Senior benefits in Franklin County, Iowa

Elderbridge Agency on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for Franklin 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) helps pay part of your winter heating costs with a one-time payment to your heating or fuel company. Extra help may be available to repair or replace a furnace, or for an air conditioner for medical reasons. Income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. People age 60 and over or with a disability can apply October 1 through April 30; all other households can apply November 1 through April 30. In Franklin County, North Iowa Community Action (NICAO) takes applications at its outreach office at 114 1st Ave NW in Hampton; call 641-456-3431 or toll free 800-873-1899.

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

Franklin General Hospital in Hampton offers financial assistance to some patients. Its Financial Assistance Policy and applications are on its website; complete and return the form as directed. You can also visit the Business Office, open Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call 641-456-5000.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Region 2 Transit, run by the North Iowa Area Council of Governments (NIACOG), gives rides to the general public, including people with disabilities, in Franklin County and the rest of north central Iowa. Call 641-456-5191 to schedule a ride (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday). Fares for elderly, disabled and student riders are $1.00 for city service, $2.00 for travel within a county, and $3.00 between counties in Region 2 (general public fares are higher). Rides to medical appointments may be covered by health insurance or Medicaid.

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

The Franklin County Veterans Affairs office is at 1600 Central Ave E in Hampton (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; appointments appreciated). The office helps veterans and their dependents apply for VA disability compensation, health care, pensions, Aid and Attendance, survivor (DIC) benefits, appeals, the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund and the Iowa Veterans Home. The county-funded Veterans Relief Program helps resident veterans with emergency needs such as rent, fuel vouchers, utilities and burial. To qualify for relief you must live in Franklin County, have a discharge other than dishonorable, meet income guidelines, and have needs that cannot be met another way. Call 641-456-5670.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year