DiscoverSeniorBenefits

Senior benefits in Dane County, Wisconsin

Seniors aged 65 and older in Dane County, Wisconsin have access to a wide range of benefit programs that can help with health care, food, energy costs, transportation, and more. The ADRC of Dane County is a strong local starting point — it connects older adults and caregivers to services and can help you understand your options. Dane County also offers specialized transportation assistance through the County Elderly & Disabled Transportation program, and local energy bill help is available through Energy Services Inc under the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP). Seniors facing medical costs may want to explore Hospital Financial Assistance through UW Health University Hospital. At the state level, programs like SeniorCare Prescription Drug Assistance, FoodShare Wisconsin, the Homestead Credit, and Wisconsin Medicaid for the Elderly, Blind or Disabled may reduce everyday expenses. Federal programs — including Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help — add another layer of potential support. Each program listing below includes its official source and the date it was last verified. The sponsoring agency always makes the final eligibility decision.

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Local programs

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Wisconsin programs

25

Federal programs

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Categories

Last verified · October 12, 2026

Local starting point

ADRC of Dane County

1-608-240-7400

See which of these Dane County programs you may qualify for.

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Helping others? Print the Dane 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.

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Programs run in Dane County

Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving Dane County. Start here.

Elder Services in Dane County

Programs here typically provide services worth $200–$2,000 a year to an eligible household.

Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC of Dane County) — Dane

County · Wisconsin

ADRC of Dane County is the county's one-stop for aging help: benefits counseling (Medicare, FoodShare, Medicaid), long-term-care options and Family Care/IRIS enrollment, caregiver support, home-delivered and senior dining meals, transportation arrangements, and falls-prevention programs. Services are free and open to adults 60 and over and adults with disabilities. Call 608-240-7400 or the statewide line 1-844-947-2372.

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

How to apply →Official source →1-608-240-7400Last verified · October 1, 2026

Energy Assistance in Dane County

Programs here typically lower an eligible household's bills by $100–$1,500 a year.

Energy Assistance (WHEAP) intake — Dane

County · Wisconsin

Energy Services Inc - WHEAP takes Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program applications for Dane County residents — heating and electric bill help, crisis assistance, and emergency furnace repair. Household income must be at or below 60% of the state median (see the statewide WHEAP listing for current figures). Apply online at energybenefit.wi.gov, or by phone, mail, or in person through the local agency at 800-506-5596.

Estimated bill savings: $100–$1,500 a year

How to apply →Official source →1-800-506-5596Last verified · October 8, 2026

Healthcare in Dane County

Hospital Financial Assistance (UW Health University Hospital) — Dane

County · Wisconsin

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Dane County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at UW Health University Hospital for emergency and medically necessary care. UW Health provides 100% free care at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level and sliding discounts to 600%. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

How to apply →Official source →1-877-278-6437Last verified · September 7, 2026

Transportation in Dane County

Programs here typically provide services worth $150–$1,500 a year to an eligible household.

County Elderly & Disabled Transportation (§85.21) — Dane

County · Wisconsin

Every Wisconsin county, including Dane County, receives state aid under Wis. Stat. §85.21 to run specialized transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities — typically door-to-door van or volunteer-driver rides to medical appointments, nutrition sites, and shopping. Services and fares vary by county; the ADRC connects riders with the county's program. Call 608-240-7400 to schedule or learn what is available.

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

How to apply →Official source →1-608-240-7400Last verified · October 9, 2026

Local agencies serving Dane 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.

Wisconsin and federal programs

Open to eligible households in Dane County and across the rest of Wisconsin. Full details are on the Wisconsin benefits page.

Money & income3 programs

Cash paid to you, and emergency help when money runs short.

Health & Medicare costs9 programs

Medicaid, Medicare savings, and help with drug and doctor bills.

Food7 programs

SNAP (food stamps), meals, and farmers market coupons.

Home, bills & taxes8 programs

Help with heating and electric bills, rent, property taxes, and home repairs.

Care at home & long-term care4 programs

Help staying in your home, nursing home alternatives, and support for family caregivers.

Help, advice & legal3 programs

Free counseling, legal help, rides, and other senior services.

Veterans4 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.

Compare Dane County side by side

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Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.