Senior benefits in Winneshiek County, Iowa

Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (NEI3A) is the Area Agency on Aging for Winneshiek County. It helps older adults stay independent at home. Its services include options counseling, case management, meal programs, caregiver support, respite services, health and wellness programs, advocacy, and recreation and education programs. NEI3A has offices in Decorah, Dubuque and Waterloo. Call toll-free 1-800-779-8707 to get started.

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

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay part of winter heating costs and can help in an energy crisis. In Winneshiek County, Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation (NEICAC) takes applications. Homeowners and renters with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines may qualify. Households with a member 60 or older, a disabled member, or a disconnect notice can apply starting October 1; all other households can apply starting November 1. Regular applications are taken October through April, and crisis requests are taken all year. NEICAC has a family services office in Decorah (305 Montgomery Street, office 563-387-4958). To book an appointment or have an application mailed, call 563-382-8436.

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) office for Winneshiek County (Winneshiek County HHS) is at 607 Washington Street, Decorah, IA 52101. You can apply at a local HHS office for SNAP food benefits, Medicaid and Rent Reimbursement (up to $1000 back on rent for income-eligible older or disabled renters). You can also apply online through the Iowa HHS Benefits Portal. Call 563-382-2928.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

WinnMed in Decorah gives financial assistance based on income, family size and assets. You must meet the application requirements and give the financial documents asked for. Partial assistance may be granted using a percentage of the federal poverty scale, and your savings, checking, other household income and monthly expenses are reviewed. Financial counselors are available to all patients and can help you apply for government programs. To get an application, call Patient Financial Services at 563-382-2911 and ask for a Financial Counselor.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

EARL Public Transit, run by Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation (NEICAC), is the Region 1 public transit provider for Winneshiek County. All rides are open to the general public, including people with disabilities, and vehicles are wheelchair accessible with lift assistance. EARL offers demand-response rides for work, school, shopping and errands, leisure activities and non-emergency medical appointments. Call toll-free 1-866-382-4259 to schedule a ride. Online scheduling is available for in-town routes once your account is set up.

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

The Winneshiek County Veterans Affairs office at 201 West Main, Decorah, IA 52101 helps veterans and their families. The office helps honorably discharged veterans and eligible dependents apply for county, state and federal veterans benefits and fills out VA forms free of charge. For Winneshiek County residents, it may give temporary emergency county help with basic needs such as rent, food, utilities, emergency medical services and burial, under its eligibility guidelines. Call the office at 563-382-5786.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year