Senior benefits in Mills County, Iowa

Connections Area Agency on Aging serves older adults and family caregivers in 20 counties in southwest and western Iowa, including Mills County. Its Information and Assistance specialists and Options Counselors help people find and apply for benefits such as Medicare Extra Help, Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid, SNAP food help and LIHEAP energy help. Other services include case management for people age 60 or older who need help with at least two daily activities (such as bathing or dressing) so they can stay at home, senior center meals and home-delivered meals for people 60 and older, caregiver support and respite options, free Medicare counseling through SHIIP, and Solution Options for Seniors (S.O.S.), which helps pay for home repairs or changes for people 60 and older who own their home or live with a caregiver. Call toll free 1-800-432-9209. The Council Bluffs office (231 S. Main St.) and Sioux City office (2301 Pierce St.) take walk-ins Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; the Creston office (109 N. Elm St.) is by appointment.

Estimated service value: $200–$2,000 a year

In Mills County, West Central Community Action (WCCA) takes applications for LIHEAP, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. LIHEAP helps qualifying low-income Iowa homeowners and renters pay part of their main heating costs for the winter heating season. The amount is based on household income, household size, type of fuel, and type of housing. Applications open November 1 and end April 30. Contact the WCCA Mills County Outreach Office at the SWITCH Campus, 58962 380th St., Hastings (phone 712-624-8696). Outreach offices also offer energy crisis help.

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) lists an office for Mills County at 418 Sharp Street, Glenwood. This office is by appointment only and is served by the Pottawattamie County office in Council Bluffs. Phone: 712-328-5661 or toll free 866-788-1805. Iowa HHS says you can apply for SNAP food benefits and for Medicaid health coverage, including Medicaid for older adults and people with disabilities, at your local HHS office. You can also apply online through the Iowa HHS Benefits Portal, or apply for Medicaid by phone at 1-855-889-7985.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Southwest Iowa Transit Agency (SWITA) is the public transportation system for all residents of Mills County and seven other southwest Iowa counties. On-demand rides are available Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. (not on holidays), and all vehicles are handicapped accessible. SWITA taxi service runs in Glenwood (8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday). In-town taxi rides cost $3.00 one way for the general public, or $2.50 for riders 60 and older with a Connections Area Agency on Aging form. Medical transportation costs $35 per hour. Call 1-800-842-8065 to schedule a ride.

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

The Mills County Commission of Veteran Affairs is the county veterans office. The Mills County Veterans Affairs office helps area veterans and their families apply for county, state and federal benefits. Appointments are not required but are highly encouraged. Visit the office at 403 Railroad Avenue, Glenwood, or call 712-527-5621.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year