Senior benefits in Hertford County, North Carolina

The Mid-East Commission Area Agency on Aging (Region Q) serves older adults age 60 and older and their caregivers in Hertford 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 Hertford 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

ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital in Ahoskie is the main hospital serving Hertford County, part of the ECU Health system. ECU Health offers charity care (financial assistance) for emergency and medically necessary care to patients who cannot afford to pay, with both income-based and non-income-based charity care. Apply through MyChart, by calling the Central Business Office, or by asking for a financial assistance application.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Choanoke Public Transportation Authority (CPTA) is the regional Community Transportation System serving Hertford, Bertie, Halifax, and Northampton counties, with more than 40 years of service. CPTA runs weekday demand-response rides for medical appointments, shopping, and human-service trips. General-public rides are $2 each way. Older adults and riders with disabilities may qualify for subsidised or free trips through North Carolina's Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance Program. Call CPTA to check current fares and to schedule a ride.

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