Senior benefits in Osage County, Kansas

The East Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging in Ottawa serves Anderson, Coffey, Franklin, Linn, Miami and Osage counties, including Osage County. It is also the area's Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), a trusted place where older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers of any income can get help planning for long-term care. The ADRC can refer you to in-home, community-based and nursing home services, and its Options Counseling helps you decide what fits. The office is at 117 S. Main, Ottawa. Call 785-242-7200 (toll free 800-633-5621).

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

Kansas DCF (the Department for Children and Families) does not list a service center in Osage County. The closest DCF service centers are in Ottawa (2231 S. Elm St., Ottawa, KS 66067; phone 785-229-8600) 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

Osage County General Public Transportation gives rides to work, medical appointments, physical therapy or dialysis, shopping and entertainment, and school. Fees are based on miles, and rides are first come, first served. The program is partly funded by the KDOT Public Transit Program. Call 785-528-4906.

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