Senior benefits in Butler County, Iowa

Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (NEI3A) is the Area Agency on Aging for Butler County. It helps older adults stay independent at home. Its services include options counseling, case management, meal programs, caregiver support, respite services, health and wellness programs, advocacy, and recreation and education programs. NEI3A has offices in Decorah, Dubuque and Waterloo. Call toll-free 1-800-779-8707 to get started.

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

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps families pay part of their winter heating costs. A one-time payment goes to the heating or fuel company. Extra help may be available for furnace repair or replacement, and for an air conditioner for medical reasons. In Butler County, North Iowa Community Action Organization (NICAO) takes applications. People 60 and over or disabled can apply October 1 through April 30; all other households can apply November 1 through April 30. Apply in person at the Butler County Outreach Office, 219 N. Mather in Clarksville, phone 641-243-7573 (toll free 800-873-1899).

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) office for Butler County (Butler County DHS) is at 713 Elm Street, Allison, IA 50602. You can apply at a local HHS office for SNAP food benefits, Medicaid and Rent Reimbursement (up to $1000 back on rent for income-eligible older or disabled renters). You can also apply online through the Iowa HHS Benefits Portal. Call 319-267-2594.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

OnBoard Public Transit provides public transit in Butler County and the rest of Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Chickasaw and Grundy counties. It is a service of the Iowa Northland Regional Transit Commission and is open to the general public, including people with disabilities. Rides run Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Rides cost $2.00 per mile, with a minimum of $8.00 for a one-way trip. Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance. Call 319-233-5213 or 1-800-369-3022, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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

The Butler County Veterans Affairs office at 428 6th, PO Box 325, Allison, IA 50602 helps veterans and their families. The office helps veterans and their dependents apply for federal benefits. The county-funded Butler County Veterans Assistance Program helps resident veterans with emergency basic needs, including rent, food, medical, burial and special needs. To qualify, you must be a veteran with an honorable discharge, live in Butler County, and have emergency needs that cannot be met any other way. A VA transportation van is also available. Call the office at 319-346-6628.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year