Senior benefits in Monona County, Iowa

Connections Area Agency on Aging serves older adults and family caregivers in 20 counties in southwest and western Iowa, including Monona County. Its Information and Assistance specialists and Options Counselors help people find and apply for benefits such as Medicare Extra Help, Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid, SNAP food help and LIHEAP energy help. Other services include case management for people age 60 or older who need help with at least two daily activities (such as bathing or dressing) so they can stay at home, senior center meals and home-delivered meals for people 60 and older, caregiver support and respite options, free Medicare counseling through SHIIP, and Solution Options for Seniors (S.O.S.), which helps pay for home repairs or changes for people 60 and older who own their home or live with a caregiver. Call toll free 1-800-432-9209. The Council Bluffs office (231 S. Main St.) and Sioux City office (2301 Pierce St.) take walk-ins Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; the Creston office (109 N. Elm St.) is by appointment.

Estimated service value: $200–$2,000 a year

In Monona County, West Central Community Action (WCCA) takes applications for LIHEAP, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. LIHEAP helps qualifying low-income Iowa homeowners and renters pay part of their main heating costs for the winter heating season. The amount is based on household income, household size, type of fuel, and type of housing. Applications open November 1 and end April 30. Contact the WCCA Monona County Outreach Office at 801-B 10th St., Onawa (phone 712-423-2603). Outreach offices also offer energy crisis help.

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) lists an office for Monona County at 610 Iowa Ave, Onawa. This office is by appointment only and is served by the Harrison County office in Logan. Phone: 712-644-2460 or toll free 800-326-7732. Iowa HHS says you can apply for SNAP food benefits and for Medicaid health coverage, including Medicaid for older adults and people with disabilities, at your local HHS office. You can also apply online through the Iowa HHS Benefits Portal, or apply for Medicaid by phone at 1-855-889-7985.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Burgess Health Center in Onawa has a Financial Assistance Program that lowers prices on office visits and services at Burgess Health Center and Burgess Clinics for people who qualify. It is based on family income. You may qualify with or without insurance, and even if you have Medicare or Medicaid. Specialists who bill separately are not included. To apply, turn in a completed Financial Assistance application (ask at any front desk or print one), a copy of the front page of your latest income tax return or three months of pay stubs for each working family member, and your recent Medicaid application if you have one. Call 712-423-2311.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Siouxland Regional Transit System (SRTS), run by SIMPCO, is the regional public transit system for Monona County. It gives demand-response rides to the general public, including people with disabilities, on ADA-accessible buses with wheelchair lifts. Rides run Monday to Saturday, 5:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (closed on major holidays). Reserve at least 24 hours ahead by calling 712-279-6919 or toll free 800-881-2076. Within city limits, fares are $4 one way for curb-to-curb service or $7 one way for door-to-door service; outside city limits, add $0.50 per mile. Children under 5 ride free with an adult. SRTS is also an approved Medicaid and Medicare transportation provider.

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

The Monona County Commission of Veteran Affairs is the county veterans office. The Monona County Veterans Affairs Office helps veterans, service members and their families with a wide range of federal and state benefits. It also gives temporary county help with rent, utilities, food and burial costs to qualifying low-income veterans and their families. To qualify, you must have lived in Monona County for 30 days, have been discharged under honorable conditions, and meet the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Visit the office at the Courthouse Annex basement, 610 Iowa Ave., Onawa, or call 712-433-3710.

Estimated cash: $200–$1,500 a year