Senior benefits in Washington County, North Carolina

The Albemarle Commission Area Agency on Aging serves older adults age 60 and older and their family caregivers in Washington 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 Washington 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

Washington Regional Medical Center in Plymouth is the hospital located in Washington County (note: the city of Washington, NC is in Beaufort County, not Washington County). It offers a Financial Assistance Policy, a Medical Debt Mitigation Policy, and presumptive eligibility for emergency and medically necessary care. ECU Health Beaufort Hospital in the city of Washington is another nearby option. Ask for a financial assistance application or call the business office.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Washington: Washington Regional Medical Center (Plymouth) is the in-county Critical Access Hospital and publishes a Financial Assistance Policy; award depends on household income. ECU Health Beaufort (city of Washington, Beaufort County) is a nearby alternative.

Washington County residents can ride Riverlight Transit, the county community transportation system. Service includes non-emergency medical transportation, rides to senior centers and nutrition sites, shopping, and general public trips. Older adults (60+) and riders with a disability can use elderly and disabled (E&D) reduced or no-cost fares. Call to schedule a ride.

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

In this county: Washington: Riverlight Transit is the county community transportation system (Plymouth); trips by reservation. Elderly and disabled (E&D) reduced or no-cost fares follow the NCDOT program.