Senior benefits in Calhoun County, Iowa

Elderbridge Agency on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for Calhoun 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, household size, fuel type and housing type, and income must be at or below 200% of poverty. 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 Calhoun County, apply through the New Opportunities outreach office at 334 Richmond Street in Rockwell City. Call 712-297-7721 ext. 3000.

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital in Lake City offers discounted care based on federal poverty income guidelines. Under its plain language summary, patients with household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines may qualify for free care. Call 712-464-4206 for information about the Financial Assistance Program or help with the application.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

MIDAS Council of Governments runs the regional public transit system for Calhoun County and five nearby counties. It is a demand-response service open to the general public, including people with disabilities, and all vehicles are wheelchair accessible. Call dispatch at 515-573-8145 the day before your trip; rides run Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. With at least a day's notice, the fare is $2.50 each way for adults and $2.00 for students and seniors (with an approved senior sheet); same-day rides, when the schedule allows, are $3.50 and $3.00.

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

The Calhoun County Veterans Affairs office is at 515 Court Street in Rockwell City (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; call ahead for an appointment). The office gives free help getting military records and veterans' benefits, including VA health care, disability compensation and pensions. Calhoun County also gives temporary help to qualifying veterans in need who live in the county and have an emergency; money help is limited to rent, utility and burial costs. Call 712-297-8632.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year