Senior benefits in Columbus County, North Carolina

The Cape Fear Area Agency on Aging serves older adults age 60 and older and their family caregivers in Columbus 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 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 Columbus 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 January 1, 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

Columbus Regional Healthcare System in Whiteville is the main hospital serving Columbus County. It offers a charity care (financial assistance) program that can forgive hospital bills for patients who cannot afford to pay, plus a catastrophic discount for some higher-income patients with large balances. Call 910-642-1744 for a financial assistance application or a copy of the charity care policy.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Columbus: Columbus Regional Healthcare System provides 100% charity care for household income up to 200% of the federal poverty guidelines; patients above that with catastrophic balances may get a discount. The hospital makes the final decision.

Columbus County Department of Aging makes minor repairs and safety improvements to the homes of Columbus 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 Columbus County Department of Aging at 910-640-6602 to apply.

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

Columbus County Transportation is the county's community transportation system. It provides low-cost, demand-response rides for qualifying Columbus County residents, including older adults and people with disabilities, with drivers trained to assist geriatric and disabled riders. Trips include medical appointments and trips coordinated through county agencies such as Social Services, Aging, and the Health Department. Call 910-641-3929 to learn how to schedule a ride and confirm the fare.

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

In this county: Columbus: Columbus County Transportation is a coordinated NCDOT-funded community transit system serving qualifying residents; older adults and riders with a disability are a core served group. Fares and trip priority depend on funding source.