Senior benefits in Pamlico County, North Carolina

The Eastern Carolina Council Area Agency on Aging (Region P) serves older adults age 60 and older and their caregivers in Pamlico 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 coordination of in-home aide and adult day services. 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 Pamlico 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

Pamlico County does not have its own hospital. Residents are served by CarolinaEast Medical Center in nearby New Bern. CarolinaEast offers financial assistance, including charity care and a 40 percent discount for uninsured patients on medically necessary services. Financial counselors can also screen for Medicaid. Apply by contacting a CarolinaEast financial counselor.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Pamlico: no in-county hospital; nearest care is CarolinaEast Medical Center (New Bern). CarolinaEast provides free charity care to patients at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and a 40% uninsured discount.

Helps at-risk adults 60 and older in Pamlico 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.

Pamlico County residents can ride CARTS On Demand, the Craven Area Rural Transit System, which picks you up at your location and can take you anywhere in Pamlico, Jones, and Craven counties. Book at least 48 business hours ahead by calling 252-636-4917. Fares start at $3.25 and go up with mileage. All vehicles are ADA accessible; tell the dispatcher if you need the wheelchair lift or bring an attendant. Pamlico residents age 60 or older, or with a permanent disability, can apply for help with ride costs through the Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance Program (EDTAP); call Pamlico County DSS at 252-745-4086 about EDTAP. Pamlico County Senior Services (252-745-7196) can also help arrange rides.

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

In this county: Pamlico: rides are provided by the regional CARTS system; EDTAP (administered by Pamlico County DSS) gives older and disabled riders priority and reduced or free fares. Trips must be scheduled in advance.