Senior benefits in Jones County, North Carolina

The Eastern Carolina Council Area Agency on Aging (Region P) serves older adults age 60 and older and their caregivers in Jones 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 coordination of in-home aide and adult day 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 Jones 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

Jones County does not have its own hospital. Residents are served by nearby hospitals — CarolinaEast Medical Center in New Bern and UNC Health Lenoir in Kinston. CarolinaEast offers financial assistance, including charity care and a 40 percent discount for uninsured patients on medically necessary services. Financial counselors can also screen for Medicaid. Apply by contacting a CarolinaEast financial counselor.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Jones: no in-county hospital; nearest care is CarolinaEast Medical Center (New Bern) and UNC Health Lenoir (Kinston). CarolinaEast provides free charity care to patients at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and a 40% uninsured discount.

Helps at-risk adults 60 and older in Jones 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.

Jones County residents can ride CARTS, the Craven Area Rural Transit System, which runs call-ahead demand-response rides across Craven, Jones, and Pamlico counties. All vehicles are ADA accessible. Older adults (60+) and people with disabilities can ride under the state Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance Program (EDTAP). Jones County Senior Services (252-448-7571) can help arrange rides to senior sites. Call CARTS in advance to schedule.

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

In this county: Jones: rides are provided by the regional CARTS system; EDTAP gives older and disabled riders priority and reduced or free fares. Trips must be scheduled in advance.