Senior benefits in Chickasaw County, Iowa

Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (NEI3A) is the Area Agency on Aging for Chickasaw 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 Chickasaw 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 New Hampton (2275 South Linn Avenue). 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 Chickasaw County (Chickasaw County DHS) is at 260 E. Prospect Street, New Hampton, IA 50659. It is open by appointment only and is served by the Floyd County office in Charles City. 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.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

MercyOne New Hampton Medical Center follows MercyOne's financial assistance program. MercyOne does not refuse medically necessary or emergency care, and gives help to low-income people and people with special health care expenses who live in its service area. The program covers medically necessary hospital services, including inpatient, emergency and medical group outpatient care. MercyOne will not take legal action to collect a judgment, place a lien or report you to a credit bureau while you are applying for or receiving assistance. Download the application, policy and plain language summary online, or call the New Hampton line at 641-428-3029 or 641-428-7824.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

OnBoard Public Transit provides public transit in Chickasaw 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 Chickasaw County Veterans Affairs office at 2275 S Linn Ave., PO Box 425, New Hampton, IA 50659 helps veterans and their families. The office supports veterans, widows of veterans, children of deceased or disabled veterans, and parents who lost a son or daughter in military service, and helps them apply for federal and state benefits. Volunteer drivers give rides to VA clinics and hospitals in Iowa; call the office and leave your name, appointment place, date and time. Call the office at 641-394-3232.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year