Senior benefits in Howard County, Iowa

Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (NEI3A) is the Area Agency on Aging for Howard 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 pay part of winter heating costs and can help in an energy crisis. In Howard County, Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation (NEICAC) takes applications. Homeowners and renters with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines may qualify. Households with a member 60 or older, a disabled member, or a disconnect notice can apply starting October 1; all other households can apply starting November 1. Regular applications are taken October through April, and crisis requests are taken all year. NEICAC has a family services office in Cresco (204 2nd Avenue East, office 563-547-4413). To book an appointment or have an application mailed, call 563-382-8436.

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) office for Howard County (Howard County DHS) is at 205 E Second St, Cresco, IA 52136. It is open by appointment only and is served by the Winneshiek County office in Decorah. 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 563-382-2928 or toll-free 800-611-7781.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Regional Health Services of Howard County (RHSHC) in Cresco lets any patient apply for financial assistance. You will need to give the supporting documents the application asks for. Applications are available in English and Spanish, and RHSHC also has Medicaid applications. For questions, or to get forms in another language, call 563-547-2101 and ask to speak with the Financial Counselor.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

EARL Public Transit, run by Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation (NEICAC), is the Region 1 public transit provider for Howard County. All rides are open to the general public, including people with disabilities, and vehicles are wheelchair accessible with lift assistance. EARL offers demand-response rides for work, school, shopping and errands, leisure activities and non-emergency medical appointments. Call toll-free 1-866-382-4259 to schedule a ride. Online scheduling is available for in-town routes once your account is set up.

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

The Howard County Veterans Affairs office at 137 N. Elm St., Cresco, IA 52136 helps veterans and their families. The Commission of Veterans Affairs helps Howard County veterans discharged under honorable conditions and their family members. County assistance programs include burial assistance, grave markers, food, medical and dental help, prescription medication, rent payments, transportation and utilities. The office also helps with applications for federal benefits. Hours are 8:00am to 4:30pm. Call the office at 563-547-9212.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year