Senior benefits in Sedgwick County, Kansas

The Sedgwick County Department of Aging and Disabilities runs the Central Plains Area Agency on Aging, which serves Sedgwick, Butler and Harvey counties. In Sedgwick County it serves adults 55 and older and people with disabilities, to help them stay independent. It plans and coordinates home and community-based services, with special focus on low-income, minority, frail and disabled adults, to help people avoid moving to a nursing home. Trained staff answer questions, give practical advice and connect you to local services. Call 316-660-5120 (toll free 800-367-7298).

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

Kansas DCF (the Department for Children and Families) has a service center in Sedgwick County, in Wichita at 2601 S. Oliver St., Wichita, KS 67210. Phone: 316-337-7000. 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

Ascension Via Christi hospitals in Wichita (St. Francis, St. Joseph, St. Teresa, the Rehabilitation Hospital and the Behavioral Health Center) share a financial assistance policy with discount programs and payment options. Trained financial counselors can go over your bill, your insurance and any help you may qualify for. You can apply online, or print the application and mail it to Ascension Via Christi, Attn: Financial Counseling Department, P.O. Box 47887, Wichita, KS 67201. You may be asked for more income, asset and expense information. For hospital bills, call Customer Service at 800-298-8347, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Wichita Transit's Half-Fare Program lets people 65 or older, Medicare card recipients and people with a physical or mental disability verified by a licensed physician ride regular buses for half the adult fare: $0.85 a ride instead of $1.75, or $2.50 for a Half-Fare Day Pass. Fill out the Half-Fare application and bring a driver's license, Kansas photo ID or birth certificate; you must show the Wichita Transit ID card when you board. The first card is free. Wichita Transit also runs paratransit van service for riders who are found eligible; a paratransit ride costs $3.50. For Half-Fare questions call 316-265-7221, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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