Senior benefits in Washington County, Iowa

Heritage Area Agency on Aging, in Cedar Rapids, is the Area Agency on Aging for Washington County. Its services include information and referral, options counseling, case management, caregiver support, home-delivered meals for homebound adults 60 and older and their spouses, nutrition counseling, balance and fall-prevention classes, senior farmers market checks, and an elder rights program for abuse, neglect and exploitation. Meal sites in Washington County: Encore Express, with group dining at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Washington and a monthly meal card for the Washington Hy-Vee (319-653-3950). Services are offered on a contribution basis to adults 60 and older and their caregivers. Call 319-398-5559 (toll free 800-332-5934).

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

LIHEAP (the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) gives a one-time payment toward winter heating bills for households with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. Households with someone 60 or older or disabled can apply starting October 1; everyone else can apply starting November 1, and applications close April 30. In Washington County, Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP) takes LIHEAP applications. HACAP's Old Main Office is at 2175 Lexington Blvd, Building 1, in Washington. Call 319-653-7275. Applications for households with someone 60 or older or disabled cannot be done online; mail them to the local HACAP office. If you have a disconnect notice, are at 30% or less on deliverable fuel, or your furnace does not heat, contact the office right away.

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) lists an office for Washington County at 2175 Lexington Blvd, Building 3, Washington. This office is by appointment only and is served by the Jefferson County office in Fairfield. Income maintenance phone: 641-684-3999. Social services: 641-472-5011 or 800-642-6249. 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

Washington County Mini Bus gives door-to-door public transit rides throughout Washington County, open to the general public, including people with disabilities. It is the Washington County provider in the CorridorRides regional system. The office is at 1010 West 5th Street in Washington. Call 319-653-2853 to schedule a ride and ask about fares; have your name and address, your destination and the time you need to arrive ready.

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

The Washington County Commission of Veterans Affairs helps Washington County veterans and eligible family members. County help with rent, utilities, food, transportation, burial and grave markers is available, subject to eligibility guidelines. Staff also help with federal benefits, including service-connected disability compensation, non-service-connected pension, surviving spouse pension, Aid and Attendance, military records, VA health care and Iowa Veterans Home applications. The office is at the Orchard Hill Complex, Building 3, 2175 Lexington Blvd in Washington, open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call 319-653-7768 for an appointment.

Estimated cash: $200–$1,500 a year