Senior benefits in Monroe County, Iowa

Milestones Area Agency on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for Monroe County and 16 other counties in southeast Iowa. It helps older Iowans live safely and on their own at home. Services include information and assistance, options counseling, case management, nutrition programs such as home-delivered meals and Milestones Community Cafés, caregiver support (including respite care information and support groups), health and wellness classes, elder abuse prevention, and free SHIIP Medicare counseling. Home-delivered meals are for people age 60 and older (and their spouse of any age) who live where the meals are offered. Call the toll-free line at 855-410-6222. Offices are in Davenport (4440 Brady St., 563-324-9085), Burlington (509 Jefferson Street, 319-752-5433) and Ottumwa (635 E. Pennsylvania Ave.).

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

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help pay part of your winter heating costs if you meet income guidelines. In Monroe County, South Central Iowa Community Action Program (SCICAP) takes LIHEAP applications. Households with members age 60 or older or disabled family members can apply starting October 1; all other households start November 1. If you are found eligible, your heating and electric service is protected from shut-off through March 31. If you have a disconnection notice, call right away. Make an appointment at the Monroe County Outreach office at 221 S Clinton St, Albia, phone 641-932-5107.

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) lists an office for Monroe County at 801 South B Street, Albia. This office is by appointment only and is served by the Mahaska County office in Oskaloosa. For food and Medicaid applications (income maintenance), call 641-682-8793; for social services, call 641-673-3496. 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

10-15 Transit is the public transit system for Monroe County and nine other southern Iowa counties. Rides are open to anyone, including people with disabilities, for nearly any purpose, such as grocery shopping, medical and dental visits, meal sites, work or personal business. Demand-response rides run about 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. based on driver availability. Fares are $2 within city limits, $4 in the county, and $25 county to county. Call 641-683-2024 or toll-free 800-227-6390 to set up a ride.

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

The Monroe County Commission of Veterans Affairs, at Monroe County Community Services, 1801 South B Street, Albia, helps Monroe County veterans discharged under honorable conditions who served 90 days in a row of active federal service, and their family members. Subject to eligibility guidelines, help is available with rent, utilities, food, medical and dental care, prescriptions, transportation, burial and grave markers. The office also helps all veterans and their families apply for federal benefits such as disability compensation, pension, survivor pension, aid and attendance, VA health care and admission to the Iowa Veterans Home. Open Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call 641-932-5622.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year