Senior benefits in Burke County, North Carolina

The Western Piedmont Area Agency on Aging serves older adults age 60 and older and their caregivers in Burke 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 links to in-home aide and adult protective services. Call the Area Agency on Aging to find out what is offered 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 Burke 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

UNC Health Blue Ridge, with hospitals in Morganton and Valdese, is the main hospital system serving Burke County. Its Financial Assistance Program helps North Carolina residents pay for emergency and medically necessary care based on household income and family size, and uninsured patients receive a discount. Apply through the My UNC Chart patient portal or by calling the financial assistance call center.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Burke: UNC Health Blue Ridge financial assistance is available to North Carolina residents with household income at or below 300% of the federal poverty guidelines; uninsured patients also receive a 40% discount.

Foothills Service Project makes minor repairs and safety improvements to the homes of Burke 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 Foothills Service Project at 828-879-8400 to apply.

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

Greenway Public Transportation provides bus service to Burke County residents. Service includes the Burke County flex routes and county-wide demand-response and ADA paratransit trips. Riders age 65 or older ride at a reduced fare (about $0.60 per trip) by showing a Medicare card or a half-fare card, and riders with a disability can use ADA paratransit and demand-response rides. Call Greenway dispatch at 828-464-9444 to schedule a trip or ask about fares and passes.

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