Senior benefits in Dubuque County, Iowa

Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (NEI3A) is the Area Agency on Aging for Dubuque 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 low-income households pay part of their heating costs. In Dubuque County, HACAP takes applications. The program year starts October 1, 2026 for households with someone 60 or older or disabled; everyone else may apply November 1, 2026 through April 30, 2027. Household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. You can apply online or with a paper application. If you have a disconnect notice or your heat is shut off, contact your local office. HACAP's Dubuque Outreach Office, 1301 Central Ave Ste 100 in Dubuque can be reached at 563-556-5130.

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center follows MercyOne's financial assistance program. MercyOne does not refuse medically necessary or emergency care, and gives help to low-income people and people with special health care expenses who live in its service area. The program covers medically necessary hospital services, including inpatient, emergency and medical group outpatient care. MercyOne will not take legal action to collect a judgment, place a lien or report you to a credit bureau while you are applying for or receiving assistance. Download the application, policy and plain language summary online, or call the Dubuque line at 563-589-8913 or 563-589-9066.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The Jule is the City of Dubuque's bus system. The full fare is $1.50 and the half fare is $0.75. Half fare is for people age 65 or older with photo ID and for disabled residents showing a Medicare card. Half-fare passes are $7.50 for 11 rides or $22.50 for a monthly unlimited pass. The Jule also runs Mini-Bus service (call 563-690-6464). For fixed-route questions call 563-589-4196. Outside the city, the Region 8 Regional Transit Authority (RTA) serves Dubuque County.

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

The Dubuque County Veterans Affairs office at 36 East 8th Street, Dubuque, IA 52001 helps veterans and their families. The Dubuque County Veteran Services office helps veterans with benefits and runs a food pantry for qualifying Dubuque County veterans and their families. No appointment is needed for the pantry; bring veteran identification on your first visit. The pantry is open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM, in the Old Jail Building at 36 East 8th Street. Call the office at 563-589-7840.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year