Senior benefits in Cherokee County, North Carolina

Older adults age 60 and over in Cherokee County, and adults with disabilities, can get help through the Southwestern Commission Area Agency on Aging (Region A). Services include caregiver support, free Medicare counseling (SHIIP), home-delivered and congregate meals, in-home aide help, and guidance on long-term care choices. Call 828-586-1962 to ask which services are open and how to start.

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

Cherokee County Department of Social Services runs the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), a one-time yearly payment toward heating bills, and the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) for households facing a heating or cooling emergency. Households with someone age 60 or over, or a person with a disability who gets services through the Division of Aging, can apply starting December 1; all other households can apply January 1 through March 31 or until funds run out. Apply online through ePASS (https://epass.nc.gov) or contact the county DSS at 1-828-837-7455.

Estimated bill savings: $300–$900 a year

Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital in Murphy offers financial assistance (charity care) that can cover free or discounted hospital care for patients who qualify based on household income. Both insured and uninsured patients may apply. Call the Financial Counseling Department at 828-835-3662 for help with the application.

Estimated bill savings: $500–$20,000 a year

In this county: Erlanger's policy generally provides free or discounted care to patients with family income at or below 300% of the federal poverty guidelines; final eligibility is determined by the hospital after you apply.

Home Care Independence lets Cherokee County residents age 60 and older hire a family member, friend or other person of their choice as a paid personal assistant. The assistant helps with personal care such as bathing and dressing, and with home tasks such as cooking, cleaning, laundry and shopping. A care advisor helps you plan and direct your own care, and a payroll service pays the assistant. Call J. Robert Penland Senior Center at 828-837-2467 to ask about openings.

J. Robert Penland Senior Center makes minor repairs and safety improvements to the homes of Cherokee 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 J. Robert Penland Senior Center at 828-837-2467 to apply.

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

Cherokee County Transit is a door-to-door, demand-response service for Cherokee County residents, with rides to medical appointments, senior centers, shopping, and pharmacies. Fares are $5 round trip within Murphy or Andrews, $10 round trip elsewhere in the county, and $20 to $45 round trip for out-of-county medical trips; Medicaid transportation is booked through your caseworker. Vans are wheelchair-accessible. Give at least one day's notice. Call 828-837-1789 to schedule.

Estimated service value: $200–$1,500 a year

In this county: Reduced senior fares are available; call to confirm the current fare and to schedule a ride (most rides are demand-response and need advance notice).