Senior benefits in Robeson County, North Carolina

The Lumber River Area Agency on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for Robeson County (Lumberton). It is the local entry point that connects older adults, caregivers, and people with disabilities to in-home aide services, home-delivered and group meals, transportation, family caregiver support, benefits and insurance counseling (SHIIP), and the Medicaid in-home care waivers. Services are aimed at adults 60 and older, with priority for those in the greatest need. Call the Area Agency on Aging at 910-618-5533 to get started.

Estimated service value: $500–$6,000 a year

North Carolina's Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) helps income-eligible Robeson County households pay heating bills, and the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) helps when a heating or cooling emergency or shutoff is imminent. Both are run locally by the Robeson County Department of Social Services. Households where someone is 60 or older or has a disability can apply early each season (starting in December), and all other households apply starting in January until funds run out. Apply online at ePASS (https://epass.nc.gov), or contact Robeson County DSS at 910-671-3500.

Estimated bill savings: $300–$1,000 a year

UNC Health Southeastern in Lumberton is the main hospital serving Robeson County. Its medical financial assistance program offers free or discounted care to qualifying lower-income, uninsured, and underinsured patients, based on household income and family size compared with the federal poverty guidelines. A medical hardship discount may also help patients above the income limit. Financial counselors can help with the application. Apply through the My UNC Chart patient portal or call 984-974-2222 (toll free 866-704-5286).

Estimated bill savings: $500–$18,000 a year

In this county: The hospital provides free or discounted (charity) care to lower-income, uninsured, and underinsured patients based on household income versus the federal poverty guidelines, with an added medical hardship discount for incomes above 200% of the guidelines but under $200,000, so this shows as a may-qualify result. Financial counselors can help you apply.

Minor home repairs and modifications for adults 60 and older who are unable to pay for the needed repairs, done with the help of volunteers. Services can include new door handles and deadbolt locks, fire/smoke detectors, repair or replacement of damaged doors and windows, fixing leaking faucets, pipes, or toilets, hot water heater replacement or draining, ramps, new steps, hand railings, grab bars, and replacement of non-working appliances. Priority goes to low-income disabled adults in greatest need. Contact the Aging Specialist at 910-775-9759 to apply.

The South East Area Transit System (SEATS) is the public, NCDOT-funded community transportation service for Robeson County (Lumberton). It runs established routes across the county Monday through Friday and schedules out-of-county medical trips to places like Fayetteville, Pinehurst, Laurinburg, Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh. All vehicles are ADA accessible for riders with disabilities. Rides are scheduled in advance; call SEATS at 910-618-5679 by noon the day before a trip.

Estimated service value: $150–$1,500 a year

In this county: This is a demand-response and route community transportation service reserved in advance; trip availability and any senior or disability fare reduction depend on capacity and grant funding, so this shows as a may-qualify result.