Senior benefits in Talladega County, Alabama

The East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission (EARPDC) runs the Area Agency on Aging for 10 counties in east Alabama, including Talladega 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 Talladega 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

Coosa Valley Medical Center in Sylacauga gives free care to patients with household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines who are not eligible for government health coverage. Patients with income above 200% and up to 400% can get a sliding-scale discount. All uninsured patients get a 76% discount off hospital charges. Call a Financial Advocate at 256-401-4017 or 256-401-4018 to apply or ask for an application.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Talladega County has several demand-response transit services. Oak Grove transit covers the county from Sycamore to Talladega Springs, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, and senior citizens and people with disabilities pay $1 for each five miles (call 256-249-2800). The City of Talladega service runs inside the city and charges seniors and people with disabilities $1 each way (256-362-0514). Sylacauga's service runs 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and costs $1.00 per trip (256-249-9085). Childersburg's service reaches Vincent, Fayetteville, Sylacauga, and Winterboro and costs $1.50 round trip in Childersburg or $6.00 round trip to Sylacauga (256-378-7037).

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