Senior benefits in Wayne County, North Carolina

The Eastern Carolina Council Area Agency on Aging serves older adults age 60 and older and their caregivers in Wayne 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 adult protective services coordination. 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 Wayne 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

UNC Health Wayne in Goldsboro is the main hospital serving Wayne County. Through the UNC Health financial assistance (charity care) policy, North Carolina residents with household income at or below 300% of the federal poverty guideline can get medically necessary care discounted: 100% off at or below 200% of poverty, 75% off from 201-250%, and 50% off from 251-300%. Under the 2026 policy, UNC Health can also check income after treatment without an application and tell you before it sends a bill (at Wayne this started six months after the January 2026 system launch). Patients may apply before their first visit. Apply through My UNC Chart or call 984-974-3425 to ask about financial assistance.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The Goldsboro-Wayne Transportation Authority (GWTA) runs public transit across Goldsboro and Wayne County. Senior citizens and people with a disability ride the city fixed-route buses at a reduced fare (half the regular fare). GWTA also offers van services for older adults and people with disabilities who do not have reliable transportation, plus ADA paratransit and rural general public rides countywide. Call to schedule a ride or check current fares.

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

In this county: Wayne: GWTA city fixed-route reduced fare is about $0.50 for seniors and riders with a disability; van and ADA paratransit trips are about $2 one-way. Confirm the senior reduced-fare age with GWTA.