Senior benefits in Wake 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 Wake 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 Wake County Health and Human 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 mail, or at a county office.

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

In this county: Wake: LIEAP/CIP are income-based and first-come while funds last; the county makes the final decision. Apply via ePASS (epass.nc.gov) or Wake County HHS.

WakeMed offers financial assistance (charity care) for emergency and medically necessary care to patients who cannot afford to pay, plus an uninsured discount for self-pay patients. Applications are available free in English and Spanish and must be returned with proof of income within 240 days of the patient liability letter. UNC Health Rex and Duke Health, which also serve Wake County, have their own assistance programs. Ask for a financial assistance application or call the billing office.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Wake: WakeMed financial assistance covers emergency and medically necessary care; awards depend on household income and the hospital's published policy.

Resources For Seniors, Inc. makes minor repairs and safety improvements to the homes of Wake 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 Resources For Seniors, Inc. at 919-872-7933 to apply.

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

GoWake Access provides shared, door-to-door rides for Wake County residents who are age 60 or older, have a disability, live in rural service zones, or are Medicaid recipients. Trips cost $2 within the same service zone and $4 between towns; Medicaid recipients ride free. Rides run Monday through Saturday by reservation. GoRaleigh and GoTriangle also run fixed-route buses across the Raleigh area. Call 919-212-7005 to set up a ride.

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

In this county: Wake: GoWake Access fares are $2-$4 per trip ($2 in-zone, $4 between towns); Medicaid riders ride free. ADA paratransit requires an eligibility application.