Senior benefits in Halifax County, North Carolina

The Upper Coastal Plain Area Agency on Aging serves older adults age 60 and older, their family caregivers, and people with disabilities in Halifax 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 and long-term care help, the long-term care ombudsman, and links to local senior centers. Call the Area Agency on Aging to learn what is available in your county.

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 Halifax 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 North Hospital in Roanoke Rapids (formerly Halifax Regional Medical Center) is the main hospital serving Halifax County. ECU Health offers charity care (financial assistance) for emergency and medically necessary care to patients who cannot afford to pay, based on household income and the system's policy. Apply by asking for a financial assistance application or calling ECU Health financial assistance.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Halifax: ECU Health financial assistance covers emergency and medically necessary care at ECU Health North Hospital; the award depends on household income and ECU Health's published policy.

Helpful Hands and Hearts makes minor repairs and safety improvements to the homes of Halifax 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 Helpful Hands and Hearts at 252-586-3000 to apply.

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

Choanoke Public Transportation Authority (CPTA) gives rides in Bertie, Halifax, Hertford, and Northampton counties to medical visits, dialysis, senior centers, senior meal sites, shopping, and human-service agencies. Anyone can ride, and the general public fare is $2. Older adults may have their trip paid by a grant or county program, so ask when you call. Call (252) 539-2022, ext. 222, by 10 a.m. two days before you need the ride. Most vehicles have wheelchair lifts.

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

In this county: Halifax: CPTA is open to anyone who needs a non-emergency ride; the general public fare is $2. The $2 fare applies only to riders whose trip is not paid by a grant or county program. Book two days ahead.