Senior benefits in Sac County, Iowa

Elderbridge Agency on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for Sac 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) helps homeowners and renters pay part of their heating bills during the winter with a one-time payment. Help is based on household income, household size, fuel type and housing type, and income must be at or below 200% of poverty. The regular application period is November 1 through April 30; households with elderly or disabled members can apply starting October 1. Funding is limited, so apply early. In Sac County, apply through the New Opportunities outreach office at 1710 West Main Street in Sac City. Call 712-662-3236.

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

Loring Hospital in Sac City helps patients who cannot reasonably pay for some or all of their care. Under its plain language summary, if total household income is below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, you will not have to pay your hospital bill; incomes between 150% and 250% pay no more than amounts generally billed to insured patients and may get more discounts. Call 712-662-7105, or the business office toll free at 800-344-3767.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Western Iowa Transit (WIT), run by Region XII Council of Governments, offers door-to-door rides in Sac County and the rest of its six-county area. Service is open to the general public, including people with disabilities, and is well suited to seniors. Schedule rides with the Carroll office at 712-792-9914 at least 24 hours ahead. Service runs Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. In-town rides are $8.00 one way and $16.00 round trip, with $8.00 for each added stop; out-of-town trips are quoted at $2.00 per mile. Riders using Medicaid should call the number on their insurance card to arrange a ride.

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

The Sac County Veterans Affairs office is at the Sac County Courthouse, 100 N. West State St., Level 2 in Sac City (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). The office helps honorably discharged veterans find out which county, state and federal veterans' benefits they qualify for, including county assistance. Call 712-662-4552.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year