Senior benefits in Polk County, Oregon

NorthWest Senior and Disability Services (NWSDS) is the Area Agency on Aging for Polk County. It helps older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers with Medicaid and Oregon Health Plan, Medicare Savings Programs, Medicare counseling, in-home help and Oregon Project Independence, meals, family caregiver support, and options counseling. Call the Dallas office at 503-831-0581 (toll-free 866-582-7458) or visit 260 NE Kings Valley Hwy, Dallas.

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

Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action's Energy Services helps low-income residents of Marion and Polk Counties pay home energy and heating bills through LIHEAP and the Oregon Energy Assistance Program, plus NW Natural gas assistance. A past-due notice is not needed to apply. Applications are first-come, first-served; online applications are closed until December 2026, but mail or in-person applications may be available. Call Energy Services at 503-588-9016 or visit 4700 Silverton Rd NE, Salem.

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

Salem Health, which runs West Valley Hospital in Dallas, offers free and discounted care to eligible patients based on family size and income, even if they have health insurance. Salem Health also gives a 47% discount to patients without health insurance and a 100% discount on balances greater than 20% of gross family income. Call a financial counselor at 503-562-4357 for a phone screening or paper forms.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Cherriots Regional Route 45 gives bus service in and between Dallas, Monmouth, and Independence, open to all riders with no application. Limited off-route trips are available within each city; book the day before by 4:30 p.m. on weekdays or 3 p.m. on Sundays by calling the Cherriots call center at 503-315-5544. Express routes 40X and 50X connect Polk County to Salem, and Cherriots offers reduced fares for seniors, people with disabilities, and Medicare card holders.

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