Senior benefits in Granville County, North Carolina

The Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging serves older adults age 60 and older and their caregivers in Granville County. It plans and funds local aging services such as 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 senior center programs. 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 Granville 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

Granville Health System (Granville Medical Center) in Oxford is the main hospital serving Granville County. Its Financial Assistance Policy offers income-based discounts; patients with annual gross income within 100% to 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines may qualify for free or discounted care, and no one is turned away based on the ability to pay. Ask Patient Billing for a financial assistance application.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Granville: Granville Health System bases financial assistance on annual gross income within 100% to 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, as stated on its financial assistance page; the hospital makes the final decision.

Granville County Senior Services makes minor repairs and safety improvements to the homes of Granville 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 Granville County Senior Services at 919-693-1930 to apply.

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

Help with urgent home repairs for homeowners in Granville County. Covered work can include roof repair or replacement, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, accessibility improvements, lead paint remediation, siding, doors, and other general improvements. Kerr-Tar is accepting applications now. Priority goes to older adults, people with disabilities, veterans, single parents, large families, and households with young children exposed to lead hazards. Download the application from the Kerr-Tar website and submit it with income verification, or call (252) 436-2040.

The Kerr Area Transportation Authority, known as KARTS, runs door-to-door, demand-response vans that meet ADA requirements and serve all of Granville County as part of its five-county region. Older adults age 60 and older and riders with a disability can get reduced-cost or program-sponsored rides to medical visits, the senior center, shopping, and other trips. Call KARTS ahead of time to schedule a ride or ask about senior and disability fare programs.

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