Senior benefits in Palo Alto County, Iowa

Elderbridge Agency on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for Palo Alto 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) makes a one-time payment to your heating company to help with winter heating costs, no matter what fuel you use. In Palo Alto County, Upper Des Moines Opportunity (UDMO) takes applications at its outreach office at 2905 25th Street in Emmetsburg; call 712-852-3482 ext. 5011 for an appointment. Households with a member age 60 or older, a disabled member, or a crisis can apply starting October 1; everyone else can apply November 1 through April 30. Both homeowners and renters can qualify. Approved households are also protected from gas or electric shut-off during the winter moratorium, November 1 through April 1. Applying for LIHEAP also signs you up for weatherization.

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

Palo Alto County Health System in Emmetsburg has a Financial Assistance Program for people who cannot pay their medical bills. Eligibility and the amount of help depend on family income and family size, using a sliding income scale. Uninsured and underinsured people are welcome to apply. Call the financial counselor at 712-852-5417.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

RIDES (Regional Transit Authority) is the public transit system for Palo Alto County and eight other northwest Iowa counties. It offers door-to-door demand-response rides to the general public, including people with disabilities. In Palo Alto County, rides in Emmetsburg run Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (general public fare $2.50). Trips outside city limits are billed by the mile. Call dispatch toll free at 800-358-5037, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; booking 24 hours ahead is recommended.

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

The Palo Alto County Veterans Affairs office is at 1010 Broadway in Emmetsburg. The office helps veterans, their dependents and survivors with VA disability, education, home loan, burial, health care, compensation and pension benefits. Call 712-852-2066.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year