Senior benefits in Chautauqua County, Kansas

The South Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging (SCKAAA), based in Arkansas City, serves Chautauqua County. Its local office is the Chautauqua County Health Department in Sedan, phone 620-725-5850. SCKAAA offers case management, help at home such as personal care, homemaker, respite and chore services, information and referrals, and help for family caregivers and grandparents raising grandchildren. Friendship Meals are served at meal sites or delivered to people who are homebound, for people 60 and older and their spouses; call 24 hours ahead to reserve a meal. Call the county office or SCKAAA toll free at 1-800-362-0264.

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

There is no Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) service center in Chautauqua County. DCF lists Chautauqua County in its Southeast Region; the closest Southeast Region service centers are in Independence and Parsons: Independence (2219 W. Laurel St., Independence, KS 67301, 1-620-331-0350); Parsons (300 N. 17th St., Parsons, KS 67357, 1-620-421-4500). 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

The Cowley County Council on Aging runs a curb-to-curb shuttle bus for all citizens of Cowley and Chautauqua Counties. Rides cost $2.00 per person within city limits and $5.00 outside city limits (Tuesday and Thursday). Trips to Wichita cost $25.00 one way or $35.00 round trip (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday). A $20.00 punch card gives 13 punches. Service runs Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to a last pick-up at 4:30 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to a last pick-up at 1:30 p.m. Call 620-221-7020 or 1-877-491-3984 to schedule, ideally 24 hours ahead. Buses with wheelchair lifts are available.

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