Senior benefits in Johnston 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 Johnston 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 Johnston 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

UNC Health Johnston (with hospital campuses in Smithfield and Clayton) is the main hospital serving Johnston County. It is covered by the UNC Health Care System financial assistance policy, which gives free care to lower-income patients and discounted care on a sliding scale to others who cannot afford their bills. Ask Patient Financial Services for a financial assistance application or apply online.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Johnston: UNC Health Johnston follows the UNC Health Care System financial assistance policy; the hospital decides each award based on household income and its published policy.

Community & Senior Services of Johnston County makes minor repairs and safety improvements to the homes of Johnston 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 Community & Senior Services of Johnston County at 919-934-6066 to apply.

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

Johnston County Area Transit System (JCATS) provides door-to-door rides across Johnston County. Its vans and buses are wheelchair accessible, and it serves older adults and people with disabilities, including rides for medical appointments and other needs. Older adults age 60 and over can arrange senior transportation through Community and Senior Services. Call JCATS to schedule a ride or ask about fares.

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

In this county: Johnston: JCATS serves older adults and people with disabilities; rides are usually by reservation and fares vary by trip and program.