Senior benefits in Nemaha County, Kansas

The Northeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging (NEKAAA) in Hiawatha serves Atchison, Brown, Doniphan, Jackson, Marshall, Nemaha and Washington counties, including Nemaha County. It helps people live on their own in their homes and communities for as long as possible. Services include group (congregate) meals, home-delivered meals, transportation, case management, in-home services, information and assistance, health promotion programs and volunteer opportunities. The office is at 1803 Oregon, Hiawatha. Call 785-742-7152 (toll free 800-883-2549).

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

Kansas DCF (the Department for Children and Families) does not list a service center in Nemaha County. The closest DCF service centers are in Hiawatha (912 S. Morrill Ave., Hiawatha, KS 66434; phone 785-742-7186) and Marysville (406 N. 3rd St., Suite 2, Marysville, KS 66508; phone 785-562-5338). 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

Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca gives financial assistance to community residents who are uninsured or underinsured and do not have enough money to pay for necessary health care. Help is available to patients with income up to 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. Patients who qualify are not charged more for emergency or other medically necessary care than the amounts generally billed. Get an application from the hospital's website, at 1600 Community Drive in Seneca, or by calling 785-336-6181 for help or to have a form mailed.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Nemaha County Transit buses are open to residents of all ages on a first-come, first-served basis. Trips inside city limits cost $1 for 3 stops, then $0.25 for each extra stop; trips outside city limits cost $0.40 a mile. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. To schedule a ride in Seneca or Sabetha, call 785-336-8011.

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