Senior benefits in Sioux County, Iowa

Elderbridge Agency on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for Sioux 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 Sioux County, apply online or at the Mid-Sioux office at 618 14th St. NE, Suite 10 in Sioux Center. Call 712-722-3611.

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

Iowa Health and Human Services (HHS) has a local office in Sioux County at 104 1st Street SE in Orange City. It serves Lyon, Plymouth and Sioux counties. Call 712-737-2943. Iowa HHS runs help programs such as SNAP food assistance (formerly food stamps), LIHEAP heating help, rent assistance and WIC.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Orange City Area Health System offers financial assistance; depending on your income, you may qualify, and a financial counselor can help with the application. The summary, application and policy are on its website. Call the Billing Department at 712-737-5200, Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

RIDES (Regional Transit Authority) is the public transit system for Sioux County and eight other northwest Iowa counties. It offers door-to-door demand-response rides to the general public, including people with disabilities. In Sioux County, rides run Monday through Friday in Orange City (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., general public fare $1.00) and Sioux Center (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 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 Sioux County Veterans Affairs office is at 213 Central Ave SE in Orange City, on the second floor of the Sioux County Annex Building (call to make sure the officer is in). The county veteran service officer can review your service and health conditions and file a VA disability claim. Bring your DD214, the names, birthdates and Social Security numbers of dependents in your household, a current list of medical diagnoses, and contact details for your private doctors. Call 712-737-1775.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year