Senior benefits in Bertie County, North Carolina

The Mid-East Commission Area Agency on Aging (Region Q) serves older adults age 60 and older and their caregivers in Bertie County. Services include congregate and home-delivered meals, family caregiver support and respite, the Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) for Medicare counseling, options counseling for long-term care, the long-term care ombudsman, and adult protective services coordination. Call the Area Agency on Aging to learn what is available locally.

Estimated service value: $1,000–$6,000 a year

North Carolina's Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) gives a one-time payment toward heating costs, and the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) helps when a household faces a heating or cooling emergency. Both are run by the Bertie County Department of Social Services. Households with an older adult (60+) or a person with a disability can apply starting December 1; other eligible households apply starting in January, until funds run out. Apply online through ePASS at epass.nc.gov, by phone, or at the county DSS office.

Estimated bill savings: $300–$1,500 a year

ECU Health Bertie Hospital in Windsor is the main hospital serving Bertie County, part of the ECU Health system. ECU Health offers charity care (financial assistance) for emergency and medically necessary care to patients who cannot afford to pay, with both income-based and non-income-based charity care. Apply through MyChart, by calling the Central Business Office, or by asking for a financial assistance application.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Bertie County Council on Aging makes minor repairs and safety improvements to the homes of Bertie County residents age 60 and older who have no one able and willing to do the work for them. Depending on what the local provider offers, help can include security improvements, minor home repairs, ramps, grab bars and other accessibility changes, and repair or replacement of basic furnishings and appliances. Renters can qualify with written permission from the landlord. Help is limited to $7,000 per person each program year. Call Bertie County Council on Aging at 252-794-5315 to apply.

Estimated service value: $0–$7,000 a year

Bertie County residents who are age 60 or older or who have a disability can get rides through the Choanoke Public Transportation Authority (CPTA), the regional Community Transportation System that has served Bertie County for more than 40 years. CPTA runs weekday rides to medical offices, dialysis, senior nutrition sites, community colleges, shopping, and human-service agencies. Requests must be made by 10:00 a.m. ahead of the trip. Call CPTA to schedule and check fares.

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