Jefferson County, AL Senior Help Directory: Birmingham, Bessemer and Hoover Programs for Seniors and Families (2026)

Q: Mom's power bill is about to go past due and she is 84 on a fixed income. Who actually helps pay it?

Make two calls, not one. First, 205-502-2108, the Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama's Birmingham office at 900 38th Street North, and ask for a LIHEAP appointment. Have the last month's income, a photo ID, Social Security cards for the household and a utility bill in her name ready. Second, Project SHARE, which exists specifically for people 60 and older: in Jefferson County call Positive Maturity at 205-803-1665, The Salvation Army Bessemer Service Center at 205-425-4303, or Urban Ministry at 205-781-0517. These are different pots of money and applying to one does not use up the other.

Q: My mother stopped driving. She is 73 and lives in Hueytown. How does she get around?

Two options, and she may want both. ClasTran is the age-based door-to-door service: at 60 or older she qualifies, the fare is a flat $4.00 one way, and she books by calling 205-325-8787 by 11:00 a.m. the day before. She should apply now rather than when she needs it, since processing takes about ten days. Separately, the county pays for ClasTran round trips to the Hueytown Senior Center, which serves a weekday meal and is at 2501 Brooklane Drive, 205-491-7052. And if she can manage a bus, MAX Transit cuts her fare to $0.75 at age 62 with valid ID, with a $25.00 Monthly Access Pass.

Q: My husband has dementia and I have not had a real break in months. What is in Jefferson County?

Three calls, in this order. Alzheimer's of Central Alabama at 205-871-7970 about an adult day care scholarship of up to $300 per month, which is the fastest route to actual hours away, plus a free Project Lifesaver bracelet if wandering is a worry. 1-800-AGE-LINE for Alabama Cares, which provides respite, training and short-term case management, though respite there is prioritized by greatest burden, so describe your situation fully. And 256-859-8300 for Alabama Lifespan Respite, keeping in mind that as of late August 2026 its applications were closed with a note to check back in October. Meanwhile ACA's Zoom support group meets Tuesdays at 11 a.m. and costs nothing.

Q: My father is in a nursing home in Birmingham and something is wrong. Can I complain without him facing retaliation?

Call the Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-AGE-LINE or email ombudsman@uwaaa.org. The program covers every long-term care facility in Jefferson County, complaints can be made by any concerned third party, you may remain anonymous if you choose, and there is no charge. Ombudsmen also make unannounced visits on a routine basis, so a pattern you report can be checked without your name attached to it. If what you are describing is abuse, neglect or financial exploitation, also call the Adult Abuse Hotline at 1-800-458-7214.

Q: Dad needs a doctor, has no insurance and is not yet on Medicare. Where does he go?

Cooper Green Mercy Health Services, 1509 6th Avenue South, 205-930-3200. To enroll he must be 18 or older, an Alabama resident for one year, and a Jefferson County resident for at least 30 days, and if he qualifies for financial assistance based on income he gets reduced co-payments on everything including prescriptions from the on-site pharmacy. Call 205-930-3377 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to make an enrollment appointment, and bring documents that verify residency, identity and income.

Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in Jefferson County, AL. Education, not advice. Verify before you rely on it.

Start here (works anywhere)

211 (dial 2-1-1), Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116, BenefitsCheckUp.org, Medicare 1-800-633-4227, Social Security 1-800-772-1213, VA 1-800-827-1000, Alzheimer's 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900, National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311, Crisis Lifeline 988

Three local front doors: United Way Area Agency on Aging of Jefferson County, whose Aging and Disability Resource Center answers 1-800-AGE-LINE (1-800-243-5463), Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 3600 8th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35232, direct line 205-458-3330 | Jefferson County Senior Services Division, Department of Community Services, 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard North, Birmingham, AL 35203, Information Specialist Dedra Lewis at 205-325-5567, Coordinator Janice L. Williams at 205-325-5572 | 2-1-1, also reachable at 888-421-1266, or text your ZIP code to 898-211, run by United Way of Central Alabama.

Start with the structural fact that explains half the confusion in this county: the aging network here is a United Way, not a government agency, and its charter is narrower than you would guess. In most Alabama counties the Area Agency on Aging is a regional council of governments. In Jefferson County it is the United Way Area Agency on Aging, and the Alabama Department of Senior Services lists it with a parenthetical that matters: "Older Americans Act only." That is not a knock on the agency. It is a map. Meals on Wheels, congregate meals at senior centers, SHIP Medicare counseling, SenioRx prescription help, free legal assistance, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, homemaker and personal care, and caregiver support all run through 1-800-AGE-LINE. But the Medicaid Elderly and Disabled Waiver, the track that pays for care at home instead of a nursing home, does not. In Jefferson County that program is administered by the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham. If you call the Area Agency about a Medicaid waiver, you will be referred out. Knowing that in advance saves a week.

The second thing to understand is that Jefferson County government is split into two divisions, and it is not a formality. The county operates a Birmingham Division downtown and a Bessemer Division, often called the Bessemer Cut-Off, out of a separate courthouse in Bessemer. The Tax Assessor has an office in each. So does the Department of Human Resources. So does the Community Action Agency that runs LIHEAP. Which office holds your parcel and your case file depends on where in the county you live, and the boundary is a legal division line, not a straight guess from a map. Rather than assume, give your address to the office when you call and ask which division you are in. It is a thirty-second question that prevents a wasted trip to the wrong courthouse.

The third pattern worth naming up front: several programs serving Birmingham are administered from somewhere else. LIHEAP for Jefferson County is run by an agency headquartered in Rainsville, in the far northeast corner of the state, though it does staff two offices here. The statewide respite reimbursement program is run out of Huntsville. PACE, the all-inclusive alternative to a nursing home, does not operate in this county at all, and the nearest program is in Mobile. None of that means you cannot get help. It means the phone and the online application are your tools, and it means you should always confirm that the office you found online is the one that actually serves your address this year.

Three more numbers belong on the refrigerator. The Alabama Adult Abuse Hotline at 1-800-458-7214 takes reports of suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of an elderly or disabled adult. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman, reached through 1-800-AGE-LINE or ombudsman@uwaaa.org, is who you call about a nursing home, assisted living facility or boarding home, rather than that facility's own management, and complaints can be made anonymously by a resident, a family member, a friend, or any concerned third party. And Cooper Green Mercy Health Services at 205-930-3200 is the county's safety-net health system for uninsured and underinsured residents.

Property tax relief (apply with the Jefferson County Tax Assessor, 205-325-5300 Birmingham or 205-481-4125 Bessemer)

Alabama seniors claim property tax relief through the county Tax Assessor or tax-assessing official, not the Tax Collector or the Revenue Commissioner, and in Jefferson County there are two offices:

Birmingham Division. Tax Assessor Gaynell Hendricks, Suite 170, Jefferson County Courthouse, 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard North, Birmingham, AL 35203. The county website lists 205-325-5300; the Special Senior Exemption form itself lists (205) 325-5505. Either will get you to the office.
Bessemer Division. 1801 3rd Avenue North, Room 209, Courthouse, Bessemer, AL 35020, phone 205-481-4125, fax 205-481-4128, serving the Bessemer Cut-Off District.

The claim window is the part people miss, and it is not tax season. The county's own FAQ states it plainly: "Exemptions must be claimed by December 31 for next tax year." For the age and disability exemptions it goes further: "To apply for senior citizens or disability exemption you must bring proof of age (birth certificate or drivers license) and most recent Federal and State income tax returns to the Tax Assessor's office between October 1 and December 31 to be eligible for exemption on the next years tax." You must be 65 years of age or considered disabled as of October 1. And the county states that "This exemption must be renewed annually." That last sentence is the one that quietly costs people money, and it matters more here than in most counties, for a reason explained below.

The statewide tiers, from the Alabama Department of Revenue. Alabama sorts homestead exemptions into four categories, and the differences are worth real money:

H-1. Taxpayers under age 65 who are not disabled: $4,000 assessed value off state tax and $2,000 assessed value off county tax.
H-2. Taxpayers age 65 and older with an annual adjusted gross income of less than $12,000, or those permanently and totally disabled: exempt from all of the state portion, plus $5,000 of assessed value on the county portion.
H-3, age 65 and older. Taxpayers 65 and older with net taxable income of $12,000 or less on the combined taxpayer and spouse federal income tax return: exempt from all ad valorem taxes. Not a discount. All of it.
H-3, disabled. A taxpayer who is permanently and totally disabled is exempt from all ad valorem taxes, and the Department of Revenue is explicit that there is no income limitation on this one.
H-4. Age 65 and older with income exceeding $12,000: exempt from the state portion, plus the regular $2,000 county homestead exemption.

Read those tiers against a real tax return before you decide you do not qualify. The gap between H-4 and H-3 is the gap between a small trim and a zero bill, and the deciding number is net taxable income on the federal return, not gross income and not Social Security. Bring the return to the office and let them read it.

Jefferson County uses its own exemption codes, so the letters may not match what you read online. The Tax Assessor publishes an exemption-code table that reads like this: code 2--2, homestead or primary residence, 10 percent assessment rate. Code 6--6, disability, "EXEMPT FROM ALL PORTIONS OF REAL PROPERTY TAXES." Code 5--5, age-based, "65 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER EXEMPT FROM ALL PORTIONS OF REAL PROPERTY TAXES." Code 3--2, "65 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER EXEMPTED FROM STATE PORTION ONLY." Code 3--3, "65 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER EXEMPTED FROM COUNTY AND SCHOOL DISTRICT TAX." And code SCE, Senior Citizen Exemption, "EXEMPTION THAT WILL FREEZE THE TAXES FOR THE NEXT APPLICABLE TAX YEAR." If a clerk says "you are a 3-2," that is the state-portion-only exemption, and it is worth asking whether you should be a 5-5 instead.

Now the exemption that is specific to this county, and the one most worth a phone call. Under Act 2021-300, approved by Jefferson County voters on November 8, 2022, the county offers a Special Senior Property Tax Exemption. It is a freeze, not a write-off. The Tax Assessor's own FAQ answers the obvious question first: "Is the Special Senior Exemption a full exemption for everyone 65 years of age or older?" Answer: "No, it is an exemption that is in addition to the Over-65 exemption that will freeze the taxes for the next applicable tax year once claimed."

What it requires, per the county's own application form: you must be 65 or older, it must be your primary residence, and the property must have been assessed in the taxpayer's name for a period of 5 consecutive years. The form also asks whether you were the owner of the property as of October 1st.

Five things the county's FAQ answers that people get wrong:

Income is irrelevant. Asked what happens if you do not file income taxes, the county answers: "It does not, taxable income is not a qualification for the SSPE." Almost every other exemption on this page turns on income. This one does not.
Primary residence only. "The Special Senior Exemption can only be claimed on the property that is your primary residence or any adjacent properties that are considered part of your primary residence."
A younger spouse does not disqualify you. "Yes, you can still claim the exemption even though your spouse is not 65 years of age or older at this time. If your name is on the deed and the property is your primary residence, the exemption can be claimed."
The freeze depends on the annual renewal. "The exemption will remain on the property if you renew the Over-65 Exemption each year." Miss the renewal and you can lose the freeze along with it.
If your value drops, you can lock in the lower number. "Yes, you will only need to come in and reclaim the exemption at the lower rate." Most people never think to do this.

Two more things to hold in mind. A freeze on assessed value is not a freeze on your bill: while the assessed value is frozen, the property remains subject to any millage rate increases. And the application carries teeth. It states that a fraudulent statement "is subject to a penalty for perjury and shall be ordered to pay twice the amount of any ad valorem taxes which would have been due retroactive for a period of 10 years plus interest." Fill it out carefully and honestly, and if you are unsure whether five consecutive years of assessment applies to your situation, ask the office rather than guessing on the form.

One caution on deadlines. Several law-firm and accounting posts circulating online cite an April 30 date for claiming the Special Senior exemption, a leftover from the first year the exemption existed. The county's current published guidance is the October 1 to December 31 window described above. If you are reading this in the spring and someone tells you that you missed it, call 205-325-5300 or 205-481-4125 and ask directly rather than waiting a year on the strength of a blog post.

Food

Congregate meals at 27 senior centers, for anyone in the county 60 and older. The Senior Nutrition program of the United Way Area Agency on Aging serves meals in a social setting at senior centers across Jefferson County. The rule is generous: "Any resident of Jefferson County, aged 60 or older, may attend any of our area Senior Centers. Spouses or persons with a disability who are not yet 60 but reside with an eligible senior may also receive meals through the program." There is no application packet. "To get involved, simply call or visit the Senior Center of your choice. A simple enrollment form will be completed on your initial visit."

The centers the agency publishes, with the phone number for each:

Adamsville Senior Center, 419 Spring Street, Adamsville, AL 35005, 205-674-7855
Brighton Senior Center, 3810 7th Avenue, Brighton, AL 35020, 205-565-7744
Center Point Senior Center, 335 Polly Reed Road, Center Point, AL 35215, 205-854-4472
Edgewater Senior Center, 796 Lannie Bonner Circle, Edgewater, AL 35224, 205-518-0383
Exeter/Fairfax Senior Center, 1500 Exeter Avenue, Bessemer, AL 35020, 205-481-4420 extension 218
Fairfield Senior Center, temporarily relocated to 6509 E J Oliver Boulevard, Fairfield, AL 35064, 205-453-3531
Forestdale Senior Center, 1375 Tomahawk Road, Forestdale, AL 35214, 205-798-5882
Fultondale Senior Center, 900 Rowe Drive, Fultondale, AL 35068, 205-849-0916
Gardendale Senior Center, 857 Main Street, Gardendale, AL 35071, 205-631-7240
Graysville Senior Center, 171 2nd Street SW, Graysville, AL 35073, 205-674-0209
Homewood Senior Center, 816 Oak Grove Road, Homewood, AL 35209, 205-332-6500
Hoover Senior Center, 400 Municipal Drive, Hoover, AL 35226, 205-739-6700
Hopewell Senior Center, 4817 Jefferson Avenue SW, Birmingham, AL 35215, 205-925-2134 extension 115
Hueytown Senior Center, 2501 Brooklane Drive, Hueytown, AL 35023, 205-491-7052
Irondale Senior Activity Center, 5313 Beacon Drive, Irondale, AL 35210, 205-951-1418
Kimberly Senior Center, 8013 Warrior Kimberly Road, Kimberly, AL 35091, 205-647-9154
Mt. Olive Senior Center, 2684 Mt. Olive Road, Mt. Olive, AL 35117, 205-631-9787
New Hope Senior Center, 1741 Jefferson Avenue SW, Birmingham, AL 35211, 205-202-2205
New Merkle Senior Center, 2150 Hollis Crossings, Vestavia Hills, AL 35243, 205-967-5977
Shepherd Center Senior Center, 700 Huffman Road, Birmingham, AL 35215, 205-836-3246
Spring Garden Senior Center, 201 Spring Garden Road, Birmingham, AL 35217, 205-841-5032 extension 1108
St. John Senior Center, 1101 Alexander Street, Dolomite, AL 35061, 205-744-5552
Sylvan Springs Senior Center, 130 Rock Creek Road, Sylvan Springs, AL 35118, 205-491-2841
Tarrant Senior Center, 1232 Faye Drive, Tarrant, AL 35217, 205-848-7399
Titusville Senior Center, 401 Omega Street, Birmingham, AL 35205, 205-323-3734 or 205-252-5526
Trussville Senior Center, 504 Cherokee Drive, Trussville, AL 35173, 205-661-1714
Warrior Senior Center, 100 Church Street, Warrior, AL 35180, 205-590-1815

Meals on Wheels, for people who cannot get to a center. United Way of Central Alabama runs the home-delivered program. The eligibility language is worth reading closely, because it is about isolation as much as age: "Seniors who are homebound, isolated and do not have access to public or private transportation may be eligible for home-delivered meals." Apply through 1-800-AGE-LINE (1-800-243-5463), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mail goes to Meals on Wheels, United Way of Central Alabama, P.O. Box 320189, Birmingham, AL 35232-0189.

Food pantries, senior boxes and home grocery delivery. The Community Food Bank of Central Alabama serves 12 counties including Jefferson through a network of more than 300 distribution partners, and it distributed 24.1 million pounds of food in 2025. For seniors specifically it runs the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), which the food bank describes as improving the health of people with low incomes at least 60 years old by supplementing their diets with USDA foods; Senior Grocery Mobile Pantries, which are drive-through distributions; Senior Client-Choice Pantry Distributions, where you pick your own items; and Senior Grocery Home Delivery, run in collaboration with Amazon Community Delivery to bring boxes to the doorstep. Use the Find Food map at feedingal.org to locate the distribution nearest your address.

SNAP, and the short form most seniors are never told about. The food bank operates a Benefits Enrollment Center at 1-877-833-2550, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., that will walk you through a SNAP application and screen you for other benefits. The Jefferson County Department of Human Resources takes applications at 2001 12th Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35234, with a Bessemer office at 2014 1st Avenue North, Bessemer, AL 35020. Main line 205-423-4900, Food Assistance 205-423-4200, hours 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Now the short form. Alabama runs the Elderly Simplified Application Project, and the current state form, DHR-FSD-2198, revised October 2025, states it is for people applying "when: Everyone in the SNAP household is age 65 or older; or All household members are age 65 or older and purchase and prepare food separately from the other people in the home; and No SNAP household member receives earnings from work." Note the age. A great many websites, including some that look official, say 60. The form itself says 65. It is short, there is no office interview, and it can be mailed, faxed, emailed or filed online. Call 1-800-438-2958 for help completing it, or 1-833-822-2202 to get the address or phone number of your local office. If your household has little or no money on hand, ask about Expedited Services, which the form describes as possibly getting you SNAP benefits within 7 days.

Energy and utility help

LIHEAP, and the agency you would never guess. Alabama runs the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program through ADECA, which contracts with regional community action agencies. ADECA is blunt about its own role: "ADECA does not schedule appointments and does not accept or process applications." For Region 10, which covers Blount, Cherokee, DeKalb, Jackson, Jefferson, Marshall and St. Clair counties, the agency is the Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama, Inc., headquartered at 1481 McCurdy Avenue South, Rainsville, AL 35986, call center 855-287-1730, main office 256-638-4430.

If you remember JCCEO handling this, that is why the address looks wrong. The old Jefferson County community action agency stopped administering these federal programs in 2021, and the work moved. The good news is that the current agency staffs two offices right here:

Birmingham office, 900 38th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35222, 205-502-2108
Bessemer office, 1612 3rd Avenue North, Bessemer, AL 35020, 205-502-2108

What it takes to qualify. Household income for the previous month must be at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level. The agency currently publishes these monthly figures: 1 person $1,883; 2 people $2,555; 3 people $3,228; 4 people $3,900; 5 people $4,573; 6 people $5,245; 7 people $5,918; 8 people $6,590, adding $643 for each additional member beyond eight. Limits are updated annually, so confirm the current numbers when you call.

What to bring to the appointment, per the agency: photo ID of the applicant; Social Security cards for all household members; proof of income for the previous month for all adults over the age of 18, or a Social Security award letter; a utility bill in the applicant's name; and a lease if you live in government housing. Applicants schedule an appointment rather than walking in.

The same agency also runs other help worth asking about. Its GROW Program offers housing counseling, credit and budget counseling, and can include rental assistance, mortgage assistance and fuel vouchers. Its CSBG Direct Aid programs vary by year and can include rental assistance, food cards, fuel gift cards, public transportation vouchers and prescription vouchers, and the agency says a full calendar of available resources goes up on its website starting November 1. Mark that date if money is tight going into winter.

Project SHARE, which exists specifically for people 60 and older. Since 2017, Alabama Power and the rural electric cooperatives have partnered with The Salvation Army Greater Birmingham Area Command to run Project SHARE, Service to Help Alabamians with Relief on Energy, providing emergency energy assistance "to elderly and disabled Alabamians in peak winter and summer months" across 57 counties. The requirement is simple: "In order to qualify for Project share the applicant must be 60 years of age or older or a disabled Alabamian."

Jefferson County has three Project SHARE community partners, more than most counties in the state:

Positive Maturity, 205-803-1665
The Salvation Army Bessemer Service Center, 205-425-4303
Urban Ministry, 205-781-0517

You can also call 205-328-2420 and press extension 2 to be pointed to the right local office.

Medicare, Medicaid, prescriptions

Free Medicare counseling (SHIP). The State Health Insurance Assistance Program is administered locally by the United Way Area Agency on Aging and reached at 1-800-AGE-LINE (1-800-243-5463). Counselors provide "personalized, unbiased counseling to help you understand your options," guidance on programs that help pay Medicare costs, and "assistance with claims and appeals." They do not sell insurance. The agency is direct about why the choice matters: "Original Medicare is accepted by nearly all doctors and hospitals in the country. But with Medicare Advantage Plans, there are network restrictions that could limit your access to certain doctors and hospitals." The same agency runs the Senior Medicare Patrol, which is where to take a suspicious bill or a caller who wants your Medicare number.

SenioRx, Alabama's own prescription program. Funded by the Alabama Legislature and delivered through the Area Agencies on Aging, SenioRx helps people get free or reduced-cost prescription medications for chronic health conditions through pharmaceutical patient-assistance programs. Two eligibility paths, per the local agency:

Individuals age 55 or older with a chronic medical condition requiring prescription drug management who have Medicare or no prescription insurance.
Individuals of any age deemed disabled by Social Security, or who have applied and are awaiting a decision, or who have a doctor's declaration of disability, or who are in the 24-month Medicare waiting period.

One important limit, stated by the program: "SenioRx does not provide short-term medications, including antibiotics, for treatment of acute conditions." It is for the maintenance drugs, and that is where the money is anyway. Call 1-800-AGE-LINE.

Medicaid, and the three applications seniors actually need. The Alabama Medicaid Recipient Call Center is 1-800-362-1504, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For anything long-term-care related, the office that handles Jefferson County is the Birmingham District Office, Beacon Ridge Tower, Suite 300, 600 Beacon Parkway West, Birmingham, AL 35209, toll-free 866-371-4073, fax 877-814-8302, serving Jefferson, Shelby and St. Clair counties. District offices are set up to process applications for Elderly and Disabled programs, applications for nursing home care, and applications for programs that help pay Medicare premiums. Completed applications can be emailed to apply@medicaid.alabama.gov or mailed to Medicaid, P.O. Box 5624, Montgomery, AL 36103-5624. Ask for Form 204/205 for a waiver or nursing home, and Form 211 if what you want is help with your Medicare premiums.

The Elderly and Disabled Waiver, and who actually runs it here. This is the program that pays for services at home for someone who would otherwise need a nursing home: case management, personal care, homemaker services, companion services, respite, adult day services, meals, private duty nursing, medical supplies and assistive technology. In Jefferson County it is "a program of the Alabama Department of Senior Services (ADSS) and the Alabama Medicaid Agency and administered by the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham." That office is at Two Twentieth Street North, Suite 1200, Birmingham, AL 35203, phone 205-251-8139. The commission publishes a financial screen of income not exceeding $2,829 monthly with no more than $2,000 in resources, and a medical screen requiring that the applicant exhibit the same disabilities and frailty that would qualify them for nursing home admission in Alabama, as determined by their physician. Those dollar figures are tied to federal amounts that change annually, so confirm the current numbers with the office rather than ruling yourself out on the basis of last year's chart.

If there is no insurance at all. Cooper Green Mercy Health Services, the county's safety-net system, is at 1509 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233, main line 205-930-3200. To become a patient you must be 18 years of age, a resident of Alabama for 1 year, and a resident of Jefferson County for at least 30 days. It accepts Medicare, Medicaid and many third-party plans, and it operates a financial assistance program that gives reduced co-payments "for all services, including prescriptions filled through our on-site pharmacy." Services on site include primary care, cardiology, neurology, nephrology, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, podiatry, rheumatology, urology, behavioral health, wound care, radiology, a lab and a pharmacy. Call 205-930-3377 for an enrollment appointment, 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Home repair and safety

Which office you call depends entirely on your address, and this is the single most common wasted phone call in the county. Jefferson County runs Community Development Block Grant repair programs, but it states the boundary flatly: "Properties must be located within the Jefferson County CDBG Consortium which is all of Jefferson County outside the city limits of Birmingham, Bessemer, and the towns of Sumiton and Helena." And then, in the county's own words: "City of Birmingham homeowners, please contact the City of Birmingham Housing Division at 205-254-2312."

If you are in the consortium, meaning outside those four municipalities, the county's programs are:

Housing Emergency Grant Program (CDBG). "This program provides grants for emergency repairs to the homes of low and very low-income households."
Housing Rehabilitation. Larger-scope work. Call 205-325-5761 for the program and application process.
Volunteer Based Housing Rehabilitation Programs (CDBG). The county "works with volunteer-based organizations to make repairs such as painting to the homes of lower income citizens."
Housing Accessibility Program (CDBG). Grants for "ramps, enlarged doorways, bathroom grab bars and other similar items" for qualified low- and moderate-income families. If a parent is coming home from a hospital stay and the front steps are the problem, this is the call.

All of them share two gates: you must be an income-eligible homeowner who has occupied the home for a minimum of one year, and rental properties are not eligible.

Weatherization. The Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama also runs the Weatherization Assistance Program, described as designed "to lower the energy usage of a client's home and improve the applicants' health and safety by tightening up their homes and preventing outside air infiltration." Same offices as LIHEAP: Birmingham 900 38th Street North, Bessemer 1612 3rd Avenue North, both 205-502-2108.

A safety program that is free here and is not free everywhere. If someone in the home has dementia and is at risk of wandering, Alzheimer's of Central Alabama provides Project Lifesaver radio-tracking bracelets for individuals with dementia living in Jefferson County, in partnership with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department. The organization states the equipment costs $450 and that it "is committed to helping families across Alabama and will provide a bracelet regardless of ability to pay." Two eligibility conditions: the person with dementia must live in the home with a caregiver who can provide continuous supervision, and should no longer be driving. These bracelets are radio-frequency, trackable by sheriff's departments rather than by an app, and the organization reports a 100 percent success rate for safe returns in Alabama. Call 205-871-7970.

Free memory screenings. The Jefferson County Senior Services Division hosts the Alzheimer's Foundation of America's National Memory Screening Program, described as "a simple and safe 'healthy brain check-up'" that takes less than 10 minutes and "can indicate if someone might benefit from a comprehensive medical evaluation." It does not diagnose anything and does not replace a doctor. Ask about scheduling at 205-325-5567.

Rent, housing, emergency cash

Six housing authorities, and the right one depends on your municipality. Jefferson County publishes this list for Section 8 rental assistance and public housing:

Jefferson County Housing Authority, 205-849-0123
Housing Authority of the Birmingham District, 205-521-0773
Bessemer Housing Authority, 205-481-4420
Fairfield, Alabama Housing Authority, 205-923-8017
Housing Authority of Leeds, 205-699-6223
Tarrant Housing Authority, 205-841-2270

Purpose-built senior apartments. Jefferson County funds Special Needs Rental Housing for the Elderly through its HOME Program. "Tenants must be elderly and meet certain income restrictions. One and two bedroom units, some fully accessible." The county's own caution: "All developments maintain a waiting list." Which means the time to call is before you need it, not after. Contact the management company directly:

Serene Grove (Leeds), 1345 Pamela Street, Room 601, Leeds, AL 35094. Managed by Hollyhand Companies, 205-699-7934
Artesian Springs (Brighton), 2075 Artesian Springs Road, Brighton, AL 35020. Managed by Hollyhand Companies, 205-424-5983
Brighton Gardens (Brighton), 4110 McClain Street, Brighton, AL 35020. Managed by Jefferson County Housing Authority, 205-849-0123
Oak Park Villas (Lipscomb), 2700 Oak Park Drive, Bessemer, AL 35020. Managed by Vantage Development, 205-424-3837
Hickory Ridge I, II and III (Tarrant / Ketona), Hickory Woods Loop, Birmingham, AL 35217. Managed by Jefferson County Assisted Housing Corp., 205-841-5032
Spring Gardens III and IV (Tarrant / Ketona), 201 Spring Gardens Road, Birmingham, AL 35217. Managed by Jefferson County Assisted Housing Corp., 205-841-5032
The Flats at Colebridge (Tarrant), 851 Bell Avenue, Tarrant, AL 35217. Managed by Vantage Management, 866-302-2382
Rosedale Senior Apartments (Homewood, Rosedale), 2703 B. M. Montgomery Street, Homewood, AL 35209. Managed by YW Homes, Inc., 205-322-9922
Cherry Woods Apartments (Forestdale), 1260 Jeff Germany Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35214. Managed by Gateway Management, 205-729-6200
Abbington Summit Pointe (Irondale), 961 Grants Mill Road, Irondale, AL 35210. Managed by Gateway Management, 205-206-7111
Arbors at Ellington (Pleasant Grove), 24 Park Road, Pleasant Grove, AL 35127. Managed by Integral Management, 205-781-4293

Facing foreclosure. Jefferson County routes this to one place: "For assistance call Legal Services Alabama at 205-328-3540."

Emergency cash and one-off help. Dial 2-1-1 or 888-421-1266, or text your ZIP code to 898-211. The Community Action Agency's Direct Aid calendar, posted each November 1, is where rental assistance, food cards, fuel gift cards, transportation vouchers and prescription vouchers appear as funding allows.

A small county program that is easy to miss. The Jefferson County Senior Services Division distributes incontinence supplies to seniors ages 55 and older whose income is below the Federal Poverty guidelines, including "pull-ups, under-pads, wipes, hygiene and skin care products and nutritional supplements." Read the eligibility line carefully, because it is unusual: "Seniors who have family caregivers are ineligible." Supplies run on the county's program year, October through September, based on funding. The county also runs a Senior Fan Distribution for low-income seniors 60 and older with proof of ID, and says to contact the Information Specialist from May through August. Both go through Dedra Lewis at 205-325-5567.

Transportation

Two systems, two different eligibility rules, and people mix them up constantly.

ClasTran is the age-based option. It provides curb-to-curb demand-response service in Jefferson and Shelby counties. The eligibility split is worth quoting: "For riders living in urban areas of Jefferson and Shelby counties, you must either be 60 years of age or older OR have a disability to qualify for service. For riders living in rural areas of Jefferson and Shelby counties, anyone may qualify for service regardless of age or disability."

Fare: $4.00 one-way, flat, regardless of distance. Cash, check, money order or prepaid fare credits. Drivers do not make change, there are no split payments, and Medicaid vouchers are not accepted.
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with riders arriving at their final destination by 5:00.
Scheduling: call 205-325-8787. Reservations up to 14 days in advance, and next-day service must be booked by 11:00 a.m. Same-day is very limited and first-come, first-served.
Cancelling: at least two hours before pickup, or it counts against you. Three no-shows in three months may result in a 30-day suspension.
Pickup window: the vehicle may arrive 15 minutes before to 15 minutes after your scheduled time, so be ready early.
A Personal Care Attendant rides free. One companion rides at the same fare as you.
Applying: call 205-325-8787 option 3, email certification@clastran.com, or bring the form to 2100 16th Avenue South, Suite 55, Birmingham, AL 35205. Mail goes to P.O. Box 10386, Birmingham, AL 35202. Allow ten days for processing.
No service on New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Dialysis trips run on holidays, except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

The county also pays for ClasTran rides to senior centers. The Senior Services Division "oversees essential transportation with ClasTran to provide round-trip transportation services to the following senior centers, Monday through Friday with the exception of holidays: Brighton, Center Point, Clay, Exeter-Fairfax, Fairfield, Forestdale, Hoover, Hueytown, Leeds, Edgewater, Sylvan Springs, Hopewell, Midfield, Morris and Tarrant." Available to residents 60 years and older, and the county says transportation is also provided for field trips and daily pick-up and drop-off.

MAX Transit is the fixed-route bus, and its senior discount starts at 62. Run by the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority, 1801 Morris Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35203, 205-521-0101. Current fares:

One-way: adult $1.50; persons with disabilities, seniors 62 and older with valid ID, military ID or Medicare card, $0.75
All Day Pass: adult $3.50; reduced $2.00
Two-Week Pass: adult $26.50; reduced $12.50
Monthly Access Pass for reduced-fare riders: $25.00
Magic City Connector: adult $0.30; reduced $0.15
Birmingham Xpress: currently complimentary courtesy of the City of Birmingham

One-way passes are sold on buses and require exact change, since operators cannot make change.

MAX Paratransit is disability-based, not age-based. This is the distinction people get wrong. Turning 62 gets you a half-price bus fare; it does not get you paratransit. MAX Paratransit is offered "to individuals who, because of a disability (physical, cognitive, or visual), cannot access fixed route buses," under three ADA eligibility categories. Fare is $2.00 one-way, a 10-ride ticket is $20.00, a monthly pass is $80.00, and Personal Care Attendants ride at no charge. Service runs Monday through Friday 4:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and Saturday 4:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., wider hours than ClasTran. Book by calling 205-521-0101, up to two weeks ahead, with next-day pickup requiring a call by 5:00 p.m. the day before. Start eligibility by calling the ADA Officer at 205-961-5614 extension 1029.

One benefit worth knowing about if you qualify for both. MAX states that "Certified Paratransit riders with valid ID may ride Fixed-Route services at no cost." Paratransit ID cards are free and issued Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Central Station, 1700 Morris Avenue.

And a free option through 211. United Way of Central Alabama's 211 line operates Ride United, free transportation for qualifying trips. Ask about it when you call 2-1-1.

Legal help

Start with the aging network, because it is free and it is built for this. The Alabama Legal Assistance Program, administered locally by the United Way Area Agency on Aging, is "available through UWAAA at no charge to persons age 60 and older." You start with a call to 1-800-AGE-LINE (1-800-243-5463) and are connected to a legal services specialist who gathers the facts and determines next steps. The program covers counseling, advice and representation in civil, non-fee-generating cases including:

Access to public benefits such as Social Security, SSI, SSDI, Medicare, veterans' benefits and unemployment compensation
Protections related to elder abuse, including fraud and financial exploitation
Advance directives for financial affairs, medical and end-of-life decision-making, simple wills, and guardianship issues
Access to housing options that allow seniors to remain independent at home
Eviction or foreclosure issues that impede a senior's ability to remain in the home
Access to healthcare and long-term care

Legal Services Alabama is the other door, and there is a detail here most people never hear. The Birmingham office is at 1820 7th Avenue North, Suite 200, Birmingham, AL 35203, phone 205-328-3540. Statewide intake is 1-866-456-4995 in English and 1-888-835-3505 in Spanish, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. LSA normally screens household income, but it publishes this: "LSA also has special grants that are not income-based such as elder grants to assist clients 60 and over." If someone told you that you make too much for legal aid, that sentence is worth reading to them over the phone.

For a nursing home or assisted living problem, call the Ombudsman, not the facility. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program of the United Way Area Agency on Aging "provides assistance to residents of all long-term care facilities in Jefferson County," including nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, specialty-care facilities and boarding homes. Ombudsmen investigate complaints, make unannounced visits, and mediate between families and facilities. "The resident or a family member, friend or any concerned third party may make a complaint with an Ombudsman at any time and may remain anonymous if desired," and "There is no charge for using Ombudsman services." Reach them at 1-800-AGE-LINE or ombudsman@uwaaa.org.

To report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of an elderly or disabled adult, call the Alabama Department of Human Resources Adult Abuse Hotline at 1-800-458-7214. Reports may also be made to the county DHR office or local law enforcement, and may be made anonymously.

Caregiver support

Alabama Cares is the front door, and it is at the same number as everything else. A program of the United Way Area Agency on Aging, it provides information, support groups, short-term case management to help families access services, training to improve caregiving skills, supplemental services on a limited basis, and respite, described as "temporary, substitute support to relieve family caregivers from their daily caregiving responsibilities." Be aware of the rationing language the agency publishes: "Due to limited funding, this service is prioritized based on those with the greatest burden and highest need of relief." Call 1-800-AGE-LINE (1-800-243-5463) and describe the situation honestly, including how many hours you are covering and what you have already had to give up.

Alzheimer's of Central Alabama is the local dementia specialist, and it writes checks. Based at 300 Office Park Drive, Suite 225, Birmingham, AL 35223, phone (205) 871-7970, toll-free (866) 806-7255, email aca@alzca.org, open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It describes itself as a local nonprofit where "100% of the money we raise stays in the state." Three programs are worth an application:

Adult Day Care Scholarships. "Scholarships will be for up to $300 per month" at participating centers, awarded for one year with the possibility of renewal, and the organization says "On average, forty to fifty scholarships are awarded each year." Eligibility: the person with dementia must reside in Alabama, have a dementing illness, and reside at home and have a caregiver. ACA pays the day care center directly for days attended.
Continence Products Program. A set amount of products shipped to the home monthly from a medical supply company.
Nutritional Supplement Program. Home shipment of Ensure and Glucerna for diabetics, on their own or alongside continence products.

Support groups you can walk into. ACA runs a virtual caregiver support group on Zoom at 11 a.m. every Tuesday. In-person Birmingham-area groups it lists include the United Way Area Agency on Aging of Jefferson County group, 3rd Tuesday of each month, 11:30 to 12:30, contact Valarie Lawson at vlawson@uwaaa.org; Trussville Public Library, 3rd Tuesday, 6:00 p.m.; Holy Apostles Church in Hoover, 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 10:30 to noon; St. Mark's UMC in Vestavia Hills, Fridays at 1 p.m.; and Asbury United Methodist Church, 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 1:00. Listings change, so confirm before you drive.

The statewide respite reimbursement program, and its current status. Alabama Lifespan Respite, run through UCP Huntsville at 256-859-8300 or al.respite@ucphuntsville.org, reimburses unpaid family caregivers who pay a third-party respite provider out of pocket and submit a timesheet, with a check issued within 30 days. As of late August 2026 the program states: "Applications are closed at this time," and "Please check back in October." If you applied and received reimbursement after July 2025, the program says there is no need to reapply. Its rules to know before you plan around it: you cannot be receiving respite through another program, including Medicaid Home and Community Based Services waivers; only one caregiver per household may apply; you cannot be both the primary caregiver and the paid respite provider; and the provider must be at least 18 and live outside the care recipient's home.

If what you need is a few hours of housekeeping rather than dementia care. The Area Agency's Homemaker and Personal Care program covers light housekeeping, laundry, simple meal preparation, and dressing and grooming assistance. Read the gate before you call, because it is narrower than people expect: it is "available to individuals who are age 60 or older, live alone and need help for a minimum of two hours per week with two or more activities of daily living." Living alone is a requirement, not a preference. Call 1-800-AGE-LINE.

PACE

There is no PACE program serving Jefferson County, and that is worth stating plainly so you stop looking for one.

PACE, the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, bundles medical care, prescriptions, adult day health, therapy, transportation and in-home help for people who need nursing-home-level care but want to stay at home. It is excellent where it exists. Alabama Medicaid's own PACE fact sheet lists the eligibility requirements, and one of them settles the question: an applicant "Must live in service area (currently Mobile and Baldwin counties)." Alabama has a single PACE organization, Mercy LIFE of Alabama, based in Mobile, roughly 250 miles from Birmingham.

One warning, because this trap is easy to fall into. Search for PACE and Jefferson County and you will find an organization called Senior CommUnity Care of Jefferson County. It is at 1700 Old Bluegrass Avenue in Louisville, Kentucky. Kentucky has a Jefferson County too. It has nothing to do with Alabama and cannot enroll you.

What to ask for instead. The closest equivalent here is the Medicaid Elderly and Disabled Waiver, which covers case management, personal care, homemaker and companion services, respite, adult day services, meals, private duty nursing, medical supplies and assistive technology for people who would otherwise need a nursing facility. In Jefferson County, call the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham at 205-251-8139, or start with the Alabama Medicaid Birmingham District Office at 866-371-4073 and ask for Form 204/205. Then call 1-800-AGE-LINE and ask what the Area Agency can layer on top while the waiver application is pending, because the waits are real and Alabama Cares, Homemaker and Personal Care, and Meals on Wheels can start sooner.

Frequently asked questions

Dad is 79, owns the same house in Center Point he bought in 1988, and lives on Social Security. What is he actually entitled to? Possibly a zero property tax bill, and he should call before December 31. Under the Alabama Department of Revenue's H-3 category, a taxpayer 65 or older with net taxable income of $12,000 or less on the combined federal return is exempt from all ad valorem taxes. Separately, he almost certainly qualifies for Jefferson County's Special Senior Property Tax Exemption, since he is over 65, it is his primary residence, and the property has been assessed in his name for far more than five consecutive years, and that one does not look at income at all. He should take his driver's license and his most recent federal and state returns to the Tax Assessor at 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard North, Suite 170, or call 205-325-5300 first to confirm which division serves Center Point.

Mom's power bill is about to go past due and she is 84 on a fixed income. Who actually helps pay it? Make two calls, not one. First, 205-502-2108, the Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama's Birmingham office at 900 38th Street North, and ask for a LIHEAP appointment. Have the last month's income, a photo ID, Social Security cards for the household and a utility bill in her name ready. Second, Project SHARE, which exists specifically for people 60 and older: in Jefferson County call Positive Maturity at 205-803-1665, The Salvation Army Bessemer Service Center at 205-425-4303, or Urban Ministry at 205-781-0517. These are different pots of money and applying to one does not use up the other.

My mother stopped driving. She is 73 and lives in Hueytown. How does she get around? Two options, and she may want both. ClasTran is the age-based door-to-door service: at 60 or older she qualifies, the fare is a flat $4.00 one way, and she books by calling 205-325-8787 by 11:00 a.m. the day before. She should apply now rather than when she needs it, since processing takes about ten days. Separately, the county pays for ClasTran round trips to the Hueytown Senior Center, which serves a weekday meal and is at 2501 Brooklane Drive, 205-491-7052. And if she can manage a bus, MAX Transit cuts her fare to $0.75 at age 62 with valid ID, with a $25.00 Monthly Access Pass.

My husband has dementia and I have not had a real break in months. What is in Jefferson County? Three calls, in this order. Alzheimer's of Central Alabama at 205-871-7970 about an adult day care scholarship of up to $300 per month, which is the fastest route to actual hours away, plus a free Project Lifesaver bracelet if wandering is a worry. 1-800-AGE-LINE for Alabama Cares, which provides respite, training and short-term case management, though respite there is prioritized by greatest burden, so describe your situation fully. And 256-859-8300 for Alabama Lifespan Respite, keeping in mind that as of late August 2026 its applications were closed with a note to check back in October. Meanwhile ACA's Zoom support group meets Tuesdays at 11 a.m. and costs nothing.

We are looking at a nursing home for my mother and cannot afford it. Is there an alternative? Yes, but it is not PACE, because PACE does not operate in this county. Ask about the Medicaid Elderly and Disabled Waiver. Call the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham at 205-251-8139, and the Alabama Medicaid Birmingham District Office at 866-371-4073 for Form 204/205. The financial screen the commission publishes is income not exceeding $2,829 monthly with no more than $2,000 in resources, and her physician has to certify that she needs nursing-home-level care. Start the paperwork before a crisis, because approval is not fast.

Mom is 71 and I think she qualifies for food stamps, but does she have to sit through an interview? She may not have to, but check her age against the right rule. Alabama's Elderly Simplified Application is a short form with no interview, and the current state form says it is for households where everyone is age 65 or older with no earnings from work. At 71 she fits. Call 1-800-438-2958 for help filling it out. If she is closer to 65 than 71 and unsure, the Benefits Enrollment Center at 1-877-833-2550 will screen her for free, and the Jefferson County DHR Food Assistance line is 205-423-4200.

My father is in a nursing home in Birmingham and something is wrong. Can I complain without him facing retaliation? Call the Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-AGE-LINE or email ombudsman@uwaaa.org. The program covers every long-term care facility in Jefferson County, complaints can be made by any concerned third party, you may remain anonymous if you choose, and there is no charge. Ombudsmen also make unannounced visits on a routine basis, so a pattern you report can be checked without your name attached to it. If what you are describing is abuse, neglect or financial exploitation, also call the Adult Abuse Hotline at 1-800-458-7214.

My mother lives in Bessemer, not Birmingham. Does any of this apply to her? All of it, and in several cases her office is closer than a Birmingham resident's. The Tax Assessor Bessemer Division is at 1801 3rd Avenue North, Room 209, 205-481-4125. The Community Action Agency has a Bessemer office at 1612 3rd Avenue North, 205-502-2108. DHR has a Bessemer office at 2014 1st Avenue North. Project SHARE runs through The Salvation Army Bessemer Service Center at 205-425-4303. The Exeter/Fairfax Senior Center at 1500 Exeter Avenue serves meals at 205-481-4420 extension 218. One thing to note: because Bessemer is one of the four municipalities excluded from the Jefferson County CDBG Consortium, the county's home repair grants do not cover her address, so ask the county at 205-325-5761 where Bessemer residents should apply instead.

Dad needs a doctor, has no insurance and is not yet on Medicare. Where does he go? Cooper Green Mercy Health Services, 1509 6th Avenue South, 205-930-3200. To enroll he must be 18 or older, an Alabama resident for one year, and a Jefferson County resident for at least 30 days, and if he qualifies for financial assistance based on income he gets reduced co-payments on everything including prescriptions from the on-site pharmacy. Call 205-930-3377 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to make an enrollment appointment, and bring documents that verify residency, identity and income.

Sources

Jefferson County Tax Assessor (Birmingham Office): 716 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Suite 170, Birmingham, AL 35203, phone 205-325-5300; page notes "Act 2021-300 has created a new exemption for seniors in Jefferson County" and links the Special Senior Property Tax Exemption FAQs and Form: https://www.jccal.org/606/Tax-Assessor . Verified August 27, 2026.
Jefferson County Tax Assessor, Special Senior Exemption page: links to the Special Senior Property Tax Exemption FAQs (PDF) and Special Senior Property Tax Exemption Form (PDF): https://www.jccal.org/633/Special-Senior-Exemption . Verified August 27, 2026.
Jefferson County, Special Senior Property Tax Exemption FAQs (PDF): "No, it is an exemption that is in addition to the Over-65 exemption that will freeze the taxes for the next applicable tax year once claimed"; "It does not, taxable income is not a qualification for the SSPE (Special Senior Property Tax Exemption)"; "The Special Senior Exemption can only be claimed on the property that is your primary residence or any adjacent properties that are considered part of your primary residence"; "Yes, you can still claim the exemption even though your spouse is not 65 years of age or older at this time. If your name is on the deed and the property is your primary residence, the exemption can be claimed"; "No, one of the qualifications to claim the exemption is to have owned the property for 5 consecutive years"; "The exemption will remain on the property if you renew the Over-65 Exemption each year"; "Yes, you will only need to come in and reclaim the exemption at the lower rate": https://www.jccal.org/DocumentCenter/View/1668/Special-Senior-Property-Tax-Exemption-FAQs-PDF . Verified August 27, 2026.
Jefferson County, Special Senior Property Tax Exemption Form (PDF): asks "Were you the owner of this property as of October 1st?"; affirms "Must be 65 or Older. Must be your primary Residence. Must be assessed in the taxpayer's name for a period of 5 consecutive years."; penalty language "any fraudulent statement is subject to a penalty for perjury and shall be ordered to pay twice the amount of any ad valorem taxes which would have been due retroactive for a period of 10 years plus interest"; office block "Jefferson County Tax Assessor, Gaynell Hendricks, Suite 170 Courthouse, 716 Richard Arrington Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203, Office (205) 325-5505": https://www.jccal.org/DocumentCenter/View/2206/Special-Senior-Property-Tax-Exemption-Form-PDF . Verified August 27, 2026.
Jefferson County Tax Assessor, Exemption Codes (PDF): "2--2 HOMESTEAD/PRIMARY RESIDENCE 10% ASSESSMENT RATE"; "6--6 DISABILITY EXEMPT FROM ALL PORTIONS OF REAL PROPERTY TAXES"; "5--5 AGE-BASED 65 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER EXEMPT FROM ALL PORTIONS OF REAL PROPERTY TAXES"; "3--2 AGE-BASED 65 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER EXEMPTED FROM STATE PORTION ONLY OF REAL PROPERTY TAXES"; "3--3 AGE-BASED 65 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER EXEMPTED FROM COUNTY AND SCHOOL DISTRICT TAX"; "SCE SENIOR CITIZEN EXEMPTION EXEMPTION THAT WILL FREEZE THE TAXES FOR THE NEXT APPLICABLE TAX YEAR": https://www.jccal.org/DocumentCenter/View/2201/Exemption-Codes-PDF . Verified August 27, 2026.
Jefferson County, Frequently Asked Questions: "Exemptions must be claimed by December 31 for next tax year"; "To apply for senior citizens or disability exemption you must bring proof of age (birth certificate or drivers license) and most recent Federal and State income tax returns to the Tax Assessor's office between October 1 and December 31 to be eligible for exemption on the next years tax"; "You must be 65 years of age or considered disabled as of October 1"; "This exemption must be renewed annually": https://www.jccal.org/830/Frequently-Asked-Questions . Verified August 27, 2026.
Jefferson County Tax Assessor, Bessemer Division: "Tax Assessor - Bessemer Office," 1801 3rd Ave N, Room 209 Courthouse, Bessemer, AL 35020, phone 205-481-4125, fax 205-481-4128, serving the Bessemer Cut-Off District: https://www.jccal.org/Default.asp?ID=363&pg=Tax+Assessor+-+Bessemer+Division . Verified August 27, 2026.
Alabama Department of Revenue, Homestead Exemptions: H-1 "Taxpayers under age 65 and who are not disabled - $4,000 assessed value state and $2,000 assessed value county"; H-2 age 65 and older with annual adjusted gross income of less than $12,000, or permanently and totally disabled, exempt from state taxes plus $5,000 county assessed value; H-3 "Taxpayers age 65 and older with net taxable income of $12,000 or less on the combined (taxpayer and spouse) Federal Income Tax Return - exempt from all ad valorem taxes"; H-3 disabled "exempt from all ad valorem taxes. There is no income limitation"; H-4 age 65 and older with income exceeding $12,000, state exemption plus the regular $2,000 county homestead exemption; statutory references Alabama Code 40-9-19 through 40-9-21: https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/property-tax/homestead-exemptions/ . Verified August 27, 2026.
Alabama Department of Senior Services, Help and Services (Area Agency on Aging directory): "United Way Area Agency on Aging of Jefferson County (Older Americans Act only) Serving Jefferson County. 205-458-3330," UWAAA Office, 3600 8th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35232, uwaaa.org; statewide line "1-800-AGELINE (1-800-243-5463)": https://alabamaageline.gov/helpservices/ . Verified August 27, 2026.
United Way Area Agency on Aging of Jefferson County, Aging and Disability Resource Center: "Contact the ADRC by phone at 1-800-AGE-LINE (1-800-243-5463) or make an appointment to visit us in person. We are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at United Way of Central Alabama's office, 3600 8th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL"; assistance listed with SNAP, Medicare Savings Programs, Low-Income Subsidy, the Alabama Elderly Simplified Application Project and the Farmers Market Coupon Voucher Program. Note: the ADRC page shows ZIP 35222 while the organization footer and the state directory both show 35232: https://www.uwca.org/programs/area-agency-on-aging/aging-and-disability-resource-center/ . Verified August 27, 2026.
United Way Area Agency on Aging, Senior Nutrition: "Any resident of Jefferson County, aged 60 or older, may attend any of our area Senior Centers. Spouses or persons with a disability who are not yet 60 but reside with an eligible senior may also receive meals through the program"; "To get involved, simply call or visit the Senior Center of your choice. A simple enrollment form will be completed on your initial visit"; "Seniors who are homebound, isolated and do not have access to public or private transportation may be eligible for home-delivered meals through United Way of Central Alabama's Meals on Wheels program": https://www.uwca.org/programs/area-agency-on-aging/senior-nutrition/ . Verified August 27, 2026.
United Way Area Agency on Aging, Area Senior Centers: full published list of 27 centers with addresses and phone numbers used in the Food section, the complete published set of center numbers being Adamsville 205-674-7855, Brighton 205-565-7744, Center Point 205-854-4472, Edgewater 205-518-0383, Exeter/Fairfax 205-481-4420 #218, Fairfield 205-453-3531, Forestdale 205-798-5882, Fultondale 205-849-0916, Gardendale 205-631-7240, Graysville 205-674-0209, Homewood 205-332-6500, Hoover 205-739-6700, Hopewell 205-925-2134 #115, Hueytown 205-491-7052, Irondale 205-951-1418, Kimberly 205-647-9154, Mt. Olive 205-631-9787, New Hope 205-202-2205, New Merkle 205-967-5977, Shepherd Center 205-836-3246, Spring Garden 205-841-5032 #1108, St. John 205-744-5552, Sylvan Springs 205-491-2841, Tarrant 205-848-7399, Titusville 205-323-3734 or 205-252-5526, Trussville 205-661-1714 and Warrior 205-590-1815; the page marks certain centers "* denotes service by ClasTran": https://www.uwca.org/programs/area-agency-on-aging/area-senior-centers/ . Verified August 27, 2026.
United Way of Central Alabama, organization footer: 205.251.5131, 3600 8th Avenue South P.O. Box 320189, Birmingham, AL 35232: https://www.uwca.org/ . Verified August 27, 2026.
United Way of Central Alabama, 211: "For assistance, dial 211 or 888-421-1266 (toll-free). If you're hearing-impaired, call 7-1-1 and ask to connect to 211 Connects Alabama"; "On your mobile phone, text your ZIP code to 898-211 to chat with a 211 specialist"; Ride United free transportation listed among 211 programs: https://www.uwca.org/211/ . Verified August 27, 2026.
United Way Area Agency on Aging, SHIP/Medicare Help: "The Alabama State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free, personalized and unbiased counseling to Medicare recipients and their families"; "Locally administered by the United Way Area Agency on Aging"; "Original Medicare is accepted by nearly all doctors and hospitals in the country. But with Medicare Advantage Plans, there are network restrictions that could limit your access to certain doctors and hospitals": https://www.uwca.org/programs/area-agency-on-aging/ship-medicare-help/ . Verified August 27, 2026.
United Way Area Agency on Aging, SenioRx: eligibility "Individuals age 55 or older with a chronic medical condition requiring prescription drug medication management and have Medicare or no prescription insurance" and "Individuals of any age and have been deemed by Social Security to have a disability...or have applied for disability and are waiting on a decision...or have a doctor's declaration of disability...or are in the 24-month Medicare waiting period"; limit: "SenioRx does not provide short-term medications, including antibiotics, for treatment of acute conditions": https://www.uwca.org/programs/area-agency-on-aging/seniorx/ . Verified August 27, 2026.
United Way Area Agency on Aging, Legal Assistance: "The services of the Alabama Legal Assistance Program are available through UWAAA at no charge to persons age 60 and older. The process begins with your call to 1-800-AGE-LINE (1-800-243-5463)"; case types listed include public benefits, elder abuse and financial exploitation, advance directives and simple wills, housing, eviction or foreclosure, and access to healthcare and long-term care: https://www.uwca.org/programs/area-agency-on-aging/legal-assistance/ . Verified August 27, 2026.
United Way Area Agency on Aging, Long-Term Care Ombudsman: "provides assistance to residents of all long-term care facilities in Jefferson County. These include nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, specialty-care facilities and boarding homes"; "The resident or a family member, friend or any concerned third party may make a complaint with an Ombudsman at any time and may remain anonymous if desired"; "There is no charge for using Ombudsman services"; contact ombudsman@uwaaa.org or 1-800-AGE-LINE: https://www.uwca.org/programs/area-agency-on-aging/ombudsman/ . Verified August 27, 2026.
United Way Area Agency on Aging, Alabama Cares: services listed as information, support groups, assistance through short-term case management, respite ("temporary, substitute support to relieve family caregivers from their daily caregiving responsibilities... Due to limited funding, this service is prioritized based on those with the greatest burden and highest need of relief"), training and supplemental services: https://www.uwca.org/programs/area-agency-on-aging/alabama-cares/ . Verified August 27, 2026.
United Way Area Agency on Aging, Homemaker & Personal Care: "available to individuals who are age 60 or older, live alone and need help for a minimum of two hours per week with two or more activities of daily living"; tasks listed include light housekeeping, laundry, simple meal preparation, dressing assistance and grooming assistance: https://www.uwca.org/programs/area-agency-on-aging/homemaker-personal-care/ . Verified August 27, 2026.
Jefferson County, Senior Services Division: mission "to provide health and education awareness, transportation services and other resources to enhance the lives of senior citizens throughout Jefferson County"; ClasTran round-trip transportation to senior centers "Brighton, Center Point, Clay, Exeter-Fairfax, Fairfield, Forestdale, Hoover, Hueytown, Leeds, Edgewater, Sylvan Springs, Hopewell, Midfield, Morris and Tarrant," available "to the elderly 60 years and older"; incontinence supplies for "seniors ages 55 and older" whose "income is below the Federal Poverty guidelines," including "pull-ups, under-pads, wipes, hygiene and skin care products and nutritional supplements," with the rule "Seniors who have family caregivers are ineligible" and availability "October through September of each year"; Senior Fan Distribution "to low-income seniors age 60 years and older," contact "from May through August"; Alzheimer's Foundation of America National Memory Screening described as "a simple and safe 'healthy brain check-up'" taking "less than 10 minutes"; contacts Janice L. Williams, Coordinator of Senior Services, 205-325-5572, and Dedra Lewis, Information Specialist, 205-325-5567: https://www.jccal.org/285/Senior-Services . Verified August 27, 2026.
Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, Our Programs: "We distributed 24.1 million pounds of food in 2025"; "network of over 300 distribution partners"; "CSFP improves the health of people with low incomes who are at least 60 years old by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA foods"; Senior Grocery Mobile Pantries, Senior Client-Choice Pantry Distributions and Senior Grocery Home Delivery ("We collaborate with Amazon Community Delivery to distribute food boxes to our neighbors' doorsteps"); Benefits Enrollment Center "Phone: 1-877-833-2550, Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM": https://feedingal.org/programs/ . Verified August 27, 2026.
Alabama Department of Human Resources, SNAP Simplified Application for the Elderly, Form DHR-FSD-2198, Rev. 10-25: "This application is for persons applying for SNAP when: Everyone in the SNAP household is age 65 or older; or All household members are age 65 or older and purchase and prepare food separately from the other people in the home; and No SNAP household member receives earnings from work"; "If you need help completing this application, call toll free 1-800-438-2958"; "To get the address or phone number of your local office, call toll free 1-833-822-2202 or on line at www.dhr.alabama.gov"; Expedited Services: "you may be able to get SNAP benefits within 7 days if your household has little or no money": https://dhr.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Form-DHR-FSD-2198-AESAP-Application-Rev.-10-25.pdf . Verified August 27, 2026.
Alabama Department of Human Resources, Jefferson County office: main address 2001 12th Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35234; Bessemer office 2014 1st Avenue North, Bessemer, AL 35020; mailing PO Box 11926, Birmingham, AL 35202-1926; primary phone (205) 423-4900; Food Assistance (205) 423-4200; hours "8:00 am until 4:30 pm": https://dhr.alabama.gov/county-office-contact/?county=Jefferson . Verified August 27, 2026.
Alabama Department of Human Resources, Adult Protective Services: "Call the Adult Abuse Hotline at 1-800-458-7214 to report suspected mistreatment"; mission "to support and enable County Departments to protect elderly and disabled adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation and prevent unnecessary institutionalization": https://dhr.alabama.gov/adult-protective-services/ . Verified August 27, 2026.
ADECA, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): "the applicant's household income must not exceed 150% of the federally established poverty level"; "ADECA does not schedule appointments and does not accept or process applications"; ADECA 1-800-392-8098: https://adeca.alabama.gov/liheap/ . Verified August 27, 2026.
ADECA, LIHEAP Regions Map and agency list (PDF): "Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama, Inc. (REGION 10), 1481 McCurdy Avenue South, Rainsville, AL 35986-5221, Call center: 855-287-1730, Main office: 256-638-4430, http://www.caaneal.org/, Blount, Cherokee, Dekalb, Jackson, Jefferson, Marshall, and St. Clair Counties": https://adeca.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/LIHEAPRegionsMap.pdf . Verified August 27, 2026.
Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama, LIHEAP: "Grant funded by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs to assist applicants in paying their electric or gas bills"; income guidelines "at or below 150% Federal poverty: 1 Person $1883, 2 People $2555, 3 People $3228, 4 People $3900, 5 People $4573, 6 People $5245, 7 People $5918, 8 People $6590... Add $643 for each additional member"; required documents include photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of income for the previous month, a utility bill in the applicant's name and a lease if in government housing: https://www.caaneal.org/liheap . Verified August 27, 2026.
Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama, Birmingham office: "Office: 205-502-2108, 900 38th Street North, Birmingham, Al 35222"; programs listed include the Utility Assistance Program (LIHEAP), CSBG GROW Program, CSBG Direct Aid Programs ("A full calendar of available resources will be listed on our agency's website starting November 1... rental assistance, food cards, fuel gift cards, public transportation vouchers, and prescription vouchers as funding allows") and the Weatherization Assistance Program ("designed to lower the energy usage of a client's home and improve the applicants' health and safety by tightening up their homes and preventing outside air infiltration"): https://www.caaneal.org/jefferson-county . Verified August 27, 2026.
Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama, Bessemer office: "Office: 205-502-2108, 1612 3rd Ave. N, Bessemer, AL 35020," same program list: https://www.caaneal.org/jefferson-county-1 . Verified August 27, 2026.
The Salvation Army, Project SHARE: "In 2017 Alabama Power and the rural electric cooperatives formed a partnership with The Salvation Army Greater Birmingham Area Command to administer the Project SHARE (Service to Help Alabamians with Relief on Energy) program in the state of Alabama"; "In order to qualify for Project share the applicant must be 60 years of age or older or a disabled Alabamian"; "Project SHARE provides emergency energy assistance to elderly and disabled Alabamians in peak winter and summer months. The program assists Alabamians in 57 counties statewide"; Jefferson County community partners listed as Positive Maturity 205-803-1665, The Salvation Army Bessemer Service Center 205-425-4303, and Urban Ministry 205-781-0517; "you can call 205-328-2420 and press extension number 2 to get the contact information of your local Project SHARE office": https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/birmingham-al/project-share/ . Verified August 27, 2026.
Alabama Medicaid, Applicant Contacts: Recipient Call Center (800) 362-1504, Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; "District Offices are set up to receive and process the following types of applications: Applications for Elderly and Disabled Programs, Applications for Nursing Home Care, Applications for Programs That Help Pay Medicare Premiums"; Birmingham district office "Beacon Ridge Tower, Suite 300, 600 Beacon Pkwy West, Birmingham, AL 35209, Serves: Jefferson, Shelby and St. Clair counties, (866) 371-4073," fax (877) 814-8302; Form 204/205 for nursing home care and home and community-based waiver applications, Form 211 for help paying Medicare costs or premiums; apply@medicaid.alabama.gov: https://medicaid.alabama.gov/content/10.0_Contact/10.2_Applicant_Contacts.aspx . Verified August 27, 2026.
Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham, Medicaid Waiver Program: "Medicaid Waiver is a program of the Alabama Department of Senior Services (ADSS) and the Alabama Medicaid Agency and administered by the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham"; income "cannot exceed $2,829 monthly with no more than $2,000 in resources"; applicants must "exhibit same disabilities and frailty for admission to a nursing home in Alabama as determined by their physician"; phone (205) 251-8139; address Two Twentieth Street North, Suite 1200, Birmingham, AL 35203: https://www.rpcgb.org/medicaid-waiver-program . Verified August 27, 2026.
Alabama Department of Senior Services, Medicaid Waiver Programs: waivers "provide home and community-based services to individuals whose needs would otherwise require care in a nursing facility"; services listed include case management, personal care, homemaker services, companion services, respite care, adult day services, nutrition and meals, private duty nursing, medical supplies and assistive technology: https://alabamaageline.gov/medicaid-waiver-programs/ . Verified August 27, 2026.
Alabama Medicaid, PACE Program Fact Sheet: eligible individuals "Must be certified by the state to need nursing home care... Must be 55 years of age or older... Must live in service area (currently Mobile and Baldwin counties)... Must be able to live safely in the community"; enrollment "Up to 185 enrollees per program": https://medicaid.alabama.gov/documents/5.0_Managed_Care/5.2_Other_Managed_Care_Programs/5.2.3_PACE/5.2.3_PACE_Fact_Sheet_5-18-20.pdf . Verified August 27, 2026.
National PACE Association, Senior CommUnity Care of Jefferson County: located at 1700 Old Bluegrass Ave, Suite 200, Louisville, KY 40215-1174, phone (502) 676-7520, confirming this program serves Jefferson County, Kentucky and not Jefferson County, Alabama: https://www.npaonline.org/detail-pages/organizations/senior-community-care-of-jefferson-county-28975 . Verified August 27, 2026.
Jefferson County, Repairs to My Home (CDBG): "The following programs listed are only available to income eligible homeowners that have occupied their home for a minimum of one year. Rental properties are not eligible. Properties must be located within the Jefferson County CDBG Consortium which is all of Jefferson County outside the city limits of Birmingham, Bessemer, and the towns of Sumiton and Helena"; "City of Birmingham homeowners, please contact the City of Birmingham Housing Division at 205-254-2312"; Housing Emergency Grant Program, Housing Rehabilitation (205-325-5761), Volunteer Based Housing Rehabilitation Programs, and Housing Accessibility Program ("ramps, enlarged doorways, bathroom grab bars and other similar items"); "For assistance call Legal Services Alabama at 205-328-3540": https://www.jccal.org/281/Repairs-to-My-Home . Verified August 27, 2026.
Jefferson County, Section 8 Rental Assistance: housing authority list with phone numbers, Jefferson County Housing Authority 205-849-0123, Housing Authority of Leeds 205-699-6223, Fairfield, Alabama Housing Authority 205-923-8017, Tarrant Housing Authority 205-841-2270, Housing Authority of the Birmingham District 205-521-0773, Bessemer Housing Authority 205-481-4420: https://www.jccal.org/282/Section-8-Rental-Assistance . Verified August 27, 2026.
Jefferson County, Elderly Rental Housing: "Jefferson County funds the development of Special Needs Rental Housing for the Elderly. Tenants must be elderly and meet certain income restrictions. One and two bedroom units, some fully accessible... Contact the management companies for application and vacancy information. All developments maintain a waiting list"; the full HOME Program elderly development table used above, whose published management contacts are Serene Grove / Hollyhand Companies 205-699-7934, Artesian Springs / Hollyhand Companies 205-424-5983, Brighton Gardens / Jefferson County Housing Authority 205-849-0123, Oak Park Villas / Vantage Development 205-424-3837, Hickory Ridge I, II and III and Spring Gardens III and IV / Jefferson County Assisted Housing Corp. 205-841-5032, The Flats at Colebridge / Vantage Management 866-302-2382, Rosedale Senior Apartments / YW Homes, Inc. 205-322-9922, Cherry Woods Apartments / Gateway Management 205-729-6200, Abbington Summit Pointe / Gateway Management 205-206-7111, and Arbors at Ellington / Integral Management 205-781-4293: https://www.jccal.org/274/Elderly-Rental-Housing . Verified August 27, 2026.
ClasTran, Paratransit Service: "ClasTran provides curb-to-curb demand-response service in Jefferson and Shelby counties"; "For riders living in urban areas of Jefferson and Shelby counties, you must either be 60 years of age or older OR have a disability to qualify for service. For riders living in rural areas of Jefferson and Shelby counties, anyone may qualify for service regardless of age or disability"; certification 205-325-8787 option 3, certification@clastran.com, P.O. Box 10386 Birmingham, AL 35202, in person 2100 16th Avenue South, Suite 55, Birmingham, AL 35205; "please allow ten days for processing": https://www.clastran.com/paratransit-service . Verified August 27, 2026.
ClasTran, Rider's Handbook: hours "Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m."; "Fare $4.00 one-way trip"; "Fares will be collected by the driver at the beginning of each trip... No split payments... Drivers do not make change... Medicaid vouchers are not accepted"; "Reservations can be made a maximum of 14 days in advance. Reservations for next day service MUST be made by 11:00 a.m."; "You must call (205) 325-8787 at least two hours before your scheduled pick-up time to cancel a trip"; "Excessive cancellations and/or three no-shows in three months may result in a 30-day suspension of service"; "The vehicle may arrive from 15 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time to 15 minutes after"; "A rider may travel with one companion for the same fare as the rider"; "A PCA will be allowed to ride without charge"; holiday list including "Only dialysis trips are provided on holidays, but no trips are provided on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day": https://www.clastran.com/riders-handbook . Verified August 27, 2026.
MAX Transit (BJCTA), Fares and Passes: MAX Fixed Route One-Way adult $1.50, "Persons with disabilities, Seniors 62+ with valid ID, Military ID, or Medicare Card $0.75"; All Day Pass adult $3.50, reduced $2.00; Two-Week Pass adult $26.50, reduced $12.50; Monthly Access Pass $25.00; Magic City Connector adult $0.30, reduced $0.15; Birmingham Xpress "Currently complimentary courtesy of the City of Birmingham"; "One-way bus passes are only sold on buses and require exact change"; "Certified Paratransit riders with valid ID may ride Fixed Route services at no cost"; BJCTA Administrative Offices, 1801 Morris Avenue, Birmingham AL 35203, +1 (205) 521-0101: https://maxtransit.org/fares-and-passes/ . Verified August 27, 2026.
MAX Transit (BJCTA), Paratransit: "Paratransit buses operate during the same hours as our fixed route buses and provide service within Birmingham City and Jefferson County limits"; service hours "Monday-Friday 4:00 a.m. - 11:30 p.m." and "Saturday 4:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m."; fares one-way $2.00, 10 ride ticket $20.00, monthly pass $80.00, Access Pass $25.00, "Personal Care Attendants No Charge"; eligibility "offers Paratransit services to individuals who, because of a disability (physical, cognitive, or visual), cannot access fixed route buses," in three ADA categories; "Trip requests are accepted up to two weeks in advance. For next-day pickup, you must call by 5:00 PM the day before"; "Paratransit ID cards are free! You can get one with a proper ID Tuesday - Thursday from 9 AM - 1 PM at Central Station, 1700 Morris Avenue"; application via "(205) 961-5614 ext. 1029": https://maxtransit.org/paratransit/ . Verified August 27, 2026.
Legal Services Alabama, Apply for Services: "LSA must screen your household's income to see if you are eligible for our services. LSA also has special grants that are not income-based such as elder grants to assist clients 60 and over"; intake "866 456 4995" English and "888 835 3505" Español; "Call Center Hours Mon- Fri | 8:30a-4:30p"; Birmingham office 1820 7th Ave North, Suite 200, Birmingham, AL 35203, 205-328-3540: https://legalservicesalabama.org/apply-for-services/ . Verified August 27, 2026.
Alzheimer's of Central Alabama, Dementia Care Scholarships: "Scholarships will be for up to $300 per month"; eligibility "Person with dementia must reside in Alabama. Individual must have a dementing illness. The person with dementia must reside at home and have a caregiver"; "A scholarship award will be for one year, with the possibility for renewal at year's end"; "On average, forty to fifty scholarships are awarded each year"; "ACA will pay the day care center for the days the participant attends"; Continence Products Program ("Our plan provides a set amount of products to selected recipients on a monthly basis. These are shipped to the home from a medical supply company") and Nutritional Supplement Program ("Home shipment of the nutritional supplements Ensure and Glucerna (for diabetics)"): https://alzca.org/scholarship/ . Verified August 27, 2026.
Alzheimer's of Central Alabama, Project Lifesaver Bracelet: "Alzheimer's of Central Alabama provides bracelets for individuals with dementia living in Jefferson County, in partnership with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department"; eligibility "The person with dementia must live in the home with a caregiver who can provide continuous supervision. The person with dementia should no longer be driving"; "The equipment costs $450. ACA is committed to helping families across Alabama and will provide a bracelet regardless of ability to pay"; "Project Lifesaver bracelets emit a radio-frequency signal that is only trackable by Sheriff's Departments. They are not GPS"; "The bracelets have a 100% success rate in Alabama for safe returns": https://alzca.org/project-lifesaver-bracelet/ . Verified August 27, 2026.
Alzheimer's of Central Alabama, Contact Us: "Call: (205) 871-7970, Toll-free: (866) 806-7255 (statewide)," fax (205) 871-7355, aca@alzca.org, mailing P.O. Box 2273, Birmingham, Alabama 35201, office 300 Office Park Drive, Suite 225, Birmingham, Alabama 35223, hours "Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.": https://alzca.org/contact-us/ . Verified August 27, 2026.
Alzheimer's of Central Alabama, Dementia Care Support Groups: "Alzheimer's of Central Alabama offers a virtual caregiver support group on Zoom at 11 am every Tuesday"; Birmingham-area listings including "United Way Area Agency on Aging of Jefferson County, 3rd Tuesday of each month 11:30-12:30, contact Valarie Lawson, vlawson@uwaaa.org," "Trussville Public Library, 3rd Tuesday, 6:00 pm," "Holy Apostles Church, Hoover, 2nd and 4th Thursdays 10:30-noon," "St. Mark's UMC, Vestavia Hills, Fridays at 1 pm," and "Asbury United Methodist Church 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 1:00"; the page notes listings "do change from time to time": https://alzca.org/caregiver-support-groups/ . Verified August 27, 2026.
Alabama Lifespan Respite, Apply for Respite: "Applications are closed at this time"; "Alabama Lifespan Respite is not currently accepting applications to the respite reimbursement program. Please check back in October"; "If you have applied for and received respite reimbursement after July 2025 there is no need to reapply"; conditions include "I understand that I cannot currently be receiving respite services through any other program in order to qualify for the Alabama Lifespan Respite reimbursement program, including Medicaid Home and Community Based Services waivers," "only one caregiver per household is eligible to apply," "I cannot be listed as both the Primary Caregiver and the Respite Provider," "a trustworthy respite provider(s) who is at least 18 years of age and who lives outside of the care recipient's home," and "there is a 30 day processing period before I will receive reimbursement in the form of a check"; contact 256 859 8300, al.respite@ucphuntsville.org: https://alabamarespite.org/apply-for-respite/ . Verified August 27, 2026.
Cooper Green Mercy Health Services, Health 1st Enrollment: "You must be 18 years of age, a resident of Alabama for 1 year, and a resident of Jefferson County for at least 30 days"; "Cooper Green Mercy Health Services accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and many third-party reimbursement plans. In addition, if you qualify for financial assistance based on your income, you will be entitled to reduced co-payments for all services, including prescriptions filled through our on-site pharmacy"; "please call 205-930-3377 to make an enrollment appointment between 7:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday"; service list including behavioral health, cardiology, nephrology, neurology, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, podiatry, rheumatology, urology, wound care, on-site lab, pharmacy and radiology: https://coopergreen.org/enrollment/ . Verified August 27, 2026.
Cooper Green Mercy Health Services, Contact Us: "Location: 1509 6th Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35233, Phone: 205-930-3200": https://coopergreen.org/contact-us/ . Verified August 27, 2026.
Positive Maturity: "Positive Maturity, Inc., 106 Oxmoor Road, Suite 152, Birmingham, AL 35209, 1.205.803.3211"; programs described include the Shepherd Center at Don Hawkins and Geriatric Social Services Programs providing "hot meals, activities and assistance with navigating available resources and services," plus RSVP, the Senior Companion Program and the Foster Grandparent Program: https://positivematurity.org/ . Verified August 27, 2026.
Alabama Department of Senior Services, statewide overview used for the SHIP brand, SenioRx and 1-800-AGELINE framing: https://alabamaageline.gov/ship/ and https://alabamaageline.gov/seniorx/ . Verified August 27, 2026.
Routed rather than stated: the Jefferson County Veterans Service Office. The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs operates county Veterans Service Offices in 62 counties and directs people to its own locator, and its most recent published note about the Jefferson County office placed it inside Cooper Green Mercy Health Services on 6th Avenue South, while third-party directories list a different downtown address. Because no current official page states the Jefferson County office address and phone, this page routes to the ADVA locator at https://va.alabama.gov/service-officer/ and ADVA headquarters at 334-242-5077 instead of naming a possibly stale local number. The Birmingham VA Medical Center is at 700 South 19th Street, Birmingham, AL 35233-1927: https://www.va.gov/birmingham-health-care/locations/birmingham-va-medical-center/ . Verified August 27, 2026.
National anchor lines used in the "Start here" section, all of which work from anywhere: Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116, a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging: https://eldercare.acl.gov/ . Medicare 1-800-633-4227 (1-800-MEDICARE), TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: https://www.medicare.gov/talk-to-someone . Social Security 1-800-772-1213: https://www.ssa.gov/agency/contact/ . VA 1-800-827-1000: https://www.va.gov/resources/helpful-va-phone-numbers/ . Alzheimer's Association Helpline 800.272.3900, free, 24/7, 365 days a year: https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/helpline . National Elder Fraud Hotline 833-372-8311 (833-FRAUD-11), a free U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime resource for reporting fraud targeting people age 60 and older: https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/stop-elder-fraud/providing-help-restoring-hope . 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/ . Verified August 27, 2026.

Verified August 27, 2026. Program names, phone numbers, income limits, and deadlines change. Confirm directly with each program before you rely on it.

Ryan Riggins, NC Real Estate License #361546, eXp Realty. Riggins Strategic Solutions is an education and media company, not a real estate sales business. Not financial, tax, medical, or legal advice. Programs and contacts change, confirm directly before relying on them.