Senior benefits in Cherokee County, Kansas

The Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging (SEKAAA), based in Chanute, serves Cherokee 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

The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) lists a service center in Columbus at 215 E. Maple St., phone 620-429-3014. DCF runs Food Assistance (SNAP), cash assistance and the winter LIEAP energy program. You can apply online at any time through the DCF Self-Service Portal. Paper Food Assistance applications are available at your local DCF Service Center, or call toll free 1-888-369-4777. During the LIEAP application period, you can apply online or ask your local DCF Service Center for a paper application for help with home heating costs.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Mercy Hospital Columbus is a critical access hospital run by Mercy, a faith-based health system. Mercy gives hospital and clinic financial assistance for medically necessary care based on need, using the Federal Poverty Guidelines (household income and family size). Under the 2026 guidelines, households at 0 to 200% of the poverty level get a 100% hospital discount (for example, up to $31,920 a year for one person or $43,280 for two), and households at 201% to 300% get an 80% hospital discount. One application covers both hospital and clinic bills. If you have no insurance, you must first call Mercy's Medicaid Eligibility Screening team at 855-420-7900; they will help you apply for Medicaid if you may qualify. Customer Service at 855-420-7900 (Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central) can also set up a payment plan for any balance left.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

CLASS LTD, based in Columbus, offers public transportation in Cherokee County, as well as in Crawford, Labette and Montgomery counties. Call CLASS toll free at 888-657-2107 or 620-429-1212 to ask about service areas, times and cost.

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