Senior benefits in Martin County, North Carolina

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

Martin General Hospital in Williamston closed in August 2023, so Martin County no longer has a hospital of its own. The nearest hospitals are ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville (Pitt County) and ECU Health Beaufort Hospital in Washington (Beaufort County), both 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

In this county: Martin: Martin General Hospital (Williamston) closed in August 2023; residents now use ECU Health hospitals in Greenville or Washington. ECU Health financial assistance depends on household income and the system's published policy.

Martin County Adult & Aging Services makes minor repairs and safety improvements to the homes of Martin 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 Martin County Adult & Aging Services at 252-792-1027 to apply.

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

Martin County residents who are age 60 or older or who have a disability can get rides through Martin County Transit (MCT), the county's Community Transportation System. MCT runs specially equipped vans for older and disabled riders to nutrition sites, grocery stores, pharmacies, and doctor appointments. Trips must be booked at least three days in advance. Call Martin County Transit to schedule and check fares.

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

In this county: Martin: MCT provides general-public, elderly, and disabled rides; book trips at least three days ahead and confirm fares with the operator.