Senior benefits in Dade County, Missouri

SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for Dade County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to Region 1 AAA in Springfield. Care coordination, senior centers and meals, Medicare/CLAIM navigator, legal services, tax assistance, wellness classes, veterans assistance. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-417-862-0762 to get started.

Estimated service value: $500–$6,000 a year

Missouri's Energy Assistance and Energy Crisis Intervention programs (LIHEAP) help income-eligible households in Dade County pay heating and cooling bills and resolve utility emergencies. The DSS Family Support Division funds the program, and Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC) takes applications for this county. Winter and summer components run on their own seasons while funds last. Call 1-417-864-3460 to apply.

Estimated bill savings: $300–$1,000 a year

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Dade County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Mercy Hospital Aurora for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. Dade County (Greenfield/Lockwood) has no hospital. Nearest options are Mercy Hospital Aurora (~30 mi south) and Citizens Memorial Hospital in Bolivar (~35 mi east, https://www.citizensmemorial.com/patients-and-visitors/financial-assistance.html). The Mercy system-wide financial assistance policy is cited.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Dade County has adopted Missouri's senior property tax credit (SB 190): homeowners 62 or older can freeze the real-estate tax bill on their primary home, so it stops rising in later years. The Dade County Collector's page publishes an 'SB 190 Ordinance: Senior Tax Credit', an 'Application for Senior Tax Credit' and a '2nd Time Application for Senior Tax Credit'. Collector: Jarromy O'Connor, 300 W. Water Street, Greenfield, MO 65661; office hours 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Apply through the county's program office.

Estimated bill savings: $100–$2,000 a year

OATS Transit (Southwest Region, Springfield) serves Dade County with Rural demand-response on a fixed monthly calendar: Mt. Vernon (1st Monday), Lamar (every Wednesday plus 1st and 2nd Thursdays), Greenfield/Lockwood (3rd, 4th and 5th Thursdays). OATS Transit is open to riders of any age — the page for this county states it is 'available to anyone regardless of age, income, disability, race, gender, religion, or national origin'. Fares are listed above; call ahead to book, as rides are scheduled in advance. Call 1-417-887-9272 for schedules, fares, or to book a ride.

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