Senior benefits in Smith County, Kansas

The Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging in Hays runs Older Americans Act programs for older adults and caregivers in the 18 counties of northwest Kansas, including Smith County. Call its Information and Assistance line at 1-800-432-7422, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Staff can tell you about in-home help, such as housekeeping, laundry, cooking, bathing and dressing, and which in-home program fits you. A CARE assessor can talk with you about long-term care choices; there is no cost for the assessment. Trained SHICK volunteers explain Medicare, supplement policies and Medicaid, and the office can help you apply for Medicare Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs. The caregiver program offers information, support groups and respite care, and also helps grandparents raising grandchildren. Legal help for people 60 and older is offered through Kansas Legal Services.

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

Kansas DCF (Department for Children and Families) takes applications for Food Assistance (SNAP), cash assistance and the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), which helps with winter heating bills. DCF recommends applying online through the DCF Self-Service Portal. For a paper application, visit a DCF service center or call 1-888-369-4777. DCF service centers in northwest Kansas are in Hays (2250 E. 22nd St., 785-628-1066), Colby (1135 S. Country Club Drive, Suite 1, 785-462-6760), Phillipsburg (111 E. Highway 36, 785-543-5258) and Goodland (812 Broadway Ave., open every Wednesday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.). LIEAP is only open in the winter months, typically December through March. KanCare health coverage is not handled by DCF; apply for it through KanCare.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Smith County Memorial Hospital in Smith Center has a financial assistance program for emergency and medically necessary care at the hospital and Smith County Family Practice. Household income must be less than 200% of the federal poverty level to qualify for free care. To have an application mailed to you, or with any questions, call the Financial Counselor at 785-686-3146.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The City of Smith Center runs a ride-on-request service in Smith Center and throughout Smith County and the nearby area, for older adults, people with disabilities and the general public, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fares are $1 per stop in town, $5 round trip for trips of 60 miles or less outside Smith Center and $8 round trip for trips over 60 miles; tickets bought ahead cost less. Call 785-282-3812. OCCK, Inc. also lists Smith County in its service area (785-827-9383).

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