Senior benefits in Saline County, Arkansas

CareLink in North Little Rock is the Area Agency on Aging for central Arkansas and serves Saline 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 Saline County, the CADC utility assistance office is at the CADC Annex, 321 Edison Avenue, Benton, 8:00 am to 4:00 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 Saline County at these offices: Saline 1 at 1603 Edison Avenue, Benton (phone 501-315-1600); Saline 2 at 101 Nw 3Rd, Suite E, Bryant (phone 501-847-6056). 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

Saline Memorial Hospital in Benton (Saline Health System) has a Financial Assistance Policy that gives free or discounted care to eligible patients getting medically necessary or emergency care. Discounted care uses a sliding scale for applicants whose annual household income is between 120% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level; cash and other liquid assets are also considered. Patients may also qualify based on medical indigence, medical hardship or presumptive eligibility. Get an application at admission or from Patient Financial Services at 501-776-6049 or 501-776-6040, and turn it in with supporting documents in person or by mail to 1 Medical Park Drive, Benton, AR 72015.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

South Central Arkansas Transit (SCAT), run by Central Arkansas Development Council, offers public transportation at a reduced rate to any person, regardless of income, plus non-emergency Medicaid rides. Vehicles run curb to curb. Schedule public transit trips at least 72 hours ahead by calling the local SCAT office; for Saline County it is at 321 Edison Avenue, Building B, Benton, phone 501-315-0800. Ask the local office about fares and transit hours. To schedule a Medicaid trip, call the call center at 1-800-385-9992.

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