Senior benefits in Winnebago County, Iowa

Elderbridge Agency on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for Winnebago 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 pay part of your winter heating costs with a one-time payment to your heating or fuel company. Extra help may be available to repair or replace a furnace, or for an air conditioner for medical reasons. Income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. People age 60 and over or with a disability can apply October 1 through April 30; all other households can apply November 1 through April 30. In Winnebago County, North Iowa Community Action (NICAO) takes applications at its outreach office at 135 School St in Forest City; call 641-585-5863 or toll free 800-873-1899.

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

Region 2 Transit, run by the North Iowa Area Council of Governments (NIACOG), gives rides to the general public, including people with disabilities, in Winnebago County and the rest of north central Iowa. Call 641-423-2262 to schedule a ride (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday). Fares for elderly, disabled and student riders are $1.00 for city service, $2.00 for travel within a county, and $3.00 between counties in Region 2 (general public fares are higher). Rides to medical appointments may be covered by health insurance or Medicaid.

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

The Winnebago County Veterans Affairs office is at 216 S. 4th St. in Forest City (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; appointment recommended). The office helps honorably discharged veterans find out which county, state and federal veterans' benefits they qualify for, including county assistance. It is nationally accredited to file federal VA claims. Call 641-585-5736.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year