Senior benefits in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina

The Centralina Area Agency on Aging serves adults age 60 and older and their caregivers in Mecklenburg 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 links to in-home and adult day services. Call the Area Agency on Aging to find out 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 Mecklenburg 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

Atrium Health (including Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte) and Novant Health are the main hospitals serving Mecklenburg County. Atrium Health gives free care to patients with household income at or below 300% of the federal poverty guidelines, and an automatic 50% discount to uninsured patients. Novant Health offers its own financial assistance for patients who cannot afford care. Ask for a financial assistance application or call the billing office.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Mecklenburg: Atrium Health gives free care at or below 300% of the federal poverty level and a 50% uninsured discount; Novant Health has its own policy. Award depends on household income and the hospital's published policy.

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.

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) serves Mecklenburg County. Riders age 62 and older and people with disabilities can get a reduced-fare Transit ID to ride CATS buses and light rail at lower rates. Special Transportation Service (STS) is the ADA paratransit service for people who cannot use fixed-route buses because of a disability; it provides curb-to-curb shared rides. Call CATS to get a reduced-fare ID or to apply for STS paratransit.

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

In this county: Mecklenburg: CATS reduced fare is for riders 62+ and people with disabilities; STS paratransit requires an ADA eligibility determination.