Senior benefits in Clay County, Iowa

Elderbridge Agency on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for Clay County and 28 other counties in north central, northwest and central Iowa. Its services include information and assistance, options counseling, case management, congregate and home-delivered meals, nutrition counseling, falls prevention classes, family caregiver support (support groups, training and help finding respite care), help for grandparents and older relatives age 55 and up who are raising a child, elder abuse prevention, legal assistance on elder rights issues, and Medicare help. Meals can have a wait list. Elderbridge has offices in Mason City, Fort Dodge, Carroll and Spencer. Call 800-243-0678.

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

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) makes a one-time payment to your heating company to help with winter heating costs, no matter what fuel you use. In Clay County, Upper Des Moines Opportunity (UDMO) takes applications at its outreach office at 19 10th St. SW in Spencer; call 712-262-7409 for an appointment. Households with a member age 60 or older, a disabled member, or a crisis can apply starting October 1; everyone else can apply November 1 through April 30. Both homeowners and renters can qualify. Approved households are also protected from gas or electric shut-off during the winter moratorium, November 1 through April 1. Applying for LIHEAP also signs you up for weatherization.

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

Iowa Health and Human Services (HHS) has a local office in Clay County at 1900 North Grand Ave., Suite E-8 in Spencer. It serves Clay and Osceola counties. Call 712-262-3586. Iowa HHS runs help programs such as SNAP food assistance (formerly food stamps), LIHEAP heating help, rent assistance and WIC.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Spencer Hospital in Spencer has a Patient Assistance Program: depending on your income, you may qualify for extra help paying your bill, and a financial counselor can help with the application. Call a financial counselor at 712-264-6148 or email SPH_counselor@spencerhospital.org.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

RIDES (Regional Transit Authority) is the public transit system for Clay County and eight other northwest Iowa counties. It offers door-to-door demand-response rides to the general public, including people with disabilities. In Clay County, rides in Spencer run Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (general public fare $4.00). Trips outside city limits are billed by the mile. Call dispatch toll free at 800-358-5037, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; booking 24 hours ahead is recommended.

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

The Clay County Veterans Affairs office is at 505 2nd Ave W., Suite C in Spencer (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). The office gives emergency help to qualifying veterans with money hardships, under Iowa Code chapter 250. It also helps veterans and their dependents apply for VA medical care, disability compensation, pensions, Aid and Attendance, the Iowa Veterans Home and nursing home care, military records, burial benefits, education and home loan benefits. Call 712-262-5547.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year