Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in Minnesota. Education, not advice. Verify before you rely on it.
Start here (works anywhere in Minnesota)
- 211 (dial 2-1-1) for local rent, utility, food, and medical help, 24/7
- Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116, the federal front door to your Area Agency on Aging
- BenefitsCheckUp.org screens you for every benefit you may qualify for
- Medicare 1-800-633-4227 | Social Security 1-800-772-1213 | VA Benefits 1-800-827-1000
- Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900 | National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311 | Crisis Lifeline 988
Free Medicare counseling (Minnesota SHIP)
Minnesota's federally designated SHIP is Minnesota Aging Pathways, the program formerly and still widely known as the Senior LinkAge Line. It is a free, statewide service of the Minnesota Board on Aging working with the state's Area Agencies on Aging. Counselors give free, unbiased help with Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D drug plans, Medigap, and applications for help paying costs. Statewide line: 1-800-333-2433 (weekdays). Online: mn.gov/senior-linkage-line or MinnesotaHelp.info.
Medicaid in Minnesota
Minnesota's Medicaid program is called Medical Assistance (MA), run by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Apply through MNsure at mnsure.org or 1-855-366-7873 (1-855-3MNSURE), through your county or tribal human services office, or with DHS Health Care Consumer Support at 651-297-3862 or 1-800-657-3672. Medical Assistance can help pay Medicare premiums and long-term care costs for those who qualify.
Prescription help
Minnesota does not run a traditional state program that pays a fixed share of drug costs for all seniors. Instead, start with Minnesota Aging Pathways / Senior LinkAge Line at 1-800-333-2433, which screens you for Medicare Extra Help (the Low-Income Subsidy) and other prescription assistance and helps you apply. Minnesota also offers a free statewide discount card, the Minnesota Drug Card (mndrugcard.com), which can lower the cash price of generic and brand medications. The discount card is not insurance and does not combine with Medicare, so check with Senior LinkAge Line about which option saves you the most.
Energy and utility help
Minnesota runs LIHEAP as the Energy Assistance Program (EAP), administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce through local service providers. It helps with home heating bills and energy crises, with the application window running roughly October 1 through May 31. To find your local EAP provider, call 1-800-657-3710, apply online through the Commerce energy assistance portal (energy-assistance.web.commerce.state.mn.us), or dial 211. Both homeowners and renters may apply.
Property tax relief (Minnesota)
- Homestead Credit Refund (for Homeowners), filed on Minnesota Form M1PR: an income-based, refundable property tax refund. It is not age-restricted, but many older homeowners qualify. For refunds based on 2025 property taxes, household income generally must be less than about $142,490 (the ceiling is adjusted each year). There is also a separate Special Property Tax Refund (the "targeting" refund) for homeowners whose property tax rose more than 12 percent, with a maximum of $1,000 and no income limit. File Form M1PR with the Minnesota Department of Revenue (revenue.state.mn.us).
- Senior Citizens Property Tax Deferral Program: lets homeowners age 65 or older with total household income of $96,000 or less (who have homesteaded the property for at least 5 years) defer part of their property tax. You pay 3 percent of your household income toward the tax and the state pays the rest as a low-interest loan, repaid when the home is sold or transferred. A deferral places a claim against the home, so understand the terms before you sign. Apply by November 1 for the following year. Details: Minnesota Department of Revenue.
Food, in-home help, caregiver, transportation, and legal help
The Minnesota Board on Aging funds the state's Area Agencies on Aging, which arrange home-delivered meals, in-home care, caregiver support, and senior transportation. The fastest front door is Minnesota Aging Pathways / Senior LinkAge Line at 1-800-333-2433, the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116), or 211. For free civil legal help, ask Senior LinkAge Line or 211 for the legal aid office serving your county.
Frequently asked questions
What is Minnesota's SHIP program? It is Minnesota Aging Pathways, still widely known as the Senior LinkAge Line, a free service of the Minnesota Board on Aging. Free Medicare counseling at 1-800-333-2433.
Does Minnesota offer senior property tax relief? Yes. The Homestead Credit Refund (Form M1PR) is an income-based refund for homeowners (2025 income generally under about $142,490), plus a Special Refund up to $1,000 with no income limit. Homeowners 65+ with household income of $96,000 or less can also defer part of their property tax under the Senior Citizens Property Tax Deferral Program.
How do Minnesota seniors get help with prescription costs? Minnesota has no flat statewide drug-payment program, so call Senior LinkAge Line at 1-800-333-2433 to apply for Medicare Extra Help. The free Minnesota Drug Card (mndrugcard.com) can also lower cash prices.
How do Minnesota seniors get help with heating bills? Through the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) run by the Department of Commerce. Call 1-800-657-3710 or dial 211.
Sources
- Minnesota Board on Aging, Senior LinkAge Line / Minnesota Aging Pathways (1-800-333-2433): https://mn.gov/senior-linkage-line/ and https://mn.gov/aging-pathways/ . Verified June 7, 2026.
- Minnesota DHS / MNsure, applying for Medical Assistance: https://mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/adults/health-care/health-care-programs/programs-and-services/adults-apply.jsp . Verified June 7, 2026.
- Minnesota DHS, prescription drug assistance and Minnesota Aging Pathways: https://mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/seniors/services/home-community/programs-and-services/prescription-drug-assistance.jsp . Verified June 7, 2026.
- Minnesota Department of Commerce, Energy Assistance Program (1-800-657-3710): https://mn.gov/commerce/energy/consumer-assistance/energy-assistance-program/ . Verified June 7, 2026.
- Minnesota Department of Revenue, Property Tax Deferral for Senior Citizens: https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/property-tax-deferral-senior-citizens . Verified June 7, 2026.