Senior benefits in Sumner County, Kansas

The South Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging (SCKAAA), based in Arkansas City, serves Sumner County. Its local office is the Sumner Board for Senior Services in Wellington, phone 620-326-2500. SCKAAA offers case management, help at home such as personal care, homemaker, respite and chore services, information and referrals, and help for family caregivers and grandparents raising grandchildren. Friendship Meals are served at meal sites or delivered to people who are homebound, for people 60 and older and their spouses; call 24 hours ahead to reserve a meal. Call the county office or SCKAAA toll free at 1-800-362-0264.

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

There is no Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) service center in Sumner County. DCF lists Sumner County in its Wichita Region; the closest Wichita Region service centers are in Winfield and Wichita: Winfield (122 W. 19th Ave., Winfield, KS 67156, 1-620-221-6400); Wichita (2601 S. Oliver St., Wichita, KS 67210, 1-316-337-7000). Kansas DCF handles Food Assistance (SNAP), Cash Assistance, Child Care Assistance and Utilities & Energy Assistance. You can apply online through the DCF self-service portal or call the DCF Benefits Assistance line at 1-888-369-4777.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Caldwell Regional Medical Center in Caldwell has a Healthcare Assistance program that gives eligible patients a partial or full discount on emergency or medically necessary hospital care. Eligibility is based on income and assets. If your family income is at or below 250% of the federal poverty level, you may get a 100% discount. Above 250%, you may get a 40% discount off the amount generally billed. Pick up an application at Admissions or Patient Financial Services, download it from the hospital website, or call 620-845-6492 to have one mailed to you. Send it with the papers it asks for.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

WALT (Wellington Area Local Transit), run by Futures Unlimited, is a shuttle bus for the general public. Rides cost $2 per ride, per person, Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. People 60 or older can get half-price rides by showing the driver proof of age. A $10 WALT Pass gives six one-way rides. Out-of-county trips may be available with advance notice for $1 a mile. Aides ride free and buses are wheelchair accessible. Service is curb to curb and first come, first served, so call ahead at 620-326-9996.

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