Senior benefits in Wilcox County, Alabama

The Alabama-Tombigbee Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging (ATRC Aging) serves Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Dallas, Marengo, Monroe, Perry, Sumter, Washington, and Wilcox counties, including Wilcox County. It is the area's Aging and Disability Resource Center, the starting point for long-term services for seniors and people with disabilities and their caregivers. Programs include Medicaid waiver home care, Alabama CARES caregiver support, in-home services, legal services, a long-term care ombudsman, senior centers and meals, SenioRx prescription help, and Medicare counseling (State Health Insurance Program). Call 334-682-5206 or toll-free 888-617-0500, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

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

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay home heating and cooling bills. In Wilcox 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

J. Paul Jones Rural Emergency Hospital in Camden has a charity care policy for patients who cannot pay for medically necessary care. People with income at or below 100% of the federal poverty level get free care. Those between 100% and 200% get reduced-cost care on a sliding scale, and people above 200% may still get a reduction if they cannot afford the bill. Call the hospital at 334-682-4131 for more information and an application.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The Alabama-Tombigbee Regional Commission's rural transportation program gives demand-response rides to the general public of all ages in Clarke, Conecuh, Monroe and Wilcox counties, including Wilcox County. It also takes older adults to the Area Agency on Aging nutrition centers. Call the transportation coordinator for Conecuh, Monroe and Wilcox counties at 334-682-6128 at least 24 hours ahead to schedule. Be ready 15 minutes before pickup, and bring the exact fare — drivers do not carry change. Personal care attendants ride free.

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