Senior benefits in Clayton County, Iowa

Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (NEI3A) is the Area Agency on Aging for Clayton 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 Clayton 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 Elkader (600 Gunder Road Northeast, Suite 11, office 563-245-2452) and Guttenberg (510 S 1st St, Wednesdays). 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 Clayton County (Clayton County DHS) is at 600 Gunder Road, Elkader, IA 52043. It is open by appointment only. Food and medical benefits (income maintenance) are handled by the Fayette County office, and social services by the Winneshiek 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 563-422-5634 or toll-free 800-632-0014 for food and medical benefits, or 563-382-2928 for social services.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics (GMHC) gives financial assistance for medically necessary care to people who are uninsured, underinsured, not eligible for a government program, or otherwise unable to pay, based on their own financial situation. GMHC gives emergency care to everyone, whether or not they qualify for government help. Discounts are available to self-pay patients with no insurance, and payment plans can be set up. For financial counseling, call Patient Accounts at 563-252-1121 or 563-252-5546, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

EARL Public Transit, run by Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation (NEICAC), is the Region 1 public transit provider for Clayton County. All rides are open to the general public, including people with disabilities, and vehicles are wheelchair accessible with lift assistance. EARL offers demand-response rides for work, school, shopping and errands, leisure activities and non-emergency medical appointments. Call toll-free 1-866-382-4259 to schedule a ride. Online scheduling is available for in-town routes once your account is set up.

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

The Clayton County Veterans Affairs office at 600 Gunder Rd. N.E., Suite 6, Elkader, IA 52043 helps veterans and their families. The office, set up under Chapter 35B of the Code of Iowa, helps veterans and families apply for benefits such as disability compensation, pension, surviving spouse pension, aid and attendance, VA health care, military records and admission to the Iowa Veterans Home. It is nationally accredited to file federal claims at no cost, and offers transportation support to the Iowa City VA Medical Center and the VA clinic in Dubuque. Hours are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Call the office at 563-245-1865.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year