Senior benefits in Clayton County, Georgia

The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is the Area Agency on Aging for Clayton County, serving older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers through its Empowerline service. ARC's aging team is a No Wrong Door / Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) access point: one call connects you to in-home care, home-delivered and group meals, transportation, caregiver support, benefits screening, and the Medicaid Community Care Services Program waiver. Services are for adults 60 and older, with priority for those in greatest need. Reach Empowerline at 404-463-3333.

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

Clayton County Community Services Authority (CCCSA) delivers the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for Clayton County. LIHEAP makes a payment toward a household's home heating or cooling bill, and a separate crisis payment when a household faces a shutoff. Payments typically range from about $350 to $500, with crisis help in the same range. Households qualify with income at or below 60% of the state median income; priority goes to those 60 and older, people with a disability, and homes with a child under five. Schedule an appointment at 678-783-8314; help is first-come, first-served until funds run out.

Estimated bill savings: $400–$810 a year

In this county: LIHEAP through Clayton County CSA is income-tested at or below 60% of the state median income (payments roughly $350–$500 plus crisis help) and is first-come, first-served until funds run out, so this shows as a may-qualify result. Priority: age 60+, disability, or a child under five.

Southern Regional Medical Center in Riverdale runs a Financial Assistance Program for patients who are uninsured or underinsured. It offers financial relief based on a comparison of your income and financial resources to the Federal Poverty Level guidelines, covering emergency or other medically necessary treatment. A patient financial counselor can review your situation and help you apply, and completed applications may be emailed to gafinancialassistance@primehealthcare.com.

Estimated bill savings: $500–$15,000 a year

In this county: Southern Regional offers Charity Care (free care) and a Discount Payment Program based on family size and income; the level of help is set by individual review, so this shows as a may-qualify result. Call 770-991-8600 for the application.

MARTA operates bus service in Clayton County (which joined MARTA in 2015). Riders 65 and older qualify for a Reduced Fare Breeze card and pay just $1 per trip instead of the standard fare. People with a qualifying disability and Medicare cardholders are also eligible. To get the card, show a valid photo ID with your date of birth (driver's license, state ID, or passport); the first card is free. The reduced-fare Breeze card works system-wide on MARTA bus and rail — just tap and ride.

Estimated service value: $200–$1,500 a year