Senior benefits in Bremer County, Iowa

Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (NEI3A) is the Area Agency on Aging for Bremer 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 pay part of winter heating costs and can help in an energy crisis. In Bremer County, Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation (NEICAC) takes applications. Homeowners and renters with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines may qualify. Households with a member 60 or older, a disabled member, or a disconnect notice can apply starting October 1; all other households can apply starting November 1. Regular applications are taken October through April, and crisis requests are taken all year. NEICAC has a family services office in Waverly (1805 Horton Road, office 319-352-4532). To book an appointment or have an application mailed, call 563-382-8436.

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) office for Bremer County (Bremer County DHS) is at 203 1st Ave. NE, Waverly, IA 50677. It is open by appointment only. Food and medical benefits (income maintenance) are handled by the Floyd County office, and social services by the Butler County office. 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 641-228-5713 or toll-free 888-417-9027 for food and medical benefits, or 319-267-2594 for social services.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Waverly Health Center's Financial Assistance Program helps patients who have trouble paying for needed care. You may qualify if you meet the program's criteria and do not have health insurance, have insurance that does not fully cover your care, or are not eligible for Medicaid. Eligibility is based on income and family size under the federal poverty guidelines. Uninsured patients get a discount on the first bill automatically. An approved discount is good for 12 months. Call the Patient Financial Counselor at 319-352-4928.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

OnBoard Public Transit provides public transit in Bremer County and the rest of Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Chickasaw and Grundy counties. It is a service of the Iowa Northland Regional Transit Commission and is open to the general public, including people with disabilities. Rides run Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Rides cost $2.00 per mile, with a minimum of $8.00 for a one-way trip. Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance. Call 319-233-5213 or 1-800-369-3022, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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

The Bremer County Veterans Affairs office at 203 1st Ave. NE, Bremer County Annex, Waverly, IA 50677 helps veterans and their families. The office helps Bremer County veterans and their families apply for county, state and federal benefits. Veterans are welcome to make an appointment. A VA van gives rides to VA health care appointments; call 319-596-5800 to get on the schedule. Call the office at 319-352-4209.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year