Senior benefits in Randolph County, North Carolina

The Piedmont Triad Regional Council Area Agency on Aging serves older adults age 60 and older and their family caregivers in Randolph 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 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. Randolph County Department of Social Services runs both. 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

Randolph Health in Asheboro is the hospital serving Randolph County. Its Patient Financial Services team helps patients who cannot afford to pay by reviewing financial assistance, payment plans, and other options. Randolph Health makes its financial assistance policy and application available to patients. Ask for a financial assistance application or call Patient Financial Services to see what help is available.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Randolph: Randolph Health financial assistance is income-based per the hospital's published policy; the award depends on household income.

Regional Consolidated Services makes minor repairs and safety improvements to the homes of Randolph 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 Regional Consolidated Services at 336-629-5141 to apply.

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

The Regional Coordinated Area Transportation System (RCATS) provides curb-to-curb public transportation to all Randolph County residents by advance reservation. Rides are free for residents age 60 and older; other riders pay a low fare. RCATS serves older adults, people with disabilities, and the general public for in-town and in-county trips such as medical appointments, shopping, and visits, plus scheduled out-of-county medical trips. Schedule rides at least three working days ahead by calling 336-629-7433.

Estimated service value: $300–$3,000 a year

In this county: Randolph: RCATS rides are free for residents 60+ and low-cost for others; trips must be reserved at least three working days ahead and are subject to a weekly trip limit.