Senior benefits in Escambia County, Alabama

AgeSouth, the Area Agency on Aging run by the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission, serves Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia counties, including Escambia County. It is one of 13 Area Agencies on Aging in Alabama. Many of its programs are for people 60 and older and their caregivers; some serve adults with disabilities of any age. Services include the Aging and Disability Resource Center, home-delivered meals, senior nutrition centers, Medicare counseling (State Health Insurance Program), prescription assistance, in-home services, legal counseling, a long-term care ombudsman, free tax preparation, health and wellness classes, Silver Sweepers home cleaning, help applying for SNAP food benefits, and Alabama CARES caregiver support. Call 251-706-4680 to get started.

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

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay home heating and cooling bills. In Escambia County, LIHEAP applications are taken by Community Action Agency of South Alabama, the Community Action Agency that the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) lists for Baldwin, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Marengo, Monroe and Wilcox counties. ADECA does not take applications. Call the LIHEAP call center at 877-246-7836 to set up an appointment (the main office in Daphne is 251-626-2646). Bring proof of income, Social Security cards, a photo ID, and a recent energy bill. Help depends on available funds.

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

D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital in Brewton is run by the Escambia County Healthcare Authority, which also runs Atmore Community Hospital. Its financial assistance policy covers emergency and medically necessary hospital care. Families with income up to 200% of the federal poverty guidelines owe nothing for covered care. Families above 200% and below 350% get partial help and are billed no more than insured patients generally pay. Doctor bills from some outside providers are not covered. Call the Central Business Office at 251-809-8273 to get an application or help filling it out.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The Escambia County Alabama Transit System (ECATS) gives rides to all residents of Escambia County, especially older adults and people with disabilities. Its curb-to-curb demand-response service covers the whole county on weekdays. ECATS also runs a route for older adults who attend the Area Agency on Aging site. Call at least 24 hours ahead to schedule: Brewton dispatch 251-867-0584, Atmore dispatch 251-446-9681.

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