Senior benefits in Beaufort County, North Carolina

The Mid-East Commission Area Agency on Aging (Region Q) serves older adults age 60 and older and their caregivers in Beaufort County. Services include congregate and home-delivered meals, family caregiver support and respite, the Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) for Medicare counseling, options counseling for long-term care, the long-term care ombudsman, and adult protective services coordination. Call the Area Agency on Aging to learn what is available locally.

Estimated service value: $1,000–$6,000 a year

North Carolina's Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) gives a one-time payment toward heating costs, and the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) helps when a household faces a heating or cooling emergency. Both are run by the Beaufort County Department of Social Services. Households with an older adult (60+) or a person with a disability can apply starting December 1; other eligible households apply starting in January, until funds run out. Apply online through ePASS at epass.nc.gov, by phone, or at the county DSS office.

Estimated bill savings: $300–$1,100 a year

ECU Health Beaufort Hospital in Washington is the main hospital serving Beaufort County, part of the ECU Health system. ECU Health offers charity care (financial assistance) for emergency and medically necessary care to patients who cannot afford to pay, with both income-based and non-income-based charity care. Apply through MyChart, by calling the Central Business Office, or by asking for a financial assistance application.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Beaufort County residents who are age 60 or older or who have a disability can get rides through the Beaufort Area Transit System (BATS), the county's Community Transportation System operated by the Beaufort County Developmental Center. Rides go to medical appointments, shopping, nutrition sites, and other destinations for an affordable fee. Trips must be scheduled in advance. Call Beaufort Area Transit to apply and check fares.

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

In this county: Beaufort: BATS provides elderly, disabled, and general-public rides for an affordable fee; book trips in advance and confirm fares with the operator.