Senior benefits in Marshall County, Iowa

Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (NEI3A) is the Area Agency on Aging for Marshall 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) is a one-time payment that helps eligible low-income households pay part of their winter heating costs. You do not need to be behind on your bill to apply. Mid-Iowa Community Action (MICA) takes LIHEAP applications for people who live in Marshall County. Applications start October 1 for seniors or people with disabilities and November 1 for all other families, and are accepted until April 30. Households must meet income guidelines and have an energy burden. Crisis help may be available if you have a disconnect notice or are shut off. Apply online, by mail, or in person at Marshall County Family Services, 1001 S. 18th Ave in Marshalltown. Call 641-752-7162 (the menu reaches all offices).

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) office for Marshall County (Marshall County HHS) is at 101 E. Main Street, Marshalltown, IA 50158. 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 641-752-6741.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

UnityPoint Health – Marshalltown follows UnityPoint Health's financial assistance policy, which helps patients who cannot reasonably pay for some or all of their care, including uninsured and underinsured patients. You can apply online through MyUnityPoint, or download the policy and application. A patient financial counselor in Marshalltown can explain the program and help with Medicaid applications: call 641-328-7498. To apply by phone or check on an application, call the Financial Assistance team at 1-833-874-4243.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Peoplerides is the low-cost public transit service for trips that start or end in Hardin, Marshall, Poweshiek and Tama counties, including Marshall County. Everyone qualifies to ride, regardless of age, income or disability, and vehicles are handicapped accessible. Peoplerides runs Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Schedule at least one day ahead for priority; same-day rides depend on driver availability. Call the dispatchers at 641-752-6202 or toll-free 1-888-616-4298. Medicaid-funded rides must be booked through the Medicaid transportation broker. Inside the City of Marshalltown, only riders approved for the Marshalltown Paratransit program can ride Peoplerides; other riders use the Marshalltown Municipal Transit (MMT) bus.

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

The Marshall County Veterans Affairs office at 101 E Main St, Marshalltown, IA 50158-5485 helps veterans and their families. The Marshall County Veteran Affairs Commission helps veterans with disability claims and helps Marshall County veterans and their legal dependents apply for and keep state and federal benefits, such as disability compensation, disability pension, survivor benefits, education benefits and medical benefits. Hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Call the office at 641-754-6335.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year