Senior benefits in Union County, Iowa

Connections Area Agency on Aging serves older adults and family caregivers in 20 counties in southwest and western Iowa, including Union 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 Union County, MATURA Action Corporation takes applications for LIHEAP, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. LIHEAP is a one-time payment that helps households at or below 200% of poverty pay part of their winter heating costs. You do not need to be behind on your heating bill to apply. For the 2026-2027 heating season, households with someone age 60 or older, people with disabilities, or households in crisis can apply from October 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027; all other households from November 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027. Apply through the MATURA Union County Outreach Center at 207B N Elm Street, Creston (phone 641-782-8431), or online at liheap-apply.hhs.iowa.gov starting November 1. If you have a disconnect notice, have 30% or less left in your fuel tank, or your furnace does not make heat, call the outreach office right away; crisis help can include furnace repair or replacement, emergency propane delivery, and reconnection of gas or electric service. LIHEAP households can also be considered for free weatherization.

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) lists an office for Union County at 201 N. Elm St., Creston. Phone: 641-782-1740 or toll free 877-394-1438. This office also serves Adair and Adams counties; for services (not Income Maintenance) call 641-782-1745. 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

Greater Regional Health is the hospital in Creston. It has a financial assistance plan for patients who need help with medical bills; the forms and instructions are on its Current Patients page (also in Spanish). If you do not have insurance, contact the Business Office to make financial arrangements; payment plans are also offered. Call the Greater Regional Business Office at (641) 782-3538 or email padvocate@greaterregional.org.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Southern Iowa Trolley is the regional public transit system for Union County and six other south-central Iowa counties. It gives door-to-door weekday rides to the general public, including people with disabilities, and every vehicle is ADA accessible. In Union County, in-town rides are offered in Creston, with daily trips between Afton and Creston. Main in-town service runs Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. (days and hours can change with driver availability). Seniors age 60 and older pay $3.00 per in-town ride (or $30.00 for a 12-ride ticket), and in-town rides on Fridays are $1.00. Before riding, seniors must fill out a Connections Area Agency on Aging intake form, which you can get from the driver or the office at 301 Industrial Parkway in Creston. Out-of-town trips start at $10.00 one way. To schedule a ride, call 641-782-6571 or toll free 866-782-6571.

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

The Union County Commission of Veteran Affairs is the county veterans office. The office helps veterans apply for benefits such as VA medical care, compensation and pension, the Iowa Veterans Home, military records, grave markers and home loans. Eligible veterans with financial hardships may apply for temporary emergency assistance. Visit the office at 300 N. Pine St., Suite 130, Creston, or call 641-782-1723.

Estimated cash: $200–$1,500 a year