Senior benefits in Guilford County, North Carolina

The Piedmont Triad Regional Council Area Agency on Aging serves older adults age 60 and older and their caregivers in Guilford County. It plans and funds local aging services such as 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 senior center programs. Call the Area Agency on Aging to find out what is offered 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 Guilford County DSS. 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

Cone Health is the main hospital system serving Guilford County, including the Moses Cone and Wesley Long hospitals in Greensboro. It offers financial assistance (charity care) for emergency and medically necessary care to patients who cannot afford to pay. Patients with household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines may receive free care, and those between 201% and 400% may receive a partial discount. Ask for a financial assistance application or call Patient Financial Services.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Guilford: Cone Health gives free care at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and partial discounts from 201% to 400%, as stated in its published financial assistance policy.

PTRC Community Development makes minor repairs and safety improvements to the homes of Guilford County residents age 60 and older who have no one able and willing to do the work for them. Depending on what the local provider offers, help can include security improvements, minor home repairs, ramps, grab bars and other accessibility changes, and repair or replacement of basic furnishings and appliances. Renters can qualify with written permission from the landlord. Help is limited to $7,000 per person each program year. Call PTRC Community Development at 336-904-0300 to apply.

Estimated service value: $0–$7,000 a year

Guilford County residents who are age 60 or older or who have a disability can ride for less. GTA gives a free Discount ID Card that allows half-price fares on the fixed-route bus to seniors 60 and older, veterans, and Medicare cardholders. Riders who cannot use the fixed-route bus because of a disability can apply for the ADA paratransit service, a door-to-door shared ride. Call GTA customer service to get a Discount ID Card or a paratransit application.

Estimated service value: $200–$1,500 a year

In this county: Guilford: GTA half fare requires a free Discount ID Card; ADA paratransit requires an approved eligibility application.