Senior benefits in Holmes County, Mississippi

North Central Planning and Development District in Winona runs the Area Agency on Aging that serves Holmes County. Services for people 60 and older include case management, transportation, congregate meals at meal sites, home-delivered meals, homemaker help, information and referral, legal services, long-term care ombudsman help, elder rights protection, and respite care for family caregivers through the National Family Caregiver Support Program. The Senior Community Service Employment program offers part-time jobs for low-income people 55 or older. Call (662) 283-2675.

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 Holmes County, the Community Action Agency (CAA) is Central Mississippi, Inc., 303 Yazoo St. in Lexington. 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 662-834-2437.

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

The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) county office for Holmes County is at 22419 Depot St in Lexington (phone 662-834-1221). 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

UMMC Holmes County in Lexington is part of the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC). UMMC's Financial Assistance Program gives free or reduced-cost hospital care to eligible patients, based on family size and income, even if they have health insurance. You can also apply in person at the Lexington (Holmes County) Hospital Business Office, 239 Bowling Green Road. To apply, fill out a financial assistance application and send it with the required supporting documents, apply during a hospital stay or through MyChart, or call a UMMC Health Care Benefit Coordinator at 601-815-9430.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Rural public transit in Holmes 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 Central Mississippi, Inc. in Winona, Mississippi Valley State University Mass Transit in Itta Bena, and Sunflower-Humphreys Counties Progress, Inc. in Indianola as rural demand-response (call-ahead) providers serving the county. Providers offer wheelchair accessible rides. Holmes 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