Senior benefits in Davis County, Iowa

Milestones Area Agency on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for Davis County and 16 other counties in southeast Iowa. It helps older Iowans live safely and on their own at home. Services include information and assistance, options counseling, case management, nutrition programs such as home-delivered meals and Milestones Community Cafés, caregiver support (including respite care information and support groups), health and wellness classes, elder abuse prevention, and free SHIIP Medicare counseling. Home-delivered meals are for people age 60 and older (and their spouse of any age) who live where the meals are offered. Call the toll-free line at 855-410-6222. Offices are in Davenport (4440 Brady St., 563-324-9085), Burlington (509 Jefferson Street, 319-752-5433) and Ottumwa (635 E. Pennsylvania Ave.).

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

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay part of your winter heating costs if you meet income guidelines. In Davis County, Sieda Community Action takes LIHEAP applications. Households with a member over age 60 or a disabled member can apply starting October 1; all others can apply starting November 1, and applications end on the last working day of April. If you are found eligible, your heating and electric service is protected from shut-off through April 1. Crisis help for utility bills is available all year. Call or visit the Sieda Neighborhood Resource Center at 203 S. Madison Street, Bloomfield, phone 641-640-9773.

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) lists an office for Davis County at 203 South Madison, Bloomfield. This office is by appointment only and is served by the Wapello County office in Ottumwa. Phone: 641-684-3900 or toll free 888-338-6067. Iowa HHS says you can apply for SNAP food benefits and for Medicaid health coverage, including Medicaid for older adults and people with disabilities, at your local HHS office. You can also apply online through the Iowa HHS Benefits Portal, or apply for Medicaid by phone at 1-855-889-7985.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

10-15 Transit is the public transit system for Davis County and nine other southern Iowa counties. Rides are open to anyone, including people with disabilities, for nearly any purpose, such as grocery shopping, medical and dental visits, meal sites, work or personal business. Demand-response rides run about 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. based on driver availability. Fares are $2 within city limits, $4 in the county, and $25 county to county. Call 641-683-2024 or toll-free 800-227-6390 to set up a ride.

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

The Davis County Veterans Affairs Commission helps veterans and their families at 203 South Madison Street, Bloomfield. Staff help with VA benefits such as disability, health care, education, home loans, burial and survivor benefits, and with military records, transportation to VA medical centers, the Iowa Veterans Home and the military property tax exemption. Through the county-funded Veterans Relief Program, the office also gives emergency help with basic needs: rent, utilities, food, emergency medical and dental care, special needs and burial. Open Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; call 641-664-2170 for an appointment.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year