Senior benefits in Allen County, Kansas

The Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging (SEKAAA), based in Chanute, serves Allen County. Staff look at what help a person needs to stay at home and help them reach services such as in-home help, medical equipment, transportation and meals. Meals are for people 60 and older, their spouses and disabled dependents, at meal sites or delivered to the home, after a short assessment. Other help includes case management, caregiver services, in-home supports like housekeeping, laundry, bathing and dressing, Medicare counseling with trained SHICK volunteers, CARE assessments for anyone thinking about a nursing home, and legal help through Kansas Legal Services. Call 620-431-2980 or toll free 1-800-794-2440.

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

There is no Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) service center in Allen County. DCF lists Allen County in its Southeast Region; the closest Southeast Region service centers are in Chanute and Fort Scott: Chanute (203 E. 21st St., Chanute, KS 66720, 1-620-431-5000); Fort Scott (10 S. National Ave., Fort Scott, KS 66701, 1-620-223-4010). Kansas DCF handles Food Assistance (SNAP), Cash Assistance, Child Care Assistance and Utilities & Energy Assistance. You can apply online through the DCF self-service portal or call the DCF Benefits Assistance line at 1-888-369-4777.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Allen County Regional Hospital in Iola is a critical access hospital that is part of Saint Luke's, a member of BJC Health. It offers BJC financial assistance to patients who do not have health insurance or who need help paying their bills. If you qualify, you can get help with full or partial payment of your bill. The financial assistance policy, the income and discount schedule, and the application are posted online. To get the policy or an application, or to ask questions, call a Patient Services representative at 816-932-5678 or 888-581-9401.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Allen County runs the Services to the Elderly Van for county residents age 55 and over. The van goes to Humboldt on Monday and Thursday mornings, Iola on Monday afternoon and all day Wednesday, and Gas, LaHarpe and Moran on Tuesday mornings. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. Call 620-363-2023 to schedule a ride. Allen County Regional Transit (620-380-5288) also serves Allen County.

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