Senior benefits in Perry County, Mississippi

Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District (SMPDD) is the Area Agency on Aging for Perry 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 Perry County through Community Development, Inc.. Outreach workers in Perry 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 Perry 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. In Perry County, call Pearl River Valley Opportunity, Inc. at 601-964-8231. Funding is limited.

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

The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) office for Perry County is at 201 1st West, New Augusta, MS 39462. Phone: 601-964-8374. 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

Perry County General Hospital in Richton is part of Forrest Health, which has a financial assistance policy for patients who cannot pay the full balance of their bill. It now runs as a rural emergency hospital, with 24-hour emergency care and outpatient services but no overnight hospital stays. Medically necessary and emergency care can get discounts or financial assistance based on your documented income and certain assets. The amount of help depends on your family's income, where it falls on the Federal Poverty Level, how much medical expense you owe, and whether you already get Medicaid or other social services. If you qualify but do not get 100% help, your balance is limited to the amount generally billed to all patients. Some services are not covered, including most physician services, home health, hospice and nursing home care. Call Forrest Health at 601-288-2032 or visit 6051 U.S. Highway 49 in Hattiesburg.

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 Perry 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