Senior benefits in Rabun County, Georgia

Legacy Link is the Area Agency on Aging for Rabun County. As an Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) access point, it connects older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers to in-home care, home-delivered and group meals, transportation, caregiver support, benefits counseling, and the Medicaid Community Care Services Program waiver. Services are for adults 60 and older, with priority for those in greatest need. Call Legacy Link at 855-266-4283.

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

Ninth District Opportunity (NDO) delivers the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for Rabun County. LIHEAP makes a one-time payment directly to a household's home energy supplier to help with heating and cooling costs, with crisis help when a shutoff is imminent. Households qualify with income at or below 60% of the state median income, and Georgia serves residents 65 or older and medically homebound households first each season. Locally, NDO opens its early appointment window (December 1) to households where every member is 65 or older, and medically homebound households call their local NDO office to schedule. Schedule an appointment by phone (855-636-3108) or online; help is first-come, first-served until funds run out.

Estimated bill savings: $400–$810 a year

Wellstar Mountain Lakes Medical Center in Clayton is the community hospital serving Rabun County in the far northeast Georgia mountains. No one is denied care because they cannot pay, and a discounted sliding fee scale is available based on family size and income. Hospital bills can also be reviewed under the Wellstar Financial Assistance Program. Call financial counseling at 706-782-3100 to review options and apply.

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

In this county: Wellstar Mountain Lakes Medical Center offers financial counseling, a discounted sliding fee scale based on family size and income, and the Wellstar Financial Assistance Program; eligibility is reviewed individually, so this shows as a may-qualify result. Financial counseling: 706-782-3100.

Legacy Link, the Area Agency on Aging for 13 North Georgia counties including Rabun, funds the Rabun County Senior Center. Legacy Link's senior centers provide transportation and trips for older adults, along with hot lunch, social and exercise activities, and educational programs. Ask the Rabun County Senior Center about ride days and how to sign up, or call Legacy Link at 770-538-2650 or 800-845-5465 for a screening and a referral to the right local service.

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