Senior benefits in Berrien County, Georgia

The Southern Georgia Area Agency on Aging, part of the Southern Georgia Regional Commission, serves Berrien County from its Waycross office. Its Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) helps older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers find in-home help (homemaker and personal care), home-delivered and group meals, caregiver respite, transportation, legal help, and intake for the Medicaid Elderly and Disabled Waiver Program (EDWP). Services are for adults 60 and older, with priority for those in greatest need. Call the ADRC at 1-888-732-4464.

Estimated service value: $500–$6,000 a year

The Coastal Plain Area Economic Opportunity Authority (Coastal Plain Area EOA), the Community Action Agency in Valdosta, delivers the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for Berrien County. LIHEAP makes a payment toward a household's primary heating or cooling bill for income-eligible households, with crisis help when a shutoff is imminent. Households qualify with income at or below 60% of the state median income; residents who are 65 or older or medically homebound are a priority and may apply early each season. Make an appointment with Coastal Plain Area EOA at 229-242-8814.

Estimated bill savings: $400–$810 a year

the SGMC Berrien Campus in Nashville serves Berrien County (Nashville). The hospital's financial assistance (charity care) program offers free or discounted care to lower-income, uninsured, and underinsured patients, based on a review of household income and family size compared with the federal poverty guidelines. Those who qualify are never billed more than the amounts generally billed to insured patients. Financial counselors can help you apply.

Estimated bill savings: $500–$18,000 a year

The Southern Georgia Regional Commission coordinates regional public transportation for Berrien County (Nashville), arranging demand-response rides for medical appointments, senior centers, shopping, and essential errands. There are no fixed routes — trips must be scheduled at least 24 hours ahead. Riders 60 and older can arrange rides through the Southern Georgia ADRC at 1-888-732-4464. Other riders are directed to their local transit provider; general SGRC questions go to 229-333-5277.