Senior benefits in Black Hawk County, Iowa

Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (NEI3A) is the Area Agency on Aging for Black Hawk County. It helps older adults stay independent at home. Its services include options counseling, case management, meal programs, caregiver support, respite services, health and wellness programs, advocacy, and recreation and education programs. NEI3A has offices in Decorah, Dubuque and Waterloo. Call toll-free 1-800-779-8707 to get started.

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

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income households pay part of their winter heating costs. In Black Hawk County, Operation Threshold takes applications. Households with an elderly or disabled member can apply starting October 1, 2026; all other households can apply starting November 1, 2026. Iowa accepts applications through April 30, and household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. Get an application at an Operation Threshold office, such as the Black Hawk County office at 1535 Lafayette in Waterloo, or call 319-291-2065.

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) office for Black Hawk County (Black Hawk County HHS) is at 1407 Independence Ave., Waterloo, IA 50704. You can apply at a local HHS office for SNAP food benefits, Medicaid and Rent Reimbursement (up to $1000 back on rent for income-eligible older or disabled renters). You can also apply online through the Iowa HHS Benefits Portal. Call 319-291-2441.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

UnityPoint Health – Allen Hospital in Waterloo follows UnityPoint Health's financial assistance policy, which helps patients who cannot reasonably pay for some or all of their care, including uninsured and underinsured patients. You can apply online through MyUnityPoint, or download the policy and application. A patient financial counselor in Waterloo can explain the program and help with Medicaid applications: call 319-235-3737. To apply by phone or check on an application, call the Financial Assistance team at 1-833-874-4243.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

MET Transit runs city bus routes in Waterloo and Cedar Falls. The regular adult fare is $1.50. People age 60 and older ride for $0.75 with ID, and the disabled fare and the Medicare card holder fare are also $0.75. A discounted 30-day pass for seniors, people with disabilities and students is $45.00 (ID required). MET also runs ParaTransit for riders who qualify. Call MET customer service at 319-234-5714. Outside the MET bus routes, OnBoard Public Transit (Region 7) serves Black Hawk County by advance reservation.

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

The Black Hawk County Veterans Affairs office at 1210 Idaho Street, Waterloo, IA 50703 helps veterans and their families. The office helps veterans and their dependents file claims for federal VA benefits and gives emergency help with basic needs through county relief funds, plus information and referrals. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call the office at 319-291-2512.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year