Senior benefits in Wayne County, Iowa

Milestones Area Agency on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for Wayne County and 16 other counties in southeast Iowa. It helps older Iowans live safely and on their own at home. Services include information and assistance, options counseling, case management, nutrition programs such as home-delivered meals and Milestones Community Cafés, caregiver support (including respite care information and support groups), health and wellness classes, elder abuse prevention, and free SHIIP Medicare counseling. Home-delivered meals are for people age 60 and older (and their spouse of any age) who live where the meals are offered. Call the toll-free line at 855-410-6222. Offices are in Davenport (4440 Brady St., 563-324-9085), Burlington (509 Jefferson Street, 319-752-5433) and Ottumwa (635 E. Pennsylvania Ave.).

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

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help pay part of your winter heating costs if you meet income guidelines. In Wayne County, South Central Iowa Community Action Program (SCICAP) takes LIHEAP applications. Households with members age 60 or older or disabled family members can apply starting October 1; all other households start November 1. If you are found eligible, your heating and electric service is protected from shut-off through March 31. If you have a disconnection notice, call right away. Make an appointment at the Wayne County Outreach office at 203 N Franklin, Corydon, phone 641-872-1282.

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) lists an office for Wayne County at 117 West Jackson, Corydon. This office is by appointment only and is served by the Clarke County office in Osceola. Phone: 641-342-6516 or toll free 877-394-1439. 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

Wayne County Hospital in Corydon offers charity care to patients who show a clear need. You fill out an application about your finances, and the hospital compares your income to the federal poverty guidelines for your family size; the charity allowance can be a full or partial write-off of charges. You may be asked for proof of income, such as pay stubs, a tax return or bank statements, and you must apply for Medicaid and show a denial. Call the Business Office at 641-872-5293.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

10-15 Transit is the public transit system for Wayne County and nine other southern Iowa counties. Rides are open to anyone, including people with disabilities, for nearly any purpose, such as grocery shopping, medical and dental visits, meal sites, work or personal business. Demand-response rides run about 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. based on driver availability. Fares are $2 within city limits, $4 in the county, and $25 county to county. Call 641-683-2024 or toll-free 800-227-6390 to set up a ride.

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

The Wayne County Veterans Affairs office is at 100 N. Lafayette, Corydon. Call 641-872-3943 to ask about help applying for veterans benefits and about county help for veterans in need.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year