Senior benefits in Craven County, North Carolina

The Eastern Carolina Council Area Agency on Aging serves older adults age 60 and older and their caregivers in Craven 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 Craven 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

CarolinaEast Medical Center in New Bern is the main hospital serving Craven County. It offers charity (financial assistance) for medically necessary care to patients who cannot afford to pay. Uninsured self-pay patients receive a discount on medically necessary services, and patients with household income at or below the published threshold may receive free care. Apply by asking for a financial assistance application or calling the business office.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Craven: CarolinaEast provides free care for households at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and a discount for other uninsured patients, per the hospital's published policy.

Helps at-risk adults 60 and older in Craven County stay housed. The program can assist with rent and rental deposits, utilities and utility deposits, mortgage payments, property taxes, accessibility ramps, basic household furnishings, and minor home repairs. It is an extension of the Housing and Home Improvement Program, intended to reduce and prevent homelessness among older adults. To apply, contact Catholic Charities at (252) 497-3482, or the Eastern Carolina Council Area Agency on Aging at (252) 638-3185.

Craven Area Rural Transit System (CARTS) is Craven County's public transit system. Residents age 60 and older and people with a permanent disability can ride at no cost for life-necessity trips, such as medical, pharmacy, and nutrition trips. CARTS also runs fixed routes open to the public and demand-response rides across Craven, Jones, and Pamlico counties. One companion may ride free to assist a passenger who needs an attendant. Call to schedule a ride in advance.

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

In this county: Craven: CARTS rides are free for riders 60+ or with a disability for life-necessity (medical, pharmacy, nutrition) trips; other trips may have a fare.