Senior benefits in Fulton County, Georgia

The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is the Area Agency on Aging for Fulton 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 information and help with 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 (caregivers and people with disabilities are also served), with priority for those in greatest need. Reach Empowerline at 404-463-3333.

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

In this county: Empowerline / ARC is the entry point (ADRC) to Older Americans Act and state aging services for adults 60+. Specific services depend on an individual needs assessment and local funding, so this shows as a may-qualify result.

The Fulton Atlanta Community Action Authority (FACAA) delivers the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for Fulton County and the City of Atlanta. LIHEAP makes a one-time payment toward a household's home heating or cooling bill to reduce the energy burden on income-eligible households. Households qualify with income at or below 60% of the state median income, and seniors 65 and older and the medically homebound can apply early in each season. FACAA also runs the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program and other Community Services Block Grant supports. Appointments are scheduled online or by phone (470-437-4621); apply early because help is first-come, first-served until funds run out.

Estimated bill savings: $400–$810 a year

In this county: LIHEAP through FACAA is income-tested at or below 60% of the state median income and is first-come, first-served until seasonal funds are exhausted, so this shows as a may-qualify result. Seniors 65+ and the medically homebound may apply early each season.

Grady Health System is the public safety-net hospital for Fulton County, anchored by Grady Memorial Hospital in downtown Atlanta. Grady's Financial Assistance Program provides free or discounted hospital care to patients who cannot afford to pay. Eligibility is based on household income measured against the federal poverty guidelines, along with family size and county of residence; qualifying patients receive a charity-care discount or a sliding-scale reduction. You can apply before a scheduled service or up to 240 days after your first billing statement. A financial counselor can help you complete the application. For questions, call Patient Financial Services at 404-616-2991, Monday through Friday.

Estimated bill savings: $500–$20,000 a year

In this county: Grady financial assistance is income-tested against the federal poverty guidelines (with sliding-scale discounts and full charity care for the lowest incomes), and considers family size and county of residence. Because the discount is set by an individual review, this shows as a may-qualify result. Grady is the safety-net system for Fulton and DeKalb residents in particular. Apply before service or within 240 days of the first bill.

MARTA operates the bus and rail system serving Fulton County. 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 for the reduced fare. 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