Senior benefits in Fayette County, Iowa

Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (NEI3A) is the Area Agency on Aging for Fayette 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 Fayette 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 West Union (Courthouse Basement, 114 North Vine Street, 563-422-3354) and Oelwein (1 West Charles Street, Suite 5, office 319-283-2510). 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 Fayette County (Fayette County DHS) is at 129 S. Vine, West Union, IA 52175. 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.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

MercyOne Oelwein 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 Oelwein line at 1-800-728-0159 or 319-272-0044.

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 Fayette 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 Fayette County Veterans Affairs office helps veterans and their families. The county Veterans Affairs Director and Service Officer help honorably discharged veterans, widows, widowers and dependents with federal VA laws and benefits. Call the office at 319-283-3329.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year