Senior Support

Residents, who income qualify, may be eligible to receive limited financial assistance from the Grand Traverse County Commission on Aging in certain situations. 



Heat Assistance

Limited funding to help seniors that have a heating crisis situation with bills that they do not have the means to pay.  Examples may include furnace repair and/or replacement, no fill notices, and shut off notices that affect heating.

Annual and lifetime limits apply.

Emergency Assistance

Limited funding to help seniors in a crisis situation with bills that they do not have the means to pay.  Examples may include eviction notices, utility shut off notices, home accessibility accommodations, emergency home or major appliance repair/replacement, and certain medical or dental expenses. 

Annual and lifetime limits apply.

Eligibility Requirements

To enroll for Heating Assistance Services you must:
  • Be 60 years of age or older
  • Be a resident of Grand Traverse County
  • Have a past due, shut off, or no fill notice received for heating assistance
  • Applicants are not eligible if they have someone under the age of 60 living in the home, unless that person receives Social Security Disability (SSD).  SSD must be shown as income for the household.  
  • Applicants must have income of 200% of poverty level or lower, must provide proof of annual income and supply information on their household expenditures.  Other considerations may be given on a case by case basis.  
  • Additional resources are required in cases where funding required exceeds the limits available through the Commission on Aging.  Verification must be provided that other Community Partners have committed to provide the additional funds required to cover the entire balance.  Applicant will be encouraged to seek DHHS benefits first, if they qualify,

Enrollment Steps

  1. Contact our office at 231-922-4688 for more information.
  2. Complete a Senior Emergency / Heating Assistance Application Form, which you can obtain by calling us at 231-922-4688 or pickup from our office, address below.  We will need to know if you are a current client so that we can send you the appropriate Application.
  3. Once completed forward it, along with the required attachments to:
    Grand Traverse County Commission on Aging
    520 W Front Street
    Suite B
    Traverse City, MI 49684

Required Attachments

In addition to a completed Senior Heating Assistance Application Form, clients also need to provide  copies of:
  • Proof of residency in Grand Traverse County (official ID, driver's license or a copy of a utility bill addressed to the applicant)
  • Proof of income (30 day bank statement showing all direct deposits) for all members of the household