Senior benefits in Sebastian County, Arkansas

The Area Agency on Aging of Western Arkansas (AAAWA), based in Fort Smith, serves Sebastian County. Its services include caregiver programs, case management, elder housing, help for elder victims of crime, health promotion, home health, homemaker help, hospice, information and referral, the long-term care ombudsman program, personal care and transportation. Its 19 Senior Citizen Activity Centers offer group and home-delivered meals, social and recreation activities, rides, and information and assistance for people 60 and older or the spouse of someone 60 or older; there is no charge, and donations are welcome. AAAWA has offices in Fort Smith, Paris and Mena. Call the Fort Smith office at 479-783-4500 or toll free at 800-320-6667, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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

Crawford-Sebastian Community Development Council (CSCDC) takes LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) applications for households in Crawford and Sebastian Counties. LIHEAP helps with heating costs in winter and cooling costs in summer. Regular help is a fixed benefit based on household income, household size and fuel type; Crisis help can prevent a shut-off, restore service or provide fuel when it runs out. The winter program usually opens in January and the summer program in July, when federal funds arrive; CSCDC says the winter program reopens January 4, 2027. You can apply online, in person, by email at utilities@cscdccaa.org or by mail. The office at 1617 Zero Street in Fort Smith is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 479-785-2303, ext. 100. LIHEAP never charges a fee to apply.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) office for Sebastian County is at 616 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72901-2598. It is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 479-782-4555. DHS county office staff process applications for assistance. You can apply for Health Care (Medicaid), SNAP food benefits and TEA, and manage your benefits, online at Access.Arkansas.gov. For people 65 and older, DHS Health Care programs include full Medicaid coverage for those who meet income and resource rules, the Medicare Savings Program, nursing home care, Living Choices assisted living and ARChoices in-home care.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Mercy Hospital Fort Smith is part of Mercy, which gives hospital and clinic financial assistance for emergency and other medically necessary care based on need, using the Federal Poverty Guidelines (household income and family size). If you apply and are eligible, you pay no more than the amount generally billed to insured patients, and one application covers both hospital and clinic balances. If you are uninsured, Mercy requires you to call its Medicaid Eligibility Screening team at 855-420-7900 before applying for financial assistance. Insured patients, or those already screened, can complete the Mercy Hospital Aid Application. Customer Service is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT at the same number.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Western Transit System (W.T.S.), run by the Area Agency on Aging of Western Arkansas, is a rural public transportation program for all residents of Sebastian County who need rides, including trips for shopping, personal needs, nutrition centers and work. Vans include wheelchair-accessible vans with ramps or lifts. Rides are shared and first come, first served. Schedule at least 48 business hours ahead, and up to one month in advance. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 479-424-2098 or toll free 855-642-0060. Rides cannot be scheduled by email.

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