Senior benefits in Grundy County, Iowa

Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (NEI3A) is the Area Agency on Aging for Grundy 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 winter heating costs. In Grundy County, Operation Threshold takes applications. Households with an elderly or disabled member can apply starting October 1, 2026; all other households can apply starting November 1, 2026. Iowa accepts applications through April 30, and household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. Get an application at an Operation Threshold office, such as the Grundy County office at 1606 G Ave in Grundy Center (office 319-824-3460), or call 319-291-2065.

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) office for Grundy County (Grundy County DHS) is at 704 H Ave, Grundy Center, IA 50638. It is open by appointment only. Food and medical benefits (income maintenance) are handled by the Butler County office, and social services by the Black Hawk County office. 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 for food and medical benefits, or 319-291-2441 for social services.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Grundy County Memorial Hospital (GCMH) in Grundy Center offers financial assistance to patients with an identified need, including uninsured patients and insured patients who cannot afford their deductible and co-insurance. Whether you qualify is based on your income, expenses and assets. Download the Financial Assistance Form, or call the phone number on your bill. The GCMH financial advocate, at 319-824-4137, can also help with Iowa Medicaid applications and Marketplace health insurance at no charge.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

OnBoard Public Transit provides public transit in Grundy 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 Grundy County Veterans Affairs office at 706 H Avenue, Suite 3, Grundy Center, IA 50638 helps veterans and their families. The Veteran Affairs Commission helps qualifying veterans and dependents apply for federal benefits such as compensation, pension, aid and attendance, burial benefits and education benefits. It also gives emergency assistance to qualifying veterans with financial hardships. Appointments are encouraged. Office hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Call the office at 319-825-4952.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year