Senior benefits in Pulaski County, Arkansas

CareLink in North Little Rock is the Area Agency on Aging for central Arkansas and serves Pulaski 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) from Central Arkansas Development Council (CADC) offers Regular Assistance and Crisis Intervention, a one-time payment toward energy costs, usually paid straight to the utility. Eligibility uses 60% of the State Median Income and 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Winter heating help begins the first Monday after the New Year holiday, and summer cooling help begins the first Monday after July 4th. In Pulaski County, the CADC utility assistance office is at 2904 S University Ave, Little Rock, 7:00 am to 3:00 pm on application days. Online and fax applications are not available; printed forms can be mailed. Call (501) 326-6229.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of County Operations serves Pulaski County at these offices: Pulaski South at 1105 MLK, Jr., Little Rock (phone 501-682-9200); Pulaski SW at 6801 Baseline Road, Little Rock (phone 501-371-1100); Pulaski Jax at 2636 West Main, Jacksonville (phone 501-371-1200). 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

UAMS Health in Little Rock, the state's public academic medical center, has a Financial Assistance Program for Arkansas residents who meet certain income requirements. Help is decided case by case, based on income and number of dependents. All uninsured patients who are Arkansas residents automatically get a 60% discount off charges, and the program can lower bills further. You must apply for Arkansas Medicaid first and include Medicaid's response. You will hear back within 30 days of the office receiving your application. Mail, email or drop off the application at any UAMS Health clinic. For help, call the Office of Financial Clearance at 501-686-7400 or 855-841-8307 (toll-free).

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Rock Region METRO runs buses, microtransit and the streetcar in Little Rock and North Little Rock. People 65 and older, Medicare recipients and people with disabilities can apply for a discount fare: a one-way discount ride is $0.65 instead of $1.35, and a discount 31-day pass is $18.00. Approved riders get a METRO photo ID to show when boarding. The METRO Streetcar is fare-free. METRO Links paratransit gives door-to-door rides for people whose disabilities prevent them from riding the bus, at $2.70 one way; riders must be certified through an application. Call 501-375-6717 (press 1 for METRO Links).

Estimated service value: $100–$1,500 a year