Senior benefits in Audubon County, Iowa

Elderbridge Agency on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for Audubon County and 28 other counties in north central, northwest and central Iowa. Its services include information and assistance, options counseling, case management, congregate and home-delivered meals, nutrition counseling, falls prevention classes, family caregiver support (support groups, training and help finding respite care), help for grandparents and older relatives age 55 and up who are raising a child, elder abuse prevention, legal assistance on elder rights issues, and Medicare help. Meals can have a wait list. Elderbridge has offices in Mason City, Fort Dodge, Carroll and Spencer. Call 800-243-0678.

Estimated service value: $200–$2,000 a year

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps homeowners and renters pay part of their heating bills during the winter with a one-time payment. Help is based on household income and household size. The regular application period is November 1 through April 30; households with elderly or disabled members can apply starting October 1. Funding is limited, so apply early. In Audubon County, apply through the New Opportunities outreach office at 109 Tracy Street in Audubon. Call 712-563-2777.

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

Audubon County Memorial Hospital (ACMH) in Audubon offers financial assistance for medically necessary care to people who are uninsured, underinsured, not eligible for a government program, or otherwise unable to pay. Under its 2025 policy, families with income at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines qualify for a discount, and families at 150% get a 100% discount. Apply after other coverage options are used up. Call the hospital at 712-563-2611 and ask about financial assistance.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Western Iowa Transit (WIT), run by Region XII Council of Governments, offers door-to-door rides in Audubon County and the rest of its six-county area. Service is open to the general public, including people with disabilities, and is well suited to seniors. Schedule rides with the Carroll office at 712-792-9914 at least 24 hours ahead. Service runs Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. In-town rides are $8.00 one way and $16.00 round trip, with $8.00 for each added stop; out-of-town trips are quoted at $2.00 per mile. Riders using Medicaid should call the number on their insurance card to arrange a ride.

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

The Audubon County Veterans Affairs office is at 318 Leroy Street, Suite 4, in Audubon (open Tuesday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.). Its VA-certified director helps eligible veterans and their families apply for VA disability compensation, pensions, survivor (death) pensions, Aid and Attendance for nursing home and housebound veterans, and the Iowa Veterans Home, and helps get military records. Call 712-563-3508.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year