Senior benefits in Lincoln County, North Carolina

The Centralina Area Agency on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for Lincoln County (Lincolnton). It is the local entry point that connects older adults, caregivers, and people with disabilities to in-home aide services, home-delivered and group meals, transportation, family caregiver support, benefits and insurance counseling (SHIIP), and the Medicaid in-home care waivers. Services are aimed at adults 60 and older, with priority for those in the greatest need. Call the Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-508-5777 to get started.

Estimated service value: $500–$6,000 a year

North Carolina's Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) helps income-eligible Lincoln County households pay heating bills, and the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) helps when a heating or cooling emergency or shutoff is imminent. Both are run locally by the Lincoln County Department of Social Services. Households where someone is 60 or older or has a disability can apply early each season (starting in December), and all other households apply starting in January until funds run out. Apply online at ePASS (https://epass.nc.gov), or contact Lincoln County DSS at 704-732-0738.

Estimated bill savings: $300–$1,000 a year

Atrium Health Lincoln in Lincolnton is the main hospital serving Lincoln County. Its financial assistance program offers free or discounted care to lower-income, uninsured, and underinsured patients, based on a review of household income and family size compared with the federal poverty guidelines. Uninsured patients automatically receive a discount off charges, and those who qualify for assistance are never billed more than the amounts generally billed to insured patients. Financial counselors can help with the application. Call 704-512-7171 to apply or ask questions.

Estimated bill savings: $500–$18,000 a year

Helps veterans of any age stay safely at home instead of in a long-term care facility. The veteran gets a monthly budget for long-term services and supports and can hire, schedule and supervise their own caregivers — family members, friends, or professional caregivers. Available to veterans enrolled in VA health care who meet the clinical criteria for long-term services and supports. To get started, talk to your social worker or primary care provider at your VA Medical Center; they confirm eligibility and start enrollment. Centralina Aging: 704-372-2416 or 1-800-508-5777.

Transportation Lincoln County (TLC) is the public, demand-response transportation service for Lincoln County (Lincolnton). It provides curb-to-curb rides for medical appointments, shopping, senior centers, and essential errands, with wheelchair-accessible vehicles available Monday through Friday. Senior Services transportation is available to residents 60 years of age and older, and to riders with disabilities under 60. Rides are scheduled in advance; call TLC dispatch at 704-479-0020, or the Senior Services transportation coordinator at 704-736-8492, to arrange a trip.

Estimated service value: $150–$1,500 a year