Senior benefits in Union County, Georgia

Legacy Link is the Area Agency on Aging for Union 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 Union 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

Union General Hospital in Blairsville, the flagship of Union General Health System, is the community hospital serving Union County in the north Georgia mountains. Union General offers financial assistance and payment-plan options to uninsured patients and others who cannot afford their hospital bills, based on income and need. Call to schedule an appointment with a financial counselor to discuss programs that may help with hospital bills.

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

In this county: Union General Health System offers financial assistance and payment plans for uninsured and low-income patients based on income and need; eligibility is reviewed individually, so this shows as a may-qualify result. Central Billing Office: 706-745-2111.

Legacy Link, the Area Agency on Aging for 13 North Georgia counties including Union, funds the Union 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 Union 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