Senior benefits in Humboldt County, Iowa

Elderbridge Agency on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for Humboldt 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) makes a one-time payment to your heating company to help with winter heating costs, no matter what fuel you use. In Humboldt County, Upper Des Moines Opportunity (UDMO) takes applications at its outreach office at 419 Sumner Ave in Humboldt; call 515-604-6550 for an appointment. Households with a member age 60 or older, a disabled member, or a crisis can apply starting October 1; everyone else can apply November 1 through April 30. Both homeowners and renters can qualify. Approved households are also protected from gas or electric shut-off during the winter moratorium, November 1 through April 1. Applying for LIHEAP also signs you up for weatherization.

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

Humboldt County Memorial Hospital in Humboldt has a financial assistance (charity care) application for patients who cannot reasonably pay for some or all of their care. Billing office staff can help find out if you are eligible. Call 515-332-4200.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

MIDAS Council of Governments runs the regional public transit system for Humboldt County and five nearby counties. It is a demand-response service open to the general public, including people with disabilities, and all vehicles are wheelchair accessible. Call dispatch at 515-573-8145 the day before your trip; rides run Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. With at least a day's notice, the fare is $2.50 each way for adults and $2.00 for students and seniors (with an approved senior sheet); same-day rides, when the schedule allows, are $3.50 and $3.00.

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

The Humboldt County Veterans Affairs office is at the Humboldt County Courthouse, 3rd floor, 203 Main Street. The office helps veterans get the services and benefits available to them. The county Commission of Veterans Affairs decides who is eligible for county assistance and how much; a VA Assistance Application is on the county's page. It serves Iowa residents who served in the U.S. armed forces and were discharged under honorable conditions. Call 515-604-6256.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year