Senior benefits in Baldwin County, Alabama

AgeSouth, the Area Agency on Aging run by the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission, serves Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia counties, including Baldwin County. It is one of 13 Area Agencies on Aging in Alabama. Many of its programs are for people 60 and older and their caregivers; some serve adults with disabilities of any age. Services include the Aging and Disability Resource Center, home-delivered meals, senior nutrition centers, Medicare counseling (State Health Insurance Program), prescription assistance, in-home services, legal counseling, a long-term care ombudsman, free tax preparation, health and wellness classes, Silver Sweepers home cleaning, help applying for SNAP food benefits, and Alabama CARES caregiver support. Call 251-706-4680 to get started.

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

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay home heating and cooling bills. In Baldwin County, LIHEAP applications are taken by Community Action Agency of South Alabama, the Community Action Agency that the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) lists for Baldwin, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Marengo, Monroe and Wilcox counties. ADECA does not take applications. Call the LIHEAP call center at 877-246-7836 to set up an appointment (the main office in Daphne is 251-626-2646). Bring proof of income, Social Security cards, a photo ID, and a recent energy bill. Help depends on available funds.

Estimated bill savings: $280–$1,100 a year

Baldwin Health in Foley has a Financial Assistance Program for patients who are uninsured, underinsured, or otherwise unable to pay for care. It offers a Charity Care Discount based on income compared with the federal poverty guidelines. Patients with no insurance who do not qualify for charity care get an Uninsured Discount, and a Catastrophic Care Discount may apply when a bill is large compared with yearly income. Staff can also screen for Medicaid. Apply with the hospital's application at the time of care or any time during billing. Call the Business Office at 251-949-3498 with questions.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The Baldwin Regional Area Transit System (BRATS), run by the Baldwin County Commission, gives door-to-door public rides anywhere in Baldwin County, open to everyone. Book a ride on the BRATS On-Demand app or call the scheduling team at 251-972-6817, Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Give your address, appointment time, destination, and whether you use a wheelchair or other mobility device. Rides are first come, first served. To cancel, call at least one hour before pickup.

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