Senior benefits in Woodson County, Kansas

The Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging (SEKAAA), based in Chanute, serves Woodson 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 Woodson County. DCF lists Woodson County in its Southeast Region; the closest Southeast Region service centers are in Chanute and Parsons: Chanute (203 E. 21st St., Chanute, KS 66720, 1-620-431-5000); Parsons (300 N. 17th St., Parsons, KS 67357, 1-620-421-4500). 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

Yates Center Transportation gives local rides within Yates Center. The Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging lists it as a transportation service it funds. Call 620-625-2254 to ask about hours, who can ride and cost.

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