Senior benefits in Chatham County, North Carolina

The Central Pines Regional Council Area Agency on Aging serves adults age 60 and older, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers in Chatham County. Most of its work is funding and supporting the local organisations that actually deliver congregate and home-delivered meals, family caregiver support and respite, and SHIIP Medicare counselling — call the Area Agency on Aging and it will point you to the provider for your county. Four services come straight from the agency itself: the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, for people living in nursing homes, adult care homes and family care homes; information and referral; options counselling for long-term care, which is private pay; and the Veteran-Directed Service Program, currently a pilot.

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 Chatham County Department of Social Services. Households with an older adult (60+) or a person with a disability can apply starting December 1; all other eligible households apply January 1 through March 31, or until funds run out. Apply online through ePASS at epass.nc.gov, by paper application, or at the DSS self-service center.

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

UNC Health Chatham in Siler City is the hospital serving Chatham County, with additional UNC Health services in Pittsboro. UNC Health's Financial Assistance Program helps North Carolina residents with household income at or below 300% of the federal poverty guideline pay for medically necessary care; uninsured patients also receive a 40% discount. Apply online through My UNC Chart, by mail, or by secure fax. Uninsured patients are screened for Medicaid or other coverage as part of the application.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Chatham Transit Network provides door-to-door rides across Chatham County for medical appointments, shopping, work, and other needs. Older adults enrolled in the senior transportation program pay a suggested donation of about $2.00 per round trip, and general in-county fares range by distance (about $2.00 for up to 5 miles). Riders with disabilities are served as well. Call 919-542-5136 to reserve a ride or request service online.

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

In this county: Chatham: enrolled seniors pay a suggested $2.00 donation per round trip; general in-county fares vary by distance. Service is by reservation.