Senior benefits in Lyon County, Iowa

Elderbridge Agency on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for Lyon 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 help with home heating costs, no matter what fuel you use. Income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, and owners and renters both qualify. The program runs November 1 to April 30; elderly and disabled households can apply starting October 1. Approved heads of household are protected from gas or electric shut-off during the winter moratorium, normally November 1 through April 1. In Lyon County, apply online or at the Mid-Sioux office at 302 S Lincoln in Rock Rapids. Call 712-472-3746.

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

Avera Merrill Pioneer Hospital in Rock Rapids is part of Avera, which has a financial assistance program for patients who qualify. Apply online in MyChart or by mail with the Avera Financial Assistance Application. For help, call the hospital at 712-472-5400 and ask for the business office.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

RIDES (Regional Transit Authority) is the public transit system for Lyon County and eight other northwest Iowa counties. It offers door-to-door demand-response rides to the general public, including people with disabilities. In Lyon County, rides in Rock Rapids run Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (general public fare $3.00). Trips outside city limits are billed by the mile. Call dispatch toll free at 800-358-5037, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; booking 24 hours ahead is recommended.

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

The Lyon County Veterans Affairs office is at 300 S. 4th Ave., Suite 100 in Rock Rapids (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.). The Lyon County Veterans Service Office is nationally accredited to file claims for veterans and helps veterans and their families learn which benefits they can get. Call 712-472-3405.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year