Senior benefits in Hancock County, Mississippi

Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District (SMPDD) is the Area Agency on Aging for Hancock County and the rest of its 15-county South Mississippi area. Services offered in all its counties include home-delivered meals, homemaker help, respite care to give family caregivers a break, legal services, and information and referral. SMPDD also offers meals at community meal sites for people 60 or older, rides to services for people 60 or older, free Medicare counseling (the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP), an Alzheimer's Disease Program at no cost, and online and video training for family caregivers of people with dementia. Outreach workers in Hancock County contact older adults (60 and older) to find out what help they need. Some services need a screening by the Division of Aging and Adult Services. For referrals, call 228-868-2311 or toll free 800-444-8014.

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

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay home energy bills, and the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) gives emergency help. In Hancock County, applications are handled by Pearl River Valley Opportunity, Inc. (PRVO), the local Community Action Agency. To apply, first send a pre-application through the Access MS web portal and mark "Community Services". The agency will then mail or email an appointment, and you finish the application in person. Households with a member who is elderly or disabled get priority, and their appointment should be within 30 business days. Households at or below 60% of the state median income may qualify. Pearl River Valley Opportunity serves Hancock County. For questions about LIHEAP, call the MDHS Community Services division at 1-800-421-0762. Funding is limited.

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

The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) office for Hancock County is at 856 Hwy 90, Suite D, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520. Phone: 228-467-4565. MDHS county offices handle SNAP food benefits and TANF cash help. You can apply for SNAP online, or contact your local MDHS office for an application. The county office can also tell you what papers to send with your application, such as proof of identity, where you live, income and expenses. People age 60 or older, or who get SSI or disability benefits, can also show their medical bills. For help with an open SNAP or TANF case, call MDHS client services at 800-948-3050.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Ochsner Medical Center – Hancock in Bay St. Louis is covered by Ochsner Health's financial assistance policy for emergency and medical care for U.S. residents who cannot pay. Help is based on your family income and the federal poverty guidelines. You may qualify for 100% financial assistance if your family income is 200% or less of the federal guidelines. Help applies only to your share of the bill, such as a deductible or copay. To apply, call 504-842-4190 (7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday) or complete an application on MyOchsner. You can also mail the application and documents to Ochsner Health, Attn: Patient Accounts Customer Service, 1514 Jefferson Highway, New Orleans, LA 70121.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Community Development, Inc. (CDI), based in Richton, runs rural public transportation that the Mississippi Department of Transportation lists for Hancock County. The program aims to improve travel options for seniors and people with disabilities, and rides can also go to work, school, places of worship and social activities. In most cases rides are free if you meet the program's criteria, and CDI has ADA accessible vehicles. For a ride or to ask about the service, call 601-788-2777 or 601-788-2950.

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