Senior benefits in Northampton County, North Carolina

The Upper Coastal Plain Area Agency on Aging serves older adults age 60 and older, their family caregivers, and people with disabilities in Northampton 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 and long-term care help, the long-term care ombudsman, and links to local senior centers. Call the Area Agency on Aging to learn what is available in your county.

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 Northampton 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

Northampton County has no in-county acute-care hospital. The nearest hospital for most residents is ECU Health North Hospital in Roanoke Rapids (Halifax County), part of ECU Health. ECU Health offers charity care (financial assistance) for emergency and medically necessary care to patients who cannot afford to pay, based on household income and the system's policy. Apply by asking for a financial assistance application or calling ECU Health financial assistance.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Northampton: no in-county hospital; ECU Health North Hospital (Roanoke Rapids) is the nearest. ECU Health financial assistance covers emergency and medically necessary care, based on household income and ECU Health's policy.

Home Care Independence lets Northampton County residents age 60 and older hire a family member, friend or other person of their choice as a paid personal assistant. The assistant helps with personal care such as bathing and dressing, and with home tasks such as cooking, cleaning, laundry and shopping. A care advisor helps you plan and direct your own care, and a payroll service pays the assistant. Call Northampton County Department of Social Services at 252-574-0222 to ask about openings.

Helpful Hands and Hearts makes minor repairs and safety improvements to the homes of Northampton 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 Helpful Hands and Hearts at 252-586-3000 to apply.

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

Choanoke Public Transportation Authority (CPTA), headquartered in Rich Square in Northampton County, provides door-to-door rides to medical appointments, dialysis, senior nutrition sites, shopping, and human-service agencies. Older adults (60+) and people with disabilities are a priority group. Call to schedule a ride at least two days ahead and ask about fares.

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

In this county: Northampton: CPTA general-public fare applies; senior (60+) and disabled riders are a priority group and may have reduced or sponsored fares. Reserve in advance.