Senior benefits in Washington County, Oregon

Washington County Disability, Aging and Veteran Services (DAVS) serves older adults, veterans, and people with disabilities. Most of its programs serve people 60 and over. It supports family caregivers, helps with Medicare, connects people with limited income to key benefits, offers meal programs, and helps people plan for in-home help and long-term care. Call 503-846-3060. DAVS is also the county's Aging and Disability Resource Connection (855-673-2372).

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

Community Action of Washington County helps Washington County residents who meet income guidelines (60% of Oregon's state median income) with electric, natural gas, and bulk fuel bills. A past-due bill or shutoff notice is not needed. From October 1 through October 31 the agency takes energy assistance applications from seniors (62+) and people with disabilities; eligible households that have not received an application by mail by October 9 can call to request one. Call 503-615-0771 to request a paper application or if service may be shut off within 24 hours.

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

Patients without health insurance, or with insurance but unable to pay their out-of-pocket costs, can apply for free or low-cost care at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland (Washington County). Providence's Oregon policy says patients with family income at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level will generally be eligible for a discount, and help can cover up to 100% of the cost of emergency and medically necessary care. Approval lasts up to 1 year. Call a financial counselor at 1-855-229-6466.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Ride Together lets older adults and people with disabilities in Washington 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 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 Washington County. Call Ride Connection at 503-226-0700 or email ridewise@rideconnection.org to get started.

Estimated service value: about $0 a year

Ride 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. In rural Washington County, general-public ride requests are limited to 10 one-way trips a month.

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