Senior benefits in Harrison County, Mississippi

Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District (SMPDD) is the Area Agency on Aging for Harrison 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. Adult day care for people 60 or older is offered in Harrison County through Senior Resources Agency Lyman Sr. Center. Case management for people 60 and over, which links them to personal care, housekeeping and meals, is available in Harrison County. 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 Harrison County, applications are handled by Community Action of South Mississippi, 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. In Harrison County, call Community Action of South Mississippi at 228-284-6772 (500 24th Ave., Gulfport). Funding is limited.

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

The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) office for Harrison County is at 10260 Larkin Smith Dr, Gulfport, MS 39505. Phone: 228-897-5600. 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

Memorial Hospital at Gulfport offers financial assistance for emergency and other medically necessary care to uninsured and underinsured residents of Mississippi who live in the hospital's service area. Eligibility is based on family income at or below federal poverty level guidelines and on assets, and all patients are charged no more than amounts generally billed. Complete the application and verification process within 240 days of your first bill. Office visits, cash package services and elective services are not covered. Bring proof of residency (such as a driver's license, lease or utility bill in your name) and proof of income (such as your latest federal tax return, Social Security or disability deposits, and recent check stubs). Call the Financial Counselors at 228-867-4118 or 228-867-4128, or customer service at 1-800-844-0735.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Coast Transit Authority (CTA) offers free, limited curb-to-curb rides for senior citizens in Harrison County to medical appointments and senior citizens' centers, with up to three medical trips and one grocery trip each week depending on where you live. To sign up, call the Harrison County Senior Center at 228-241-2000 to get certified. Then reserve a ride with CTA at 866-206-8843 by 4 p.m. the business day before; rides can be booked up to 2 weeks ahead, and there is no same-day service. On regular CTA buses, people 60 or older with a Senior Citizens' Transit ID ride for $0.85 per fare zone, and a Medicare card also gets that fare. A Seniors Monthly Pass is $32, and people 90 or older can get a free ride ID. To get the senior ID, bring proof of age to the CTA office at 333 DeBuys Road in Gulfport, weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CTA also runs ADA Paratransit and countywide ADA Paratransit PLUS for certified riders with disabilities.

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

In this county: Free senior rides are limited, space-available service funded by Harrison County; certification is through the Harrison County Senior Center. Fares are set by CTA.