Senior benefits in Cleburne County, Alabama

The East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission (EARPDC) runs the Area Agency on Aging for 10 counties in east Alabama, including Cleburne County. Its Aging and Disability Resource Center helps adults 60 and older, people with disabilities, and family caregivers find services. Programs include senior centers and meals, Alabama Cares caregiver support, Medicaid Waiver in-home help, SHIP Medicare counseling, SenioRx prescription help, legal help for older adults, the long-term care ombudsman, and senior jobs. Call 256-237-6741 or 1-800-239-6741, or the Alabama Ageline at 1-800-243-5463.

Estimated service value: $200–$2,000 a year

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay home heating and cooling bills. In Cleburne County, LIHEAP applications are taken by the Community Action Agency of Talladega, Clay, Randolph, Calhoun, and Cleburne Counties. Household income must not be more than 150% of the federal poverty level, and the program targets older adults, people with disabilities, and young children. Call 256-362-6611 to ask how to apply or to check on an application. ADECA, the state office, does not take applications. Help depends on available funds.

Estimated bill savings: $280–$1,100 a year

Cleburne County has no hospital. Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Anniston offers financial assistance to uninsured and underinsured U.S. citizens who live in its five-county service area (Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne, Randolph, and Talladega). Family income must be less than 250% of the federal poverty guidelines, and discounts use a sliding scale and can reach 100% of the hospital bill. Patients with no insurance who are not on Medicare or Medicaid get a 65% discount, and payment plans are available on request. Call the RMC Business Office at 256-235-5475.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Cleburne County has a demand-response transit system for county residents, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call ahead to schedule a pickup. It will also drive outside the county if you need to go to a doctor or work in Anniston or Calhoun County. Senior citizens and people with disabilities pay $1 for the first five miles and 50 cents for each additional five miles. Call 256-846-0221. Inside Heflin, the City of Heflin also runs a $1.00-per-trip service.

Estimated service value: $150–$1,500 a year