Senior benefits in Crawford County, Kansas

The Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging (SEKAAA), based in Chanute, serves Crawford 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 Pittsburg at 320 S. Broadway St., phone 620-231-5300. 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 Pittsburg became part of Mercy, a faith-based health system, in 2024. 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

SEK-CAP runs a door-to-door public ride service in Crawford County that anyone can use, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., plus the PACT bus, a route around Pittsburg with 21 stops that runs Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Call 620-724-6350 at least one day ahead (1 to 7 days is best) to schedule a door-to-door ride. SEK-CAP suggests a $1.00 donation per trip, but no one is turned away for not being able to pay. CLASS LTD also offers public transportation in Crawford County; call 888-657-2107 to ask about service areas.

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