Senior benefits in Guthrie County, Iowa

Elderbridge Agency on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for Guthrie 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 Guthrie County, apply through the New Opportunities outreach office at 400 State Street in Guthrie Center. Call 641-747-3845 ext. 6020.

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

Western Iowa Transit (WIT), run by Region XII Council of Governments, offers door-to-door rides in Guthrie County and the rest of its six-county area. Service is open to the general public, including people with disabilities, and is well suited to seniors. Schedule rides with the Carroll office at 712-792-9914 at least 24 hours ahead. Service runs Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. In-town rides are $8.00 one way and $16.00 round trip, with $8.00 for each added stop; out-of-town trips are quoted at $2.00 per mile. Riders using Medicaid should call the number on their insurance card to arrange a ride.

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

The Guthrie County Veterans Affairs office is at the lower level of the Guthrie County Courthouse, 200 N. 5th St. in Guthrie Center (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; appointments highly encouraged). The Guthrie County Veterans Affairs Commission helps veterans with an honorable discharge and their families apply for disability compensation, pensions, surviving spouse pensions, Aid and Attendance, grave markers, military records, and Iowa Veterans Trust Fund assistance. The office also runs a Veterans Assistance Program. Call 641-747-2546.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year