Senior benefits in Mobile County, Alabama

AgeSouth, the Area Agency on Aging run by the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission, serves Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia counties, including Mobile 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 Mobile County, LIHEAP applications are taken by Mobile Community Action, the Community Action Agency that the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) lists for Mobile and Washington counties. ADECA does not take applications. Call the LIHEAP call center at 251-206-6117 to set up an appointment (the main office is 251-457-5700). 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

USA Health runs University Hospital, Children's & Women's Hospital, and Providence Hospital in Mobile. Its financial assistance policy lowers the patient's share of hospital charges based on income and assets. Households with income up to 200% of the federal poverty level get a 100% discount; 200–300% get 85%; and 300–400% get 76%. Patients who get help are not billed more than insured patients generally pay. Call Business Services at 251-434-3505, Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM, to request an application or get help with it.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The Wave Transit System runs public buses in Mobile. Riders 65 and older pay a reduced senior fare of $0.60, and reduced weekly and monthly passes are available to seniors, riders with disabilities, and Medicare recipients. To get reduced fares, bring proper ID to GM&O Customer Service at 110 Beauregard Street. The Mobility Assistance Program (MAP) offers paratransit for riders with disabilities; call MAP at 251-344-5656. For general questions call Customer Service at 251-344-6600.

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