Senior benefits in Polk County, Iowa

Aging Resources of Central Iowa is the Area Agency on Aging for Polk County. It serves adults age 60 and older, adults 18 and older with disabilities, grandparents raising grandchildren, and people facing elder abuse. Its services are free. Specialists answer questions about housing, transportation and help at home, and options counselors can help you apply for programs. Other services include case management, family caregiver support, group meals and home-delivered meals, nutrition counseling, farmers market checks, and elder abuse prevention. Appointments are required, so call 515-255-1310 (toll free 800-747-5352) first.

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

LIHEAP (the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) gives a one-time payment toward winter heating bills for households with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. Households with someone 60 or older or disabled can apply starting October 1; everyone else can apply starting November 1, and applications close April 30. In Polk County, IMPACT Community Action Partnership takes LIHEAP applications by appointment (phone or in person) or online. IMPACT offices in Polk County include the Drake office at 3226 University Avenue in Des Moines and an office in Ankeny. If you heat with propane, LIHEAP can pay for a propane delivery. If you have a disconnection notice, have been shut off or have a furnace that does not work, call right away. Call 515-518-4770 to book an appointment.

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) lists an office for Polk County at River Place Office, 2309 Euclid Ave, Des Moines. Phone: 515-725-2600. For income maintenance questions, the Eligibility Determinations Customer Service Center is at 877-347-5678. 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

Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines, Polk County's public hospital, has a Financial Counseling Department for people with limited income, limited health insurance or no insurance. Certified financial counselors help you apply for Medicaid, Medicare, the Iowa Health and Wellness Plan and other programs, or for the Broadlawns Community Care Program, which helps residents who meet income guidelines and other rules get treatment at Broadlawns. Meet with a counselor as soon as you can. Walk in or call 515-282-2246 for an appointment, Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Building 2, first floor, 1801 Hickman Road).

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

DART runs bus service across all of Polk County. Adults 65 and older and people with a disability can ride regular DART bus routes and DART On Demand for about half price: $0.75 a trip, $2 for a day pass, $7 for a weekly pass or $24 for a monthly pass. To get a Half Fare I.D. card, go to DART Customer Service at DART Central Station; seniors bring a photo I.D. that shows their birthdate. Veterans with at least 90 days of active duty and an honorable discharge can ride free. If a disability keeps you from using DART buses, you may qualify for DART Paratransit, a door-to-door ride booked at least one day ahead; most riders sign up through DART's Bus Plus program. Paratransit trips cost $3.50 in the Base Service Zone. Call DART Customer Service at 515-283-8100.

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

The Polk County Commission of Veteran Affairs helps veterans, their families and dependents who live in Polk County. Help includes filing federal VA claims (by appointment), temporary financial assistance, transportation assistance, medical assistance, funeral expenses and grave markers. Polk County Veterans Affairs also issues a photo I.D. that veterans can use to ride DART buses free. The office is at Polk County River Place, 2309 Euclid Avenue in Des Moines, open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call 515-286-3670 to schedule an appointment.

Estimated cash: $200–$1,500 a year