Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in Vermont. Education, not advice. Verify before you rely on it.
Start here (works anywhere in Vermont)
- 211 (dial 2-1-1), Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116, BenefitsCheckUp.org, Medicare 1-800-633-4227, Social Security 1-800-772-1213, VA 1-800-827-1000, Alzheimer's 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900, National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311, Crisis Lifeline 988
Free Medicare counseling (Vermont SHIP)
Vermont's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is delivered through Vermont's network of Area Agencies on Aging and reached through the statewide Senior HelpLine. SHIP counselors provide free, in-depth, one-on-one help with Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, drug-plan choices, Medicare Advantage, Medigap (supplemental) coverage, programs that help pay Medicare costs, Medicaid, VPharm, and long-term care insurance questions. A SHIP counselor is not an insurance salesperson.
Senior HelpLine (SHIP): 1-800-642-5119 Find your local Area Agency on Aging through the Senior HelpLine or the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116)
Medicaid in Vermont
Vermont Medicaid is called Green Mountain Care and is administered by the Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA). For seniors, long-term care is provided through the Choices for Care (CFC) program, which covers care in a nursing facility and home and community-based services so older adults (65 and older) and adults with physical disabilities can receive care at home. DVHA decides financial eligibility, and the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) decides clinical eligibility.
How to apply: complete the Application for Long-Term Care Medicaid (Form 202LTC). To have an application mailed to you, call 1-833-840-0061 (or 802-476-0100). Be ready with Social Security and Medicare cards, income and bank records (long-term-care reviews can look back several years), property deeds, and insurance policies.
DVHA, Long-Term Care: dvha.vermont.gov/members/long-term-care
Prescription help
Vermont operates a State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (SPAP) through DVHA:
VPharm: Vermont's pharmacy assistance program for residents enrolled in Medicare Part D who meet the income guidelines. VPharm charges a modest monthly premium and helps with Part D premiums and prescription co-pays. Apply with the Pharmacy Programs application (Form 201P). Healthy Vermonters: a related state program that offers discounted prescription prices to qualifying residents who do not have other drug coverage. Medicare Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy): a federal program that lowers Part D costs for qualifying low-income beneficiaries. Apply through Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or ssa.gov. SHIP counselors (Senior HelpLine 1-800-642-5119) can help you compare VPharm, Healthy Vermonters, and Extra Help at no charge.
DVHA, Prescription Assistance: dvha.vermont.gov/members/prescription-assistance
Energy and utility help
Vermont's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is the Seasonal Fuel Assistance program, administered by the Department for Children and Families (DCF). It helps pay part of your home heating bills whether you own or rent, with the benefit sent directly to your fuel supplier for the winter. You may be eligible if your gross household income is at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level for your household size.
How to apply: apply online at dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/seasonal-fuel-assistance. It is best to apply in the spring or summer for the upcoming heating season, since funding decisions are made in early fall. You can also call your Area Agency on Aging Senior HelpLine for an application and help.
Vermont DCF, Seasonal Fuel Assistance: dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/seasonal-fuel-assistance
Property tax relief (Vermont)
Vermont's main homeowner property tax relief is income-based rather than age-based, so it can help qualifying seniors who own and live in their home:
Vermont Property Tax Credit: an income-sensitive credit applied to your property tax bill for Vermonters who own and occupy their home as a primary residence (homestead). To claim it, file the Homestead Declaration and Property Tax Credit Claim (Form HS-122) together with the Household Income Schedule (Form HI-144) each year. For the 2026 claim, household income must be $115,400 or less, and household income (calculated on HI-144) counts income from all household members. The credit is income-sensitive, so lower household income produces a larger credit. The Homestead Declaration and Property Tax Credit Claim are due April 15, 2026, and generally cannot be accepted after October 15, 2026.
Note: Vermont law requires homeowners to file the Homestead Declaration every year even if they are not claiming the credit. Veterans and certain disabled residents may qualify for separate property tax exemptions through their town, so ask your town clerk or assessor.
Vermont Department of Taxes, Property Tax Credit: tax.vermont.gov/property/property-tax-credit
Food, in-home help, caregiver, transportation, and legal help
Vermont's aging services are coordinated by the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) and delivered through five regional Area Agencies on Aging, reached through the Senior HelpLine.
Senior HelpLine (Area Agencies on Aging): 1-800-642-5119 Find services through the Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116
Services available through the network:
- Congregate meals at senior centers and home-delivered meals (Meals on Wheels)
- In-home care, personal care, and homemaker services (including Choices for Care)
- Family caregiver support
- Transportation assistance
- Long-term care ombudsman services for residents of care facilities
Legal aid: free civil legal help for older Vermonters is available through Vermont Legal Aid and Legal Services Vermont (information at vtlawhelp.org). You can also reach legal help through the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-642-5119 or the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.
Frequently asked questions
What is Vermont's SHIP program? Vermont's SHIP runs through the state's Area Agencies on Aging and the statewide Senior HelpLine. Trained counselors give free, unbiased Medicare help, covering Parts A through D, drug-plan choices, Medigap, cost-savings programs, VPharm, and long-term care insurance questions. Reach it at 1-800-642-5119.
Does Vermont offer property tax relief for seniors? Vermont's main homeowner relief is the income-based Property Tax Credit, which helps qualifying homeowners of any age, including seniors. File the Homestead Declaration and Property Tax Credit Claim (HS-122) with the Household Income Schedule (HI-144) by April 15. For the 2026 claim, household income must be $115,400 or less. Veterans and certain disabled residents may qualify for separate town exemptions.
How do Vermont seniors get help with heating bills? Through Seasonal Fuel Assistance (Vermont's LIHEAP), run by the Department for Children and Families. It helps pay heating bills for owners and renters with gross household income at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level, paid directly to your fuel supplier. Apply online at dcf.vermont.gov, ideally in spring or summer for the next winter.
How does a Vermont senior apply for Medicaid long-term care? Apply for Long-Term Care Medicaid using Form 202LTC, and call 1-833-840-0061 to have an application mailed. The Choices for Care program can fund nursing-facility or in-home care for residents 65 and older or with physical disabilities. DVHA decides financial eligibility and DAIL decides clinical eligibility.
Sources
- SHIP National directory, Vermont: https://www.shiphelp.org/ships/vermont/ (Verified June 14, 2026)
- Vermont DVHA, Long-Term Care: https://dvha.vermont.gov/members/long-term-care (Verified June 14, 2026)
- Vermont DVHA, Prescription Assistance (VPharm / Healthy Vermonters): https://dvha.vermont.gov/members/prescription-assistance (Verified June 14, 2026)
- Vermont DCF, Seasonal Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP): https://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/seasonal-fuel-assistance (Verified June 14, 2026)
- Vermont Department of Taxes, Property Tax Credit: https://tax.vermont.gov/property/property-tax-credit (Verified June 14, 2026)
- Vermont Department of Taxes, 2026 Instructions HS-122 / HI-144: https://tax.vermont.gov/instructions/form-HS-122 (Verified June 14, 2026)
Ryan Riggins, NC Real Estate License #361546, eXp Realty. Riggins Strategic Solutions is an education and media company, not a real estate sales business. This is not financial, tax, medical, or legal advice. Income limits, rates, and deadlines change annually, confirm with the program or a licensed professional before acting.