Senior benefits in Washington County, Mississippi

The South Delta Area Agency on Aging, part of South Delta Planning and Development District in Greenville, serves Washington County and the rest of a six-county area for people 60 and older. It works with local providers, including the Bolivar County Council on Aging, Sunflower-Humphreys Counties Progress, the Warren-Washington-Issaquena-Sharkey Community Action Agency and North Mississippi Rural Legal Services. Its Mississippi Access to Care (MAC) Center gives options counseling on waiver services, home-delivered meals, senior jobs, medical equipment, family caregiver support, legal help, transportation, utility help, veteran services and prescription savings. It also runs the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) for low-income people 55 or older. Call 662-378-3831, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay home energy bills. In Washington County, Warren-Washington-Issaquena-Sharkey Community Action Agency (WWISCAA) takes applications. It also offers energy-saving workshops. 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 Greenville office at 662-378-8663.

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

The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) county office for Washington County is at 925 Main St in Greenville (phone 662-335-6051). 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

Delta Health – The Medical Center in Greenville, part of Delta Health System, has a charity care program for patients who are uninsured or under-insured. You may get help with up to 100 percent of your bill, based on your income and assets. You must fill out an application to be considered. Financial counselors can answer questions about billing, payment options and charity care, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A 0% interest payment plan is also offered. Call a financial counselor at 662-725-2148.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Charity care is based on income and assets and set by the hospital's financial assistance policy; Delta Health – The Medical Center makes the final award decision.

The Warren-Washington-Issaquena-Sharkey Community Action Agency (WWISCAA), in partnership with Delta Rides, gives rides in Washington County to people who are elderly or handicapped and need to get to health care, grocery stores and other places. To qualify, you must be at least 60 years old or handicapped and have no other way to get there. Rides run Monday to Friday. Call 662-378-5853.

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

In this county: Rides depend on the agency's rules and funding; call ahead to schedule and ask about any cost.