Senior benefits in Dade County, Georgia

The Northwest Georgia Regional Commission (NWGRC) is the Area Agency on Aging for Dade County. As an Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) access point, it connects older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers to in-home care, home-delivered and group meals, transportation, caregiver support, benefits counseling, and the Medicaid Community Care Services Program waiver. Services are for adults 60 and older, with priority for those in greatest need. Call the NWGRC Aging team at 706-295-6485 (screening 1-800-759-2963).

Estimated service value: $500–$6,000 a year

North Georgia Community Action (NGCA) delivers the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for Dade County. LIHEAP helps income-eligible households with home heating and cooling costs through a bill payment and energy-crisis assistance, provided once per year based on annual household income. Households qualify with income at or below 60% of the state median income, and seniors 65 and older and the medically homebound can apply early each season. Apply at your county NGCA Community Service Center; help is first-come, first-served until funds run out.

Estimated bill savings: $400–$810 a year

CommonSpirit Memorial Hospital North Georgia in Ringgold (CHI Memorial) is the closest community hospital serving Dade County and the northwest corner of the state. CommonSpirit's financial assistance program offers charity care and discounted care to patients who cannot afford their hospital bills, based on household income compared to the federal poverty guidelines. Patient financial counselors can review eligibility and help with the application.

Estimated bill savings: $500–$18,000 a year

Dade County has two local homestead exemptions for older homeowners, on top of Georgia's statewide exemptions. Homeowners 65 or older by January 1 do not pay school taxes (school M&O) on their home and up to five acres, with no income limit. Homeowners 70 or older by January 1 with annual income of $15,000 or less do not pay county taxes on their home and up to five acres. Apply with the Dade County Board of Tax Assessors by April 1. Bring a Georgia driver's license with your current address and your Dade County car registration, plus proof of all income for the income-based exemption. Once granted, the exemption renews on its own. Call 706-657-6341.

In this county: You must own and live in the home as your legal residence and be 65 by January 1 for the school-tax exemption. The county-tax exemption needs age 70 by January 1 and income of $15,000 or less. Apply by April 1; the Board of Tax Assessors makes the final decision.

The Northwest Georgia Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging coordinates transportation for older adults in Dade County, with rides arranged through the county's transit provider. Service helps seniors reach medical appointments, shopping, senior centers, and essential errands. Rides are demand-response and reserved in advance. Contact the NWGRC Aging team (706-295-6485) for the local transportation contact and to arrange service.

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