Senior benefits in Wright County, Iowa

Elderbridge Agency on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for Wright 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 your heating company to help with winter heating costs, no matter what fuel you use. In Wright County, Upper Des Moines Opportunity (UDMO) takes applications at its outreach office at 221 West Broadway in Eagle Grove; call 515-448-3704 for an appointment. Households with a member age 60 or older, a disabled member, or a crisis can apply starting October 1; everyone else can apply November 1 through April 30. Both homeowners and renters can qualify. Approved households are also protected from gas or electric shut-off during the winter moratorium, November 1 through April 1. Applying for LIHEAP also signs you up for weatherization.

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

Iowa Specialty Hospital (Clarion and Belmond) offers financial assistance to all its patients for emergency and medically necessary care, covering inpatient, outpatient and clinic services. You can apply at admission, before discharge, or up to 240 days after discharge. Apply online or contact the business office at 515-532-9300 (toll free 844-474-4321).

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

MIDAS Council of Governments runs the regional public transit system for Wright County and five nearby counties. It is a demand-response service open to the general public, including people with disabilities, and all vehicles are wheelchair accessible. Call dispatch at 515-573-8145 the day before your trip; rides run Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. With at least a day's notice, the fare is $2.50 each way for adults and $2.00 for students and seniors (with an approved senior sheet); same-day rides, when the schedule allows, are $3.50 and $3.00.

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

The Wright County Veterans Affairs office is at 120 1st Avenue NW, Suite 3 in Clarion. The office helps veterans, service members and their families apply for state and federal benefits, get military records, and get rides to VA Medical Centers. Wright County's veterans relief program can help with rent or mortgage payments, utilities, burial and the food pantry. Call 515-602-6208.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year