Senior benefits in Buchanan County, Iowa

Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (NEI3A) is the Area Agency on Aging for Buchanan 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 Buchanan 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 Buchanan County office at 105 2nd Ave. NE in Independence (office 319-334-6081), or call 319-291-2065.

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) office for Buchanan County (Buchanan County DHS) is at 1415 1st Street West, Independence, IA 50644. 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 319-334-6091 or toll-free 800-642-6609.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Buchanan County Health Center (BCHC) in Independence offers financial assistance to eligible uninsured people, and to underinsured people getting emergency or other medically necessary care, based on financial need. People with household income that does not exceed 300% of the federal poverty guidelines will be considered. You can apply at any point in scheduling or billing; send the application with the required documents no later than 1 year after your hospital care. For help applying, call the Business Office at 319-332-0999.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

OnBoard Public Transit provides public transit in Buchanan 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 Buchanan County Veterans Affairs office at 210 5th Avenue NE, Independence, IA 50644 helps veterans and their families. The office gives financial assistance to low-income veterans and families, helps veterans and their families apply for federal VA benefits, and makes sure veterans get other county and state benefits they qualify for. Staff are nationally accredited. Call the office at 319-334-7450.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year