Senior benefits in Riley County, Kansas

The North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging (NC-FH AAA) serves older Kansans, people living with disabilities, and family caregivers in Riley County and 17 other counties, with offices in Manhattan, Salina and Emporia. Friendship Meals are served at dining centers or delivered to homebound people age 60 and older, their spouses and disabled dependents, after a Kansas Uniform Assessment; the suggested voluntary contribution is $4.00 a meal. Other help includes long-term home care planning, free Medicare counseling (SHICK), help applying for Extra Help with drug costs, Senior Farmers Market coupons (a one-time $50 a year for people 60 and older who meet income limits), job help for people 55 and older, Section 8 housing vouchers, fall-prevention classes and a monthly caregiver call. Call 785-776-9294 or toll free 800-432-2703.

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

The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has a service center in Riley County: the Manhattan Service Center at 2709 Amherst Ave., Manhattan, KS 66502 Phone: 785-776-4011. 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

Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan offers financial assistance to people who live in Riley, Pottawatomie or Geary County. With household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level, you may get 100% charity care on the part of the bill you owe. From 251% to 399%, you may get a 75% to 85% write-off. Large assets can affect eligibility. Apply online or by mail within 240 days of your first bill. Call hospital Customer Service at 800-298-8347, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

ATA Bus (Flint Hills Area Transportation Agency) runs fixed bus routes in Manhattan and Ogden and a door-to-door Demand Response service. Riders 60 and older can apply for a Half-Fare card for 50% off fixed route fares and passes; show the card and a photo ID when boarding. People 60 and older and people with ADA disabilities who cannot use the fixed routes can apply for Demand Response. All rides must be booked at least a day in advance, by 5 p.m. the day before. Call 785-537-6345 or toll free 877-551-6345.

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