Area Agencies on Aging are the front door to senior services in nearly every US community, coordinating help that lets older adults stay independent at home. This guide explains what they do and how to find yours.
What is an Area Agency on Aging and how do I find one near me?
An Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is a public or private nonprofit agency designated under the federal Older Americans Act to plan and coordinate services for people age 60 and older in a defined geographic area. There are roughly 618 AAAs across the United States, part of a national Aging Network created in 1973. The fastest way to find yours is the federal Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or eldercare.acl.gov, where you enter your ZIP code. AAAs are sometimes called Councils on Aging, Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs), or Senior Services. Many services are free or offered on a voluntary donation basis, with no strict income test for most programs.
What services do Area Agencies on Aging provide?
AAAs coordinate a broad menu of supports designed to help seniors age in place. Core services include home-delivered meals (Meals on Wheels) and congregate meals at senior centers, transportation to medical appointments and errands, in-home personal care and homemaker help, family caregiver support and respite, benefits counseling, and legal assistance. Many AAAs also operate the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free, unbiased Medicare counseling. Because AAAs do not sell insurance, pairing their help with a licensed Medicare specialist ensures your coverage fills the gaps. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP (1-800-633-4427) to review your Medicare plan alongside local benefits.
How do Area Agencies on Aging connect to PACE programs?
PACE — the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly — is a Medicare and Medicaid program that provides comprehensive medical and social services to frail seniors who would otherwise need a nursing home. Your AAA can screen you for PACE eligibility and refer you to the nearest PACE organization. As of 2026 there are more than 170 PACE programs operating in 33 states and the District of Columbia, serving over 80,000 participants. AAAs and PACE work hand in hand: the AAA helps with day-to-day independence, while PACE delivers wraparound clinical care, transportation, and adult day services through one coordinated team for those who qualify.
Who qualifies for Area Agency on Aging help?
Most AAA services are available to anyone age 60 or older, regardless of income, though some programs prioritize those with the greatest social or economic need. Family caregivers of older adults — and grandparents raising grandchildren — can also access support through the National Family Caregiver Support Program. A few benefits, such as Medicaid-funded long-term services, do have income and asset limits. You do not need a referral to contact your AAA; you can call directly. If you are unsure whether a program is income-based, a benefits counselor at your AAA, or our team at 1-800-MEDIGAP, can walk you through eligibility at no cost.
How does 1-800-MEDIGAP help with senior services and Medicare?
1-800-MEDIGAP is the trusted toll-free line for all things senior in America. While your Area Agency on Aging handles meals, rides, and in-home support, our licensed US-based specialists make sure your Medicare coverage — Supplement (Medigap), Advantage, and Part D — works smoothly alongside those services. We can point you to your local AAA, explain PACE, and compare plans from every major carrier so nothing falls through the cracks. The call is free, with no pressure or obligation. One number, every senior need: 1-800-MEDIGAP (1-800-633-4427).