Senior benefits in DeSoto County, Mississippi

North Delta Planning and Development District in Batesville runs the Area Agency on Aging for DeSoto County and six other northwest Mississippi counties. For adults 60 and older, services include adult day care, congregate and home-delivered meals, homemaker services, information and referral, legal help through North Mississippi Rural Legal Services (1-800-498-1804), ombudsman and elder rights help, State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) counseling on Medicare and Medicaid, family caregiver support, and transportation. Home-delivered meals start with an in-home assessment, and people who are homebound get first priority. Call 662-561-4100 or toll free 1-800-844-2433.

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

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay home energy bills, including power, gas, wood and propane. In DeSoto County, the Community Action Agency (CAA) is Mid-State Opportunity, Inc., 9607 Highway 178 in Olive Branch. To apply, send a pre-application through the Common Web Portal on Access MS and mark "Community Services." The CAA will then send a letter with an appointment, where you finish the application in person. People who are elderly or disabled should get an appointment within 30 business days. Households with elderly or disabled members get the greatest priority. Income must be at or below 60% of the state median income for your household size. Funding is limited. If you are approved, the CAA pays your energy company directly. Call the CAA at 662-895-4153.

Estimated bill savings: $200–$1,500 a year

The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) county office for DeSoto County is at 3210 HWY 51 South in Hernando (phone 662-449-9396). You can apply for SNAP food benefits online, or contact your local MDHS office for an application. If everyone in the home is 65 or older and no one earns money from work, a shorter form, the SNAP Simplified Application for the Elderly (ESAP, form MDHS EA 904), can be used. If you already get SNAP or TANF and need help with your case, start by contacting your caseworker. ESAP and MSCAP clients can call 800-948-4060. SNAP/TANF Customer Service: 800-948-3050.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto in Southaven is part of Baptist Memorial Health Care. Its Hospital Financial Assistance Policy helps uninsured and underinsured patients pay for emergency and medically necessary care. Under the policy, family income below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines can get a 100% discount, and income from 201% to 400% can get a 95% to 80% discount. Fill out a Financial Assistance Application and return it with proof of income to the hospital's Business Office. For help, call 877-348-1281.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Rural public transit in DeSoto County is open to the general public, and seniors use it to get to doctor's appointments, the grocery store and other places. MDOT's statewide transit study lists the Delta Area Rural Transit System (DARTS), run by Aaron E. Henry Community Health Services Center in Clarksdale as rural demand-response (call-ahead) providers serving the county. There is no fixed-route bus service inside DeSoto County. Providers offer wheelchair accessible rides. DeSoto County is in MDOT's Delta Rides region, which serves 21 counties in northwest Mississippi and has a call center that links the transit systems. Call Delta Rides at 662-846-6161 to find a ride.

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