are welcome.
Estimated service value: $150–$1,500 a year
Local agencies serving Multnomah 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.
Multnomah County Aging, Disability and Veterans Services Division
Runs: Area Agency on Aging services (Multnomah County Aging, Disability & Veterans Services)
Multnomah County Department of County Human Services
Runs: Energy bill assistance (Multnomah County Energy Assistance Program via 211info)
OHSU Hospital (Oregon Health & Science University)
Ride Connection (nonprofit transportation provider for Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties)
Runs: RideWise Travel Training (Ride Connection), Ride Together Mileage Reimbursement (Ride Connection)
Oregon and federal programs
Open to eligible households in Multnomah County and across the rest of Oregon. Full details are on the Oregon 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.
- Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI/SMF)
- Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) for people 65+, blind, or disabled (OSIPM)
- Extra Help (Part D Low-Income Subsidy)
- Qualifying Individual (QI)
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
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.
- LIHEAP and Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP)
- Oregon Disabled Veteran or Surviving Spouse Property Tax Exemption
- Property Tax Deferral for Disabled and Senior Homeowners
- Oregon income tax breaks for older adults (retirement income credit, age 65+ deduction, medical subtraction)
- 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 care5 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.
Veterans3 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.