Senior benefits in Jones County, North Carolina

The Eastern Carolina Council Area Agency on Aging (Region P) serves older adults age 60 and older and their caregivers in Jones 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 coordination of in-home aide and adult day services. 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 Jones County Department of Social Services. Households with an adult age 60 or older, or a person with a disability who gets services through the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services, can apply December 1 to 31. All other households can apply January 1 to March 31, or 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

Jones County does not have its own hospital. Residents are served by nearby hospitals — CarolinaEast Medical Center in New Bern and UNC Health Lenoir in Kinston. CarolinaEast offers financial assistance, including charity care and a 40 percent discount for uninsured patients on medically necessary services. Financial counselors can also screen for Medicaid. Apply by contacting a CarolinaEast financial counselor.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Jones: no in-county hospital; nearest care is CarolinaEast Medical Center (New Bern) and UNC Health Lenoir (Kinston). CarolinaEast provides free charity care to patients at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and a 40% uninsured discount.

Helps at-risk adults 60 and older in Jones County stay housed. The program can assist with rent and rental deposits, utilities and utility deposits, mortgage payments, property taxes, accessibility ramps, basic household furnishings, and minor home repairs. It is an extension of the Housing and Home Improvement Program, intended to reduce and prevent homelessness among older adults. To apply, contact Catholic Charities at (252) 497-3482, or the Eastern Carolina Council Area Agency on Aging at (252) 638-3185.

Jones County residents can ride CARTS, the Craven Area Rural Transit System. Its On Demand rides go anywhere in Craven, Jones, and Pamlico counties. Rides cost from $3.25, based on mileage, and must be booked 48 business hours ahead at 252-636-4917. All vehicles are ADA accessible. Jones County residents who are 60 or older or have a permanent disability can apply for EDTAP (Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance Program) help with ride costs. Call Jones County DSS at 252-448-2581 for an EDTAP application.

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

In this county: CARTS is open to the public; anyone can ride for the regular fare. The age and disability screen reflects EDTAP, a Jones County grant that helps residents 60+ or with a permanent disability pay for rides. Trips must be scheduled 48 business hours in advance.