Senior benefits in Perquimans County, North Carolina

The Albemarle Commission Area Agency on Aging serves older adults age 60 and older and their family caregivers in Perquimans 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, health and wellness classes, and coordination of in-home aide and transportation 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 Perquimans 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

Perquimans County has no hospital of its own. Sentara Albemarle Medical Center in nearby Elizabeth City and ECU Health Chowan Hospital in Edenton are the closest hospitals. Sentara offers financial assistance for emergency and medically necessary care. Apply by asking for a financial assistance application or calling the billing office.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Perquimans: no in-county hospital; nearest are Sentara Albemarle (Elizabeth City) and ECU Health Chowan (Edenton). Sentara's published policy provides free care up to 300% of the federal poverty level and an 80% discount between 300% and 400% FPL.

Perquimans County residents can ride the Inter-County Public Transportation Authority (ICPTA), the regional community transportation system. ICPTA provides a free fare within its service area and offers in-town and out-of-town medical trips, rides to senior centers and nutrition sites, and ADA-accessible service. Older adults (65+) and riders with a disability are prioritized. Call to schedule a trip.

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

In this county: Perquimans: served by ICPTA (Albemarle Regional Health Services). ICPTA advertises a free fare within its service area; trips are by reservation.