Senior benefits in Chilton County, Alabama

Middle Alabama Area Agency on Aging (M4A) is the Area Agency on Aging for Blount, Chilton, Shelby, St. Clair and Walker counties, including Chilton County. Its Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) gives free information and referrals to older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers. Services include Alabama Cares caregiver support, homemaker and personal care, legal help, senior centers and senior nutrition, Medicare counseling (SHIP), SenioRx prescription help, SNAP help, dementia support, and the long-term care ombudsman. Call 205-670-5770 or toll-free 866-570-2998.

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

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay home heating and cooling bills. In Chilton County, LIHEAP applications are taken by Community Action Partnership of Middle Alabama, the Community Action Agency the state lists for the county. The state agency, ADECA, does not take applications. Call the agency's call center at 205-287-0139 (main office 205-258-5198) to ask how to apply. Older adults and people with disabilities are among the priority groups. Help depends on available funds.

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

UAB St. Vincent's Chilton in Clanton is part of UAB Health System. Under the system's financial assistance policy, Alabama residents with income under 200% of the federal poverty level may get 100% charity care for emergency and other medically necessary care. Uninsured patients with income above 200% get a self-pay discount. Apply within 240 days of the first bill, through MyChart or by calling the Financial Assistance department at 205-801-9910.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Chilton County Transit is open to the general public and serves all areas of Chilton County. Rides run Monday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Vehicles are wheelchair accessible. Call 205-755-5941 at least 24 hours ahead to schedule a ride.

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