Senior benefits in Jefferson County, Kansas

Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging in Topeka serves Shawnee, Jefferson and Douglas counties, including Jefferson County, and helps seniors live independent and dignified lives. Its CHAMPSS meal program lets people 60 and older choose from different meals at CHAMPSS locations seven days a week. In-home services help with daily living tasks through attendant care and homemaker services, plus personal emergency response and medication reminders. Jayhawk also gives information and referral for people 60 or older, people with physical disabilities or brain injury, and caregivers, and helps fund legal services. It can also help with caring for a loved one, nursing home or assisted living choices, housing, transportation, prescription costs and health insurance. Call 785-235-1367.

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

Kansas DCF (the Department for Children and Families) does not list a service center in Jefferson County. The closest DCF service centers are in Lawrence (1901 Delaware St., Lawrence, KS 66046; phone 785-832-3700) and Topeka (500 SW Van Buren St., Topeka, KS 66603; phone 785-296-2500). DCF runs Food Assistance (SNAP), cash assistance and the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). LIEAP pays part of winter home heating costs once a year for households with gross income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. You can apply online through the DCF Self-Service Portal, or call DCF Benefits Assistance at 1-888-369-4777 for food, cash and child care assistance. LIEAP is open only during its winter application period; during that time you can apply online or ask your local DCF Service Center for a paper application.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

F.W. Huston Medical Center in Winchester treats patients in its service area without regard to their ability to pay. Its Financial Assistance Policy compares your household income and family size with the federal poverty guidelines: below 100% gets a 100% waiver of the bill, 100% to 150% gets an 80% waiver, and 150% to 225% gets a 50% waiver. A waiver lasts 90 days and covers hospital services in that time without reapplying. Send the application to the Business Office Manager with proof of income and family size, such as your latest federal tax return (1040) or a recent pay stub. A written decision comes within 30 days after all documents arrive. Call the hospital at 913-774-4340.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year