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Senior benefits in DeKalb County, Alabama

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Seniors in DeKalb County, Alabama, and their families have access to a wide range of benefit programs that can help with everyday costs and care needs. The Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments (TARCOG) Area Agency on Aging is a strong local starting point for connecting with services in this area. Residents may also find help through DeKalb County Rural Public Transportation for getting to appointments, the Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama for energy bill assistance through LIHEAP, and Hospital Financial Assistance at DeKalb Regional Medical Center for those who qualify. At the state level, programs like Alabama Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, SenioRx, the Elderly and Disabled Medicaid Waiver, and the Homestead exemption for homeowners 65 and older may reduce costs for eligible seniors. Free Medicare counseling is available through Alabama SHIP. Dozens of federal programs also apply here. Each listing below includes its official source and the date it was last verified. The administering agency always makes the final eligibility decision.

4

Local programs

12

Alabama programs

25

Federal programs

16

Categories

Last verified · October 12, 2026

Local starting point

Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments (TARCOG) Area Agency on Aging

1-256-830-0818

See which of these DeKalb County programs you may qualify for.

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Helping others? Print the DeKalb County benefits checklist — free to hand out.

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Income limits, new requirements, how to apply — see what’s changed across senior benefit programs, from the official source in plain English.

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Programs run in DeKalb County

Run by the county, its Area Agency on Aging, or another agency serving DeKalb County. Start here.

Elder Services in DeKalb County

Programs here typically provide services worth $200–$2,000 a year to an eligible household.

Area Agency on Aging services (Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments (TARCOG)) — DeKalb

County · Alabama

The Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments (TARCOG) runs the Area Agency on Aging for DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison and Marshall counties, including DeKalb County. It plans and funds services that help people over 60 stay independent. Services include information and referral, caregiver support, legal help, the long-term care ombudsman, senior centers, nutrition and home-delivered meals, transportation, case management, and homemaker and personal care. Call 256-830-0818 for senior or disability services, or to make a referral.

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

How to apply →Official source →1-256-830-0818Last verified · October 8, 2026

Energy Assistance in DeKalb County

Programs here typically lower an eligible household's bills by $280–$1,100 a year.

LIHEAP energy assistance (Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama) — DeKalb

County · Alabama

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay home energy bills. In DeKalb County, LIHEAP applications are taken by the Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama. Household income for the previous month must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. Make an appointment on the agency's website or call 256-638-4430. The DeKalb County office is at 1481 McCurdy Ave S, Rainsville. Help depends on available funds.

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

How to apply →Official source →1-256-638-4430Last verified · October 10, 2026

Healthcare in DeKalb County

Hospital Financial Assistance (DeKalb Regional Medical Center (HH Health)) — DeKalb

County · Alabama

DeKalb Regional Medical Center in Fort Payne, part of Huntsville Hospital Health System (HH Health), offers financial assistance to uninsured and underinsured patients for emergency and medically necessary hospital care. Under the system policy, patients with household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level can get this care free, and patients below 400% can get discounts. Eligibility is based on household income, assets, and the federal poverty guidelines. Assistance covers hospital charges only, not separate doctor bills. Call a financial counselor at 256-997-2133 for help applying.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

How to apply →Official source →1-256-997-2133Last verified · October 9, 2026

Transportation in DeKalb County

Programs here typically provide services worth $150–$1,500 a year to an eligible household.

Rural public transportation (DeKalb County Rural Public Transportation) — DeKalb

County · Alabama

DeKalb County Rural Public Transportation gives rides to the general public, with wheelchair-accessible service. It runs daily scheduled trips for seniors to seven nutrition centers, plus trips for shopping, medical and pharmacy visits, paying bills, and outings, and also offers demand-response trips. Call 256-845-8593 to ask about a ride.

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

How to apply →Official source →1-256-845-8593Last verified · October 11, 2026

Local agencies serving DeKalb County

Who runs the county programs above, and how to reach them. Every line comes from a program record on this page — nothing is added that the catalog does not cite.

Alabama and federal programs

Open to eligible households in DeKalb County and across the rest of Alabama. Full details are on the Alabama benefits page.

Money & income2 programs

Cash paid to you, and emergency help when money runs short.

Health & Medicare costs8 programs

Medicaid, Medicare savings, and help with drug and doctor bills.

Food7 programs

SNAP (food stamps), meals, and farmers market coupons.

Home, bills & taxes8 programs

Help with heating and electric bills, rent, property taxes, and home repairs.

Care at home & long-term care3 programs

Help staying in your home, nursing home alternatives, and support for family caregivers.

Help, advice & legal6 programs

Free counseling, legal help, rides, and other senior services.

Veterans3 programs

Benefits for veterans and their surviving spouses.

Nearby counties

Local programs differ from one county to the next. If you live near a county line, or you are helping a parent who lives in one of these, it is worth checking there too.

← All Alabama counties

Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.