Senior benefits in Faulkner County, Arkansas

CareLink in North Little Rock is the Area Agency on Aging for central Arkansas and serves Faulkner County. Its services include Meals on Wheels for homebound seniors 60 and older, in-home care, family caregiver support and respite, senior centers, fitness and wellness classes, free Medicare counseling, pet care help for seniors 60 and older, legal referrals and a nursing home ombudsman. Eligibility rules vary by service. Call (501) 372-5300 or (800) 482-6359 to talk with an Information and Assistance social worker.

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

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps with home energy bills: heating costs in the winter and cooling costs in the summer for those who qualify. In Arkansas, you apply through the community-based organization for your county. For Faulkner County, that is the Community Action Program for Central Arkansas (CAPCA), 707 Robins St., Conway, phone (501) 329-0977. CAPCA also serves Cleburne and White counties. Do not send your application to the Arkansas Energy Office. LIHEAP never charges a fee to apply.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of County Operations serves Faulkner County at the Faulkner County office at 1000 East Siebenmorgen, Conway (phone 501-730-9900). Offices are open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. DHS county offices process applications for Health Care (Medicaid), SNAP food help and TEA. You can also apply and manage your benefits online at Access.Arkansas.gov. For questions about a case, the Division of County Operations line is 501-682-8375 or 855-372-1084.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Conway Regional Medical Center in Conway is a not-for-profit hospital that makes financial assistance available to eligible patients getting medically necessary or emergency care. Ask your financial counselor in Patient Financial Services about payment options and financial assistance by calling 501-450-2121. The Financial Assistance Policy (English or Spanish), a plain language summary and the application can be viewed or downloaded from the hospital's Insurance & Costs page.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Rock Region METRO runs METRO Connect, an on-demand, shared-ride microtransit service, in a Conway zone. Book a ride inside the zone with the free METRO Connect – Rock Region app, or, if you do not have a smartphone, call METRO Dispatch at 501-476-3761. Rides go point to point within the zone, and hours vary by zone. Standard METRO fares apply; Conway riders pay with exact cash or a virtual Conway 1-Ride pass in the Token Transit app.

Estimated service value: $100–$1,000 a year