Senior benefits in Hyde County, North Carolina

The Albemarle Commission Area Agency on Aging serves older adults age 60 and older and their family caregivers in Hyde 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, health and wellness classes, and coordination of in-home aide and transportation 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 Hyde 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

Hyde County has no hospital of its own. The nearest ECU Health hospitals include ECU Health Beaufort Hospital in the city of Washington and the flagship ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville. ECU Health offers charity care (financial assistance) for emergency and medically necessary care to patients who cannot afford to pay. Ask for a financial assistance application or call the business office.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Hyde: no in-county hospital; this rural county is served by ECU Health facilities (Beaufort Hospital in the city of Washington; ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville). Charity care depends on household income and the system's published policy.

Hyde County Transit provides rides for county residents, including non-emergency medical transportation, trips to the Mattamuskeet and Tyrrell County senior centers and nutrition sites, employment transit, and a Rural General Public program. Older adults (60+) and riders with a disability can use elderly and disabled (E&D) reduced or no-cost fares. Call to schedule a ride.

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

In this county: Hyde: county community transportation; trips by reservation. Elderly and disabled (E&D) reduced or no-cost fares follow the NCDOT program.