Updated: May 2022
Do you have parents, friends or neighbors who are living on social security income? Help them make the most of every dollar by sharing these special programs and services, which are designed to help senior citizens in Lynden, Bellingham and throughout Whatcom County make the most of every dollar.
Transportation:
Seniors 65 and older can get what’s called a Regional Reduced Fare Permit that works on buses throughout the Puget Sound region. Riders with one of these cards pay reduced cash fares on fixed-route buses operated by Whatcom Transportation Authority or one of 10 other agencies in the region. Or, to keep things even simpler, seniors can also show proof of age when boarding WTA buses to purchase individual reduced-fare tickets. The reduced-fare price for a single ride on WTA buses is 50 cents.
Northwest Regional Council also provides information about gas vouchers for travel to and from medical appointments.
Taxes:
Senior citizens in Whatcom County can get their property taxes reduced through the Senior Citizens & Disabled Persons Property Tax Exemption program. The income limit for the exemption program is $40,000 per year. A property tax deferral program for postponing the payment of property taxes also is available; seniors with an annual income of up to $45,000 are eligible.
Utilities:
Seniors who live in Bellingham can get discounts on water and sewer bills if they are 62 or older and have an annual income of $40,000 or less. The discounts are based on how far the individual’s income is below the upper limit, but even the lowest tier is a substantial discount, at 25 percent. Discounts on garbage service also are available in Bellingham. Additionally, anyone who qualifies for the water/sewer discount might also be eligible for a lower rate for trash collection; ask your sanitary service company about potential discounts.
Some discounts on water and sewer bills also are available for seniors in Lynden, Blaine, Sumas and Everson. Contact the Northwest Regional Council for more info.
Home repairs:
Older homeowners within the City of Bellingham might want to take advantage of the Bellingham Home Rehabilitation Program. The program helps people 62 or older with low to moderate incomes get low, fixed-rate loans with deferred payments. Qualification depends primarily on the level of income, the amount of repairs needed, and the value of the property. Call the City of Bellingham at 360-778-8391 or read this document for more information.
Fitness:
The YMCA, with locations in Lynden, Ferndale and Bellingham, has a number of discounted membership options for seniors, including SilverSneakers and Silver&Fit memberships for many Medicare members. Check the YMCA website for discounted specialty memberships that fit your loved ones’ situations.
Entertainment:
Residents of Lynden or Bellingham can get a 30-percent discount on the basic cable rate from Comcast. Income limits apply. Bellingham residents should contact Comcast directly, and Lynden residents should call the City of Lynden at 360-354-1170.
Seniors also get discounts to the Northwest Washington Fair, Whatcom Museum, area bowling facilities, Pickford Film Center and many more places of entertainment. This article in The Bellingham Herald contains more information.
Miscellaneous:
AARP membership comes with a number of discounts, including 10-percent price reductions on cell service plans at AT&T, prescription drug savings at CVS pharmacies, 30-percent discounts at Glasses.com, and many more. Visit the AARP website for details.
National Parks & FederalRecreational Lands Senior Pass: Seniors can get a lifetime pass for $80, which is the same price as the annual pass for most people. Annual passes for seniors are just $20. The passes are good for sites managed by the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
For many more discounts for older adults, including at many restaurants and shopping destinations, check out this list at SeniorLiving.com.