Senior benefits in Wilson County, Kansas

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

There is no Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) service center in Wilson County. DCF lists Wilson County in its Southeast Region; the closest Southeast Region service centers are in Chanute and Independence: Chanute (203 E. 21st St., Chanute, KS 66720, 1-620-431-5000); Independence (2219 W. Laurel St., Independence, KS 67301, 1-620-331-0350). 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

Connections, run by Four County Mental Health Center, gives rides to the public in Wilson County on a first-come, first-served basis. Call the Connections office at 620-332-1976 at least 2 business days ahead; the office takes calls from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Regular trips to the same place can be set up as a subscription ride. The public rate is a $2 pickup charge plus 20 cents per mile, paid when you ride.

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