Senior benefits in Gwinnett County, Georgia

The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is the Area Agency on Aging for Gwinnett 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

Partnership for Community Action (PCA) delivers the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for Gwinnett County. 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 each season. Apply through PCA; help is first-come, first-served until seasonal funds run out, so apply early.

Estimated bill savings: $400–$810 a year

Northside Hospital Gwinnett (with campuses in Lawrenceville and Duluth) serves Gwinnett County. Northside's Financial Assistance Program helps uninsured, underinsured, and medically indigent patients who lack the resources to pay for care. Patients with annual household income at or below 300% of the federal poverty level may qualify for a full discount on eligible care; income, assets, debt, and expenses are reviewed in the decision. Financial counselors can help with the application.

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

Ride Gwinnett (Gwinnett County Transit) runs local bus routes and express service in Gwinnett County. Its Half-Fare Program lets anyone 65 or older, a person with a disability, or a Medicare cardholder ride the fixed-route local service for half the regular fare. To use the benefit, show proof of eligibility to the operator — a Georgia driver's license or ID showing your age, a Medicare card, a Ride Gwinnett or MARTA half-fare Breeze card, or an ADA paratransit card.

Estimated service value: $150–$1,200 a year