Senior benefits in Shelby County, Iowa

Connections Area Agency on Aging serves older adults and family caregivers in 20 counties in southwest and western Iowa, including Shelby 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 Shelby 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 Shelby County Outreach Office at 1017 7th St., Harlan (phone 712-755-5602). 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 Shelby County at 612 Court Street, 1st Floor, Harlan. This office is by appointment only (the Harrison County office in Logan handles mail and calls). Phone: 712-644-2460 or toll free 800-326-7732. 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

Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan does not deny anyone medically necessary services because they cannot pay, and it has a discounted, sliding fee schedule based on family size and income. Emergency care is never delayed or withheld because of ability to pay. You may qualify if you have limited or no health insurance, are not eligible for government assistance, can show financial need, live in Myrtue's primary service area, give household financial information, and have medical bills greater than you can pay under Myrtue's guidelines. Download the Financial Assistance Application, or call the Patient Financial Advocates at 712-340-1270.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Southwest Iowa Transit Agency (SWITA) is the public transportation system for all residents of Shelby 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 Harlan (8 a.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 Shelby County Commission of Veteran Affairs is the county veterans office. The Shelby County Veteran Services Office helps veterans and families with VA disability compensation, pension, death and burial benefits and state services. The county-funded Shelby County Veteran's Relief program gives emergency help with basic needs (rent, utilities, food, medical needs and burial) to resident veterans. You must have an honorable, under-honorable-conditions or general discharge (a DD214 is required), live in Shelby County, meet county income guidelines, and have emergency needs that cannot be met another way. Call or email to request an application; return it in person by appointment, by mail, by email, or in the drop box at the southeast basement entrance of the courthouse. Visit the office at Room 109 in the basement of the Shelby County Courthouse, 612 Court St., Harlan, or call 712-755-3907.

Estimated cash: $200–$1,500 a year