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Maryland · How-To Guide

How do I find and access senior services?

Local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) - county level / Maryland Department of Aging (state level)
Details

What you need to know

Fee
Most services free or on sliding scale ONLINE OPTION: Yes - aging.maryland.gov; myMDThink.maryland.gov (benefits); 211md.org WHERE TO GO: Your county's Area Agency on Aging; county senior center; 2-1-1 Maryland; Maryland Department of Aging
Online Option
Yes - aging.maryland.gov; myMDThink.maryland.gov (benefits); 211md.org
Where to Go
Your county's Area Agency on Aging; county senior center; 2-1-1 Maryland; Maryland Department of Aging
County-specific variations apply

Maryland's 19 AAAs are closely tied to county governments. Montgomery County (Rockville), Prince George's County, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, and Baltimore City have the most extensive local senior service networks. Rural Eastern Shore and Western Maryland counties (Garrett, Allegany, Cecil, Caroline, etc.) may have more limited local availability. Each county AAA may have different program availability and enrollment procedures.

Maryland Notes

Important state-specific details

  • Maryland ACCESS POINT: 1-844-627-5465 - Maryland's single point of entry for aging and disability services statewide; connects callers to their local AAA or appropriate resources.
  • COMMUNITY FIRST CHOICE (CFC): Maryland's major Medicaid community-based personal assistance program - provides in-home services to qualifying seniors and disabled individuals; apply through MDH or local AAA.
  • MARYLAND SHIP: free Medicare counseling statewide - contact your county AAA or call (800) 243-3425.
  • HOMESTEAD TAX CREDIT: must apply through SDAT to get the annual cap on assessment increases for your primary residence - also very important for seniors.
  • HOMEOWNERS' PROPERTY TAX CREDIT: income-based credit for those who pay more than a set proportion of income in property taxes - apply through SDAT by September 1 each year.
  • Adult Protective Services (APS): report elder abuse at (800) 917-7383 (APS 24-hour hotline).
  • Maryland Legal Aid: (800) 999-8904.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
Maryland Department of Aging - aging.maryland.gov | 1-844-627-5465; Maryland SHIP: (800) 243-3425; APS: (800) 917-7383; 2-1-1 Maryland: dial 211