Senior benefits in Onslow County, North Carolina

The Eastern Carolina Council Area Agency on Aging serves older adults age 60 and older and their caregivers in Onslow 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 Onslow 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

Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville is the main hospital serving Onslow County. Its Patient Assistance Program offers financial help to patients who have no health coverage, or coverage that pays only part of the bill, are ineligible for Medicaid or other coverage, and meet the income criteria. Approved applicants may receive an Onslow Community Care Card valid for six months. Apply by requesting an application from Patient Financial Services.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Onslow: the Patient Assistance Program requires a Medicaid denial and 12 months of income verification; award depends on the hospital's income criteria.

Helps at-risk adults 60 and older in Onslow 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.

Onslow United Transit System (OUTS) is the community transportation provider for Onslow County, based in Jacksonville. The county's Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance Program helps older adults and people with disabilities get rides to medical appointments, senior centers, work, and errands using ADA-equipped vehicles. Low one-way fares apply, often as low as two dollars for a medical or senior-center trip. Schedule rides in advance by phone.

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

In this county: Onslow: OUTS fares for elderly/disabled riders run about $2–$5 per one-way trip depending on destination and program; reserve at least one day ahead.