Mobile County, AL Senior Help Directory: Mobile, Prichard and Bayou La Batre Programs for Seniors and Families (2026)

Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in Mobile 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: South Alabama Regional Planning Commission (SARPC), Area Agency on Aging, 110 Beauregard Street, Mobile, AL 36602, mailing P.O. Box 1665, Mobile, AL 36633, phone 251-706-4680, or the statewide 1-800-AGELINE (1-800-243-5463) | Via Health, Fitness and Enrichment Center, 1717 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36604, 251-478-3311 | 2-1-1, also 1-888-421-1266, or text your ZIP code to 898-211, free and confidential.

Start with the one thing that makes this county different from every other county in Alabama: PACE is real here. Everywhere else in this state, a family asking about the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly gets told it does not operate in their area and sent to a Medicaid waiver instead. Not here. Alabama Medicaid's own eligibility list ends with the line that settles it: an applicant must live in a designated PACE service area, currently Mobile and Baldwin counties. The provider is Mercy LIFE of Alabama on Springhill Avenue. If someone 55 or older in this county is being pushed toward a nursing home, there is a real alternative here that most of the state does not have, and it is covered in full further down this page.

The second thing to understand is the size and shape of this county. Mobile County is not one city with suburbs. It runs from Citronelle and Mt. Vernon in the north to Bayou La Batre and Grand Bay on the water, with Prichard, Saraland, Creola, Wilmer, Tillman's Corner and the City of Mobile in between. The aging network is built for that: there are fifteen senior nutrition centers, not one, and several of them are forty-five minutes from downtown. But the bus system is not built for that. The Wave serves a defined service area, and a family in Wilmer or Bayou La Batre planning around a 60 cent bus fare is planning around something that does not reach them. Meals come to the whole county. Transit does not. Sort out which side of that line an address falls on before you build a plan around it.

The third pattern is about the tax office, and it is the one that costs real money. Alabama does not use a single name for the county property tax job, and Mobile County uses Revenue Commissioner, currently Kim Hastie. More importantly, this county draws a line that several others do not: the basic homestead exemption does not require annual renewal, but the age, income and disability exemptions must be reclaimed on a yearly basis, with renewal forms mailed in October and due back by December 31. That means a household paying zero property tax under Homestead Exemption 3 can lose the whole thing by not opening an envelope. If October passes and no form arrives, that is not good news. That is a phone call.

And one practical warning before you start dialing: the tax office is closed on Wednesdays. All Mobile County Revenue Commission offices are. The satellite locations in Theodore, Eight Mile, Citronelle and downtown Mobile are also not open year-round, and as of this writing the county's published notice states that all satellite offices are closed until October 1 and directs everyone to the Michael Square location. Call before you drive.

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, and it is run by the Adult Protective Services Division of the Alabama Department of Human Resources. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman, reached through the Area Agency on Aging at 251-706-4680 or the state office at 334-242-5753, is who you call about a nursing home or assisted living facility rather than that facility's own management. And 2-1-1, which here is answered by Lifelines staff under the United Way of Southwest Alabama and covers Mobile, Clarke, Washington, Baldwin, Escambia, Conecuh, Choctaw and Monroe counties, will tell you which programs currently have money.

Property tax relief (apply with the Mobile County Revenue Commissioner, 251-574-8530)

Get the office title right first, because Alabama does not use one name for this job. Some counties have a Tax Assessor. Some have a Property Tax Commissioner. The Alabama Department of Revenue's official county office list shows Mobile County with a Revenue Commissioner, currently Kim Hastie. The main office is at 3925 Michael Blvd, Suite G, Mobile, AL 36609, mailing address PO Box 1169, Mobile, AL 36633-1169, phone 251-574-8530, with an additional published line at 251-574-4714. The office describes itself as centrally located with ample free parking and handicap access, and its hours are Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Note what is missing from that list. Every Mobile County Revenue Commission office is closed on Wednesdays.

What the exemptions actually are, in the county's own words.

• Standard homestead. Property owners may deduct up to $4,000.00 in assessed value on the state portion and up to $2,000 in assessed value on the county portion. This one does not require annual renewal, however the exemption is non-transferrable.
• Homestead Exemption 3, the one worth the most. The county states that all property owners aged 65 or older may be eligible to claim Homestead Exemption 3, under which the property owner or owners pays no taxes. To qualify you must be 65 years old or older, with proof of age required, own and occupy the property as your primary residence, and your taxable income, as indicated on your Federal Income Tax Return, cannot exceed $12,000. Not a discount. The whole bill.
• Homestead Exemption 2, the partial version. Same age and residency requirements, with the $12,000 limit measured on the State return, and it covers all the State and up to $5,000 of the County taxes owed.
• Disability exemption. The applicant must be retired due to being totally and permanently disabled. The county names the acceptable proof: a Social Security disability letter plus a physician's affidavit, a military or pension letter confirming disability retirement, or two physician letters stating the disability status. Its own questionnaire lists six acceptable documentation routes, including Department of Veterans Affairs documentation at 100 percent service connected or unemployable, State of Alabama Retirement documents, a Department of Revenue certification, and private company disability annuity documents.
• Blind exemption. The county's questionnaire also asks whether you are blind, as defined by the Code of Alabama 1975, Section 1-1-3, vision acuity of 20/200 or less, with supporting documents attached. People rarely think to ask about this one.

Now the rule that separates Mobile County from its neighbors, and it is a calendar rule. The Revenue Commission is explicit that all age, income and disability exemptions must be reclaimed on a yearly basis. Property owners receive renewal forms in October and must return them no later than December 31, with current tax returns attached where income verification is required. Read that against the paragraph above about the standard homestead, which never renews, and you can see how a family gets caught: nothing changed at the house, nobody moved, and the exemption lapsed anyway because the renewal form went in a pile. Put a reminder on the calendar for the first week of October and treat it like a bill.

The statewide tiers behind the county's language. Alabama sorts homestead exemptions into four lettered categories, and the county's Homestead Exemption 3 corresponds to the state's H-3:

• H-1. Taxpayers under age 65 and not disabled: $4,000 assessed value state and $2,000 assessed value county.
• H-2. Taxpayers 65 and older with annual adjusted gross income of less than $12,000, or retired due to permanent and total disability regardless of age: exempt from all of the state portion, plus $5,000 of assessed value on the county portion including school district ad valorem taxes.
• 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 return: exempt from all ad valorem taxes.
• H-3, disabled. A taxpayer who is permanently and totally disabled is exempt from all ad valorem taxes, and the state is explicit that there is no income limitation.
• H-4. Age 65 and older with income greater than $12,000: exempt from all of the state portion, plus the regular $2,000 county homestead exemption.

The distance between H-4 and H-3 is the distance between a trim and a zero bill, and the deciding figure is taxable income on the return, not gross income and not the size of a Social Security deposit. Take the actual return to the office before deciding you do not qualify.

Read the affidavit before you sign it. Mobile County's Affidavit for Homestead Exemption carries a penalty clause most counties do not put in front of you, and it is worth quoting: knowingly and willfully giving false information to claim a homestead exemption, or to help another person claim one, is punishable by penalty of twice the amount of any ad valorem tax which would have been due, retroactive for up to 10 years plus interest at a rate of 15 percent per year. The form also requires you to attest that you have no active homestead exemptions for any other property in this or any other county or state, and the accompanying questionnaire states that any other homestead must be canceled before this application can be processed. If a parent kept a homestead on a house in another state after moving in with family here, deal with that first. The affidavit must be notarized if signed out of office, and the office also asks for an accepted form of ID for each residing owner along with proof of ownership and occupancy.

A newer statewide protection that helps whether or not you qualify on age. Under Act 2024-344, Alabama caps the annual increase in taxable assessed value for Class II and Class III real property, which includes owner-occupied residential property, at 7 percent. The base year was October 1, 2024, for collections beginning October 1, 2025, and the limitation continues through the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2027. The cap comes off when the property changes ownership, with exceptions for family transfers and transfers because of death, when the classification changes, or when significant improvements are added.

What we are routing rather than stating. The Revenue Commission's exemption pages direct applicants to visit our office to apply and do not publish a complete online filing path for the senior exemptions, so we are not going to promise you can do this from a kitchen table. We also found no published local Mobile County senior exemption enacted on top of the state tiers. Ask about both in the same call to 251-574-8530, and ask a third question while you have someone: which exemption code am I currently on. People are often on H-1 when they qualify for H-3.

Food

Senior nutrition centers, which is how most of this county eats. The Area Agency on Aging funds these through a grant arrangement, and the eligibility rule is refreshingly short: persons age 60 and older, on a donation only basis, with transportation provided by most centers. Hot meals are generally served at 11 a.m., and most sites offer congregate and homebound meals, meaning you can eat there or have it brought to you. The centers, as published by the Area Agency on Aging:

• Bayou La Batre, 12745 Padgett Switch Road, Bayou La Batre, AL 36509, 251-824-4616
• Citronelle, 19125 South Mobile Street, Citronelle, AL 36522, 251-866-5047
• Creola, 9618 Old Highway 43, Creola, AL 36525, 251-675-7661
• Dearborn Street YMCA, 321 N. Warren Street, Mobile, AL 36603, 251-432-4768
• Dumas Wesley, 126 Mobile Street, Mobile, AL 36607, 251-479-0649
• Grand Bay, 11610 Highway 90 West, Grand Bay, AL 36541, 251-865-4010
• Hillsdale, 558 Felhorn Road, Mobile, AL 36608, 251-344-0341
• Mt. Vernon, 1220 Military Road, Mt. Vernon, AL 36560, 251-829-9696
• Prichard, 2500 W. Main Street, Prichard, AL 36610, 251-452-7918
• Saraland, 718 Mae Street, Saraland, AL 36571, 251-375-5438
• Thomas Sullivan Center, 351 N. Catherine Street, Mobile, AL 36603, 251-438-7282
• Tillman's Corner, 5863 Nevius Road, Mobile, AL 36619, 251-661-6600
• Trinity Gardens, 3055 Banks Avenue, Mobile, AL 36617, 251-456-6690
• Wilmer Center, 13251 Avenue B, Wilmer, AL 36587, 251-645-9209

If no center reaches you. The Area Agency on Aging states that it offers frozen home-delivered meals in areas not served by Senior Nutrition Centers, non-profits and churches. In a county this spread out that is not a footnote, it is the answer for a lot of households. Ask for it by name at 251-706-4680.

A hot lunch open to the public. The Dauphin Street Cafe at the Via Center, 1717 Dauphin Street, is open Monday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., offering low-cost hot meals. It is not means-tested and it is not a program you have to qualify for. For an older adult who is more isolated than unwell, that matters.

The regional food bank. Feeding the Gulf Coast is headquartered right here at 5248 Mobile South Street, Theodore, AL 36582, main line 251-653-1617. Founded in 1981, it serves 24 counties, including nine in south Alabama. Two things it runs are worth asking about directly. The Commodity Supplemental Food Program, known as Senior Boxes, provides USDA-donated foods through a monthly food package to seniors who are 60 years of age or older with household income at or below 130 percent of the Federal Poverty Level; to check eligibility, call the food bank at (888) 704-3663. Its mobile pantry distributes a truckload of food in a single day. For pantry locations near a specific address, call 251-653-1617, Option 4.

SNAP, and the short form seniors should ask for by name. The Mobile County Department of Human Resources handles food assistance from 2970 Cottage Hill Road, Suite 150, Mobile, AL 36606, Food Assistance at 251-450-6955, with administration at 3103 Airport Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36606, 251-450-7000, county director Leslie Kelly. Ask about the Alabama Elderly Simplified Application Project. The current state form, revised October 2025, is for households where everyone in the SNAP household is age 65 or older, or where all members are 65 or older and purchase and prepare food separately from the other people in the home, and where no SNAP household member receives earnings from work. The form is short, and it says you may file this application by completing at least your name, address, and signing the form. A great many websites still describe this program at age 60, which is what an older state description used, so ask for it by name rather than by age. For help completing it, the state publishes 1-800-438-2958. The Area Agency on Aging also runs a Seniors and SNAP outreach effort at 251-706-4680.

Energy and utility help

LIHEAP and weatherization are the same agency here, under two different state region numbers. ADECA, which funds both, assigns Mobile County's LIHEAP to Region 11, Mobile Community Action, Inc., 461 Donald Street, Mobile, AL 36617-3327, with a call center at 251-206-6117 and a main office at 251-457-5700, covering Mobile and Washington counties. ADECA assigns Mobile County's weatherization to Region 14, which is the same agency at the same address, coordinator Tracy Rhodes at 251-457-5700, except that the weatherization service area is wider and covers Mobile, Washington and Choctaw counties. One agency, one street address, two programs. Use the call center number for energy bills and ask for weatherization by name if what you want is insulation rather than a payment.

How LIHEAP works here. ADECA sets the income ceiling at 150 percent of the federal poverty level and prioritizes households with elderly persons, individuals with disabilities and young children. The state is blunt that ADECA does not schedule appointments and does not accept or process applications, and that if you are seeking assistance, an update on an outstanding application, or want to file a complaint, you must contact the Community Action Agency in your county. Mobile Community Action takes appointments through an online scheduler as well as by phone. The applicant must be the head of the household or the spouse of the head of the household, and you will need a current utility bill in the name of the head of household or spouse, current picture identification, Social Security cards for all household members, and income verification for the previous month for all members 18 and older. The agency notes that LIHEAP assistance is provided based on funding availability and is not guaranteed, and that all services provided by MCA are free of charge.

Weatherization, which is the one that lowers the bill permanently. Mobile Community Action's program states that eligibility is based on household income, that recipients must own or be purchasing their home, and that they must not have received prior weatherization assistance. Critically for this page, the program prioritizes services to the elderly, people with disabilities, and families with children. Work can include attic and wall insulation, air sealing, window repairs, HVAC tune-ups, appliance replacement and lighting upgrades. Contacts published by the agency are Tracy Rhodes, Weatherization Coordinator, 251-457-5700, and Brenda Nettles at 251-829-6362 or 251-829-5418.

Project SHARE, and yes it applies in this county. Mobile is Alabama Power territory, which is not true of every Alabama city, so the utility's own assistance program is available here. In partnership with the Salvation Army, Project SHARE helps low-income Alabamians who are 60+ or disabled pay winter energy bills, and Alabama Power notes that summer assistance for medical emergencies may be available if funds exist. The program is administered statewide by the Salvation Army of Greater Birmingham, reachable at 205-328-2420, but you apply at your local Salvation Army office. In Mobile that is the Salvation Army Coastal Alabama Area Command, 1009 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL, phone 251-438-1625, open weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., which also provides emergency shelter, hot meals, social services, seasonal assistance and utility bill assistance.

Two more Alabama Power routes worth knowing. The utility publishes an Energy Assistant tool that walks you through anonymous questions to identify which programs match your situation, and it points customers with SSI and Medicaid to low income assistance programs, plus special needs programs offering alternate payment dates and accessible billing including Braille and large-print bills. The Alabama Business Charitable Trust Fund, known as the ABC Trust, also funds energy assistance through community action agencies, which in this county means back to Mobile Community Action.

Medicare, Medicaid, prescriptions

Free Medicare counseling, and nobody is selling anything. SHIP, Alabama's State Health Insurance Assistance Program, is funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and administered through the Area Agencies on Aging. In this county that is the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission Area Agency on Aging at 251-706-4680. It runs a monthly Medicare educational seminar for people new to Medicare on the first Tuesday of each month, which is the single best use of two hours for anyone approaching 65 or facing an open enrollment decision. The agency also operates an Aging and Disability Resource Center providing information and assistance, benefit enrollment, options counseling and an Alzheimer's and Dementia Helpline.

Medicaid, and where the office actually is. The Alabama Medicaid Mobile District Office is at 2800 Dauphin Street, Suite 105, Mobile, AL 36606-2400, phone 866-371-4078, open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and it serves Baldwin, Clarke, Escambia, Mobile and Washington counties. District offices handle applications for elderly and disabled programs, applications for nursing home care, and applications for programs that help pay Medicare premiums. The statewide Recipient Call Center is 1-800-362-1504.

The Elderly and Disabled Waiver. The E&D Waiver provides services to the elderly and individuals with disabilities at risk for nursing facility placement, so that people whose needs would otherwise require care in a nursing facility can remain in the community. Depending on the plan of care, participants may receive personal care, homemaker, respite, adult day health, companion services, and home-delivered frozen meals, with case managers working with clients to develop a person-centered plan of care based on medical needs. Income must not exceed 300 percent of the federal poverty level, with limited assets. In Mobile County the Area Agency on Aging is the case management arm, so 251-706-4680 starts it. Note that in this county the waiver is not your only option, which is unusual. Read the PACE section below before choosing.

Prescription help. SenioRx is Alabama's prescription assistance program, and it has helped thousands of Alabamians receive free or low-cost prescription medications from pharmaceutical companies. Eligible clients may receive a three-month supply, with refills permitted as long as the participant remains eligible. You qualify if you are at least 55 years of age with a chronic medical condition, have no prescription drug insurance coverage, and meet certain income guidelines. Separately, Alabamians with disabilities are eligible regardless of age, including those who are Social Security disabled, who have applied for disability, or who have a doctor's declaration of disability and are in the 24-month Medicare waiting period. Apply through the Area Agency on Aging at 251-706-4680 or the statewide 1-800-AGELINE (1-800-243-5463).

Home repair and safety

The City of Mobile's Housing Rehab Program. The city publishes a Housing Rehab Program that provides a grant of up to $15,000 for home repair for qualified homeowners. Only single family, owner-occupied residences are eligible, and eligibility is based upon the number of household members and total household income, which must be less than or equal to 80 percent of Area Median Income as determined by HUD. The program is administered by the city's Neighborhood Development function and is traditionally funded through federal Community Development Block Grant dollars from HUD. The city has publicly announced an expansion of its critical home repair work with additional discretionary funding, aimed at growing the number of households served, with seniors and residents on fixed incomes named as the target. The city routes inquiries through Mobile 311. Because the published page does not print an application deadline or a direct program line, call 311 inside the city, or 251-208-5311, and ask for Neighborhood Development by name. Mobile 311 is staffed 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, with calls after 6 p.m., on weekends or on city holidays going to voicemail, and requests can also be emailed to Mobile311@CityofMobile.gov.

Outside the city limits. There is no equivalent countywide repair grant published for addresses outside the City of Mobile, so the working route for a homeowner in Wilmer, Grand Bay, Citronelle or Bayou La Batre is weatherization through Mobile Community Action at 251-457-5700, which prioritizes the elderly and people with disabilities and does real building-envelope work, plus 2-1-1 for church and civic repair ministries that come and go with funding.

Free wandering protection. The Mobile County Sheriff's Office runs Project Lifesaver, described on its own site as a FREE Program offered by Sheriff Paul Burch for the caregiver of an individual with Alzheimer's, Autism, Down Syndrome or a related disorder. The participant wears a wristband transmitter that is picked up by special receivers with directional antennas, and when someone wanders the office deploys a search team with specialized equipment. The Sheriff's Office reports the average rescue takes less than 20 minutes. Enroll through Sgt. Kristen Barclay, office 251-574-8049, cell 251-331-5113, or projectlifesaver@mobileso.com. Do this before there is an incident, not after.

Rent, housing, emergency cash

Public housing and vouchers. The Mobile Housing Authority is at 110 Beauregard Street, Suite 106, Mobile, AL 36602, phone 251-434-2300, fax 251-434-0004, TDD/TTY 1-800-545-1833 ext. 824, open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Be prepared for the answer on vouchers: the authority's own published notice states that currently the HCV Waiting List is CLOSED and MHA is not currently accepting applicants for its general Waiting List. Senior-designated properties open and close their lists on a different schedule from the voucher list, so ask specifically about senior public housing rather than about Section 8, and ask when the next opening is expected. Waiting list status changes, so treat anything you read anywhere, including here, as a reason to call rather than a fact to rely on.

A useful accident of geography. The Housing Authority at 110 Beauregard Street, Suite 106 and the Area Agency on Aging at 110 Beauregard Street are in the same downtown building. If someone is making one trip with limited mobility, that is two of the hardest offices to reach handled in one stop.

Emergency help. The Salvation Army Coastal Alabama Area Command, 1009 Dauphin Street, 251-438-1625, provides utility bill assistance, hot meals, emergency shelter and seasonal assistance. Mobile Community Action at 251-457-5700 administers CSBG alongside its energy programs. And 2-1-1, or 1-888-421-1266, is the fastest way to find out who has funds this month for housing, utilities, clothing, emergency shelter, financial counseling and veteran services across the eight counties it covers.

Transportation

The Wave Transit System, and the senior fare is 60 cents. The regular one-way fare is $1.25, with one free transfer if using a MyWAVE card or the MyWAVE Mobile App. Senior Citizens: riders who are 65 or older qualify for reduced fares, at $0.60, and Disabled and Medicare Recipients pay the same $0.60. If you pay cash rather than using the card or app, you must provide proper documentation to the operator. Passes are where the savings compound: a monthly pass is $40.00 for the general public but $20.00 for seniors, disabled riders and Medicare recipients, and a weekly pass is $10.00 against $5.00. A day pass is $3.00 and the Moda! downtown circulator is $0.50. Reduced-fare identification is issued at the GM&O Building, and recertification requirements vary by category.

Door-to-door service. The Wave's Mobility Assistance Program, or MAP, is the ADA complementary paratransit service. Eligibility is not about age: persons with a physical or functional disability which limits their capacity to use accessible fixed route public transportation may be eligible for demand-response transportation service. That means certification comes first, and certification takes time, so start it before you need it. Call the MAP Department at 251-344-5656, where customer service personnel are available between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or email the Mobility Eligibility Specialist at mwalters@thewavetransit.com. MAP fares and the exact service boundary are set by the Wave and are not published on the program's landing page, so confirm both on that call rather than assuming.

If the bus does not reach you. Most senior nutrition centers provide transportation, which is the practical answer for a lot of rural Mobile County. Ask the center nearest you, using the list in the Food section, and ask the Area Agency on Aging at 251-706-4680 what is running in your specific community.

Legal help

Start with Legal Services Alabama. The Mobile office is at 104 St. Francis Street, Suite 700, Mobile, AL 36602, local 251-433-6560, toll free 1-800-403-4872, with the statewide call center at 1-866-456-4995, weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Mobile office serves Baldwin, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe and Washington counties, and the published income test is at or below 125 percent of the federal poverty level. Call before you go.

Then ask about Leaving a Legacy, which most people have never heard of. The City of Mobile publishes it plainly: Legal Services Alabama, through a Partnership with the City of Mobile provides free drafting, execution, and probate of Wills to low-to-moderate income property owners. Consider what that is worth in a county where a great deal of land has passed down through families informally. A house with no will becomes heirs' property, and heirs' property is how families lose land they have held for generations, often to a forced sale none of them wanted. Free will drafting is not a small nicety. Ask about it by name through Legal Services Alabama at 251-433-6560 or through Mobile 311.

Free legal counseling through the aging network. The Area Agency on Aging offers free legal counseling for older persons as one of its published programs, reachable at 251-706-4680. That is a different resource from Legal Services Alabama, with different capacity, and it is worth asking both.

And the number for when it is not a legal question but a safety one. Suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of an older or disabled adult goes to the Alabama Adult Abuse Hotline at 1-800-458-7214, which is accessible twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Complaints about a nursing home or assisted living facility go to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, through the Area Agency on Aging at 251-706-4680 or the state ombudsman line at 334-242-5753, where complainants do not have to give their name and all information is confidential.

Caregiver support

Alabama Cares, through the Area Agency on Aging. The agency runs Alabama Cares Caregiver Programs including Caregiver Colleges, described as a free one day course to enhance your skills and knowledge of caring for a loved one. Start at 251-706-4680. Ask specifically about respite, which is the piece most caregivers need first and ask for last.

GrandFriends adult day program at Via. This is the practical daytime answer in this county. GrandFriends is a community service program of the Via Health, Fitness and Enrichment Center designed to offer caregivers an affordable opportunity for respite while providing supervised activities within a safe, healthy and comfortable environment, and it is for any adult over the age of 50 in need of moderate assistance and supervision. Staff includes Certified Nursing Assistants, senior aides, senior companions and trained volunteers. Published eligibility is specific and worth reading before you apply, because it screens for a particular level of need: the participant must be 50 years of age or older, require supervision, be able to eat independently with minimum assistance, be non-combative and will accept direction, have no wandering or exit-seeking behaviors, not be completely incontinent, be able to transfer independently or with minimum assistance of one person, arrive clean and well groomed, be able to take own medications correctly or not need medications while attending, and be able to stay out of bed 6-8 hours a day. Admission runs through an application, a confidential interview the prospective participant attends, and a half-day trial day, with a non-refundable $25.00 assessment fee payable at the interview. Coordinator Linda Bush, 251-470-5228, lbush@viamobile.org, or the Via Center main line 251-478-3311. Because the published program sheet predates this year, confirm current daily rates and hours on that call rather than relying on a figure you found online.

Note what the wandering rule means. GrandFriends screens out exit-seeking behavior. If that describes your situation, the combination to ask about is the Medicaid Elderly and Disabled Waiver at 251-706-4680, Project Lifesaver at 251-574-8049, and PACE, below, which is built for exactly this level of need.

Statewide, at any hour. The Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900 is free, staffed around the clock every day of the year, and can point you to current local support groups.

County-run volunteer programs, all in one building. Mobile County operates a cluster of senior programs at 1150 Government Street: the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Suite 209, 251-574-7787; the Senior Companion Program, 251-574-3232; and the Foster Grandparents Program, 251-574-6488. These are usually filed under volunteering rather than under help, which is why families miss them. For an older adult who is isolated rather than ill, and for one who could use a companion visiting, this is the right call.

PACE

Mobile County has a PACE program, and almost nowhere else in Alabama does.

PACE, the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, bundles primary care including doctor and nursing services, hospital care, medical specialty services, prescription drugs, dentistry, nursing home care, personal care, physical therapy, adult day care, nutritional counseling, laboratory and x-ray services, social services, and transportation into a single program for people who need nursing-home-level care but want to remain at home.

Who qualifies. Alabama Medicaid publishes four criteria, and an applicant must meet each of them: meet the nursing home level of care, be able to live safely in the community at the time of enrollment, be 55 years of age and older, and live in a designated PACE service area, currently Mobile and Baldwin counties. That last line is the one that rules out most of this state and includes this county. On payment, Alabama Medicaid notes that PACE participants may be Medicaid-only, Medicare-only, Medicaid and Medicare (dually eligible), or private pay, so being on Medicare without Medicaid does not automatically disqualify a family.

Who runs it. Mercy LIFE of Alabama, 2900 Springhill Avenue, Mobile, AL 36607, phone 251-287-8420, TTY 711, referrals 855-287-8427, open 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with 24/7 on-call support for participants. Formed in 2011, it was the first PACE organization in the state of Alabama and serves residents of Mobile and Baldwin counties.

Why this matters more than anything else on this page. For a family here that is being told the next step is a nursing home, there are genuinely two doors, not one. The Medicaid Elderly and Disabled Waiver at 251-706-4680 assembles services around a person at home. PACE replaces the whole arrangement with one organization that becomes responsible for the care, the doctor, the drugs, the day program and the ride there. They are not the same thing and a family cannot be in both. Call Mercy LIFE at 251-287-8420 and the Area Agency on Aging at 251-706-4680, ask each what enrollment would actually look like, and compare the two before deciding.

Frequently asked questions

Dad is 78, has owned the same house off Old Shell Road since 1979, and lives on Social Security and a small pension. What is he actually entitled to? Possibly a zero property tax bill. Mobile County's own exemption guidance says all property owners aged 65 or older may be eligible to claim Homestead Exemption 3, under which the property owner pays no taxes, provided he is 65 or older with proof of age, owns and occupies the property as his primary residence, and his taxable income as indicated on his Federal Income Tax Return does not exceed $12,000. The deciding number is taxable income on the return, not gross and not the Social Security deposit, so take the actual return to the Revenue Commissioner at 3925 Michael Blvd, Suite G, 251-574-8530. Go on a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday. The office is closed Wednesdays.

Mom had the senior exemption and this year a tax bill showed up anyway. What happened? Almost certainly a renewal that lapsed. In Mobile County the standard homestead exemption does not require annual renewal, but the age, income and disability exemptions must be reclaimed on a yearly basis. Renewal forms go out in October and must come back no later than December 31, with current tax returns attached where income has to be verified. Nothing has to change at the house for the exemption to fall off; the envelope just has to go unopened. Call 251-574-8530, ask what exemption code she is on now, ask whether a renewal was mailed and to what address, and get the mailing address corrected while you have someone on the phone.

We are looking at a nursing home for my mother and cannot afford it. Is there an alternative? In this county, two of them, which is not true in most of Alabama. Ask about PACE through Mercy LIFE of Alabama at 251-287-8420, which requires that she meet the nursing home level of care, be able to live safely in the community at the time of enrollment, be 55 or older, and live in Mobile or Baldwin county, and which then covers primary care, hospital care, specialists, prescriptions, dentistry, nursing home care, personal care, physical therapy, adult day care, nutrition, labs, social services and transportation as one program. Also ask about the Medicaid Elderly and Disabled Waiver through the Area Agency on Aging at 251-706-4680, which builds personal care, homemaker, respite, adult day health, companion services and home-delivered frozen meals around her at home, with income not exceeding 300 percent of the federal poverty level. Then call the Alabama Medicaid Mobile District Office at 866-371-4078 about paperwork. Compare the two. They are different models, not different names for the same thing.

Mom's power bill is past due and she is 81 on a fixed income. Who actually helps? Three calls, in this order. First 251-206-6117, the LIHEAP call center at Mobile Community Action, and have ready a current utility bill in her name, photo ID, Social Security cards for the household, and last month's income for everyone 18 and older. Second, because she is over 60 and Mobile is Alabama Power territory, ask about Project SHARE at the Salvation Army Coastal Alabama Area Command, 1009 Dauphin Street, 251-438-1625. Third, while you have Mobile Community Action on the phone, ask about weatherization by name at 251-457-5700, because that is the one that lowers next winter's bill instead of this month's. And 2-1-1 will tell you who currently has funds.

My father lives out in Wilmer and stopped driving. How does he eat and how does he get to a doctor? Meals are the easy part. The Wilmer Center at 13251 Avenue B, 251-645-9209 does congregate and homebound meals for anyone 60 and older on a donation only basis, and most centers provide transportation. Transit is the harder part, because the Wave's fixed routes and its MAP paratransit are built around the urban service area, not the far west end of the county. So the practical sequence is: call the Wilmer center first and ask what transportation it runs, then call the Area Agency on Aging at 251-706-4680 and ask what else operates in that community. If he is at nursing-home level of need, PACE at 251-287-8420 includes transportation as part of the program.

My husband has dementia and I have not slept properly in months. What is in Mobile County? Four calls. 251-706-4680 for Alabama Cares and its Caregiver Colleges, and ask directly about respite rather than waiting to be offered it. 251-470-5228 for GrandFriends adult day at Via, but read the eligibility first, because it screens out wandering or exit-seeking behaviors and requires a confidential interview and a half-day trial with a $25.00 assessment fee. 251-574-8049 or projectlifesaver@mobileso.com for a free Project Lifesaver bracelet from the Sheriff's Office, before there is an incident. And 1-800-272-3900, the Alzheimer's Association's free 24/7 helpline, at whatever hour you are actually awake. If the wandering is the central problem, that combination points toward PACE or the Medicaid waiver rather than toward adult day care.

Mom is 74 and I think she qualifies for food stamps, but she will not sit through an interview. Ask for the Alabama Elderly Simplified Application Project by name. The state's current form, revised October 2025, is for applicants where everyone in the SNAP household is age 65 or older, or where all household members are 65 or older and purchase and prepare food separately from the other people in the home, and where no SNAP household member receives earnings from work. At 74 with no wages, she likely fits. The form says you may file this application by completing at least your name, address, and signing the form. Take it to Mobile County DHR Food Assistance, 2970 Cottage Hill Road, Suite 150, 251-450-6955, or call 1-800-438-2958 for help filling it out. While you are at it, ask Feeding the Gulf Coast at (888) 704-3663 about the Senior Box, which is a separate monthly USDA food package for people 60 or older at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level.

My parents have owned family land here for fifty years and there is no will. Is there anything free? Yes, and it is unusual. The City of Mobile publishes Leaving a Legacy, under which Legal Services Alabama, through a Partnership with the City of Mobile provides free drafting, execution, and probate of Wills to low-to-moderate income property owners. This is the most valuable thing on this page for a family in that position. Land that passes with no will becomes heirs' property, split among more and more relatives each generation until any one of them can force a sale of the whole thing. Getting a will drafted while your parents are able to sign one prevents a problem that is nearly impossible to fix afterward. Call Legal Services Alabama at 251-433-6560, or the statewide intake at 1-866-456-4995, and ask about Leaving a Legacy specifically.

Is there anything for a Mobile County veteran or a veteran's widow? Yes, and it is free. The Mobile County Veterans Affairs office is at 1150 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36604, phone 251-574-8578. County veterans service offices help veterans, dependents and survivors file and process claims for benefits from both the federal VA and the state of Alabama, at no charge. There is also a Mobile Vet Center operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the national VA benefits line is 1-800-827-1000. If a widow is living on very little and her husband served, the claim worth asking about by name is survivor benefits and Aid and Attendance.

Is there anything in this county that is just a good place to go? Yes. The City of Mobile Parks and Recreation Department runs senior programming for adults aged 55 and older at the Connie Hudson Senior Center, 3201 Hillcrest Road, the Parkway Senior Center, 1600 Boykin Boulevard, the Tricksey Senior Center, 3055 Bank Avenue, and the Hillsdale and Thomas Sullivan community centers, with published programs including Bridging Generations Through Art and a Brain Boost Cafe. The department is at 48 North Sage Avenue, Mobile, AL 36607, MPRD@cityofmobile.org. Separately, the Via Health, Fitness and Enrichment Center at 1717 Dauphin Street, 251-478-3311 offers fitness, continuing education and social programming along with the Dauphin Street Cafe, open to the public for lunch Monday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. If a parent is more isolated than unwell, one of these is often the better first call than anything else on this page.

Sources

• Alabama Department of Revenue, County Offices, Appraisal and Assessment Records: the official statewide list of county property tax offices, which lists Mobile County's office as Revenue Commissioner, official Kim Hastie, with phones 251-574-4714 and 251-574-8530, and which shows that Alabama counties variously use the titles Revenue Commissioner, Tax Assessor, Property Tax Commissioner and Tax Collector: https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/property-tax/county-offices-appraisal-assessment-records/ . Verified September 8, 2026.
• Mobile County Revenue Commission, Homestead Exemption: source of the standard homestead deduction of "up to $4,000.00 in assessed value of the state property" and "up to $2,000 in assessed value of the county property"; the statement that the exemption "does not require annual renewal however, the exemption is non-transferrable"; the required documentation including an accepted form of ID for each residing owner, proof of ownership and occupancy, and an affidavit that "must be notarized if signed out of office"; and the office address 3925 Michael Blvd Suite G, Mobile, AL 36609, mailing address PO Box 1169, Mobile, AL 36633-1169, phone (251) 574 8530, with hours "Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 7am to 5pm": https://mobilecopropertytax.com/homestead-exemption/ . Verified September 8, 2026.
• Mobile County Revenue Commission, Exemption Questions: source of "You must be 65 years old or older (proof of age required)" and the H3 rule that "Your taxable income, as indicated on your Federal Income Tax Return cannot exceed $12,000" with property owners paying no taxes; the H2 rule measured on the State return, which "covers all the State and up to $5,000 of the County taxes owed"; the disability requirement that applicants be "RETIRED DUE TO BEING TOTALLY & PERMANENTLY DISABLED" with the acceptable documentation list; the instruction to "visit our office to apply"; and critically the renewal rule that the age, income and disability exemptions "must be reclaimed on a yearly basis," with renewal forms received in October and returned "NO LATER THAN DECEMBER 31": https://mobilecopropertytax.com/exemption-questions/ . Verified September 8, 2026.
• Mobile County Revenue Commission, main site: source of the Wednesday closure of all Mobile County Revenue Commission offices, the satellite locations in Theodore, Eight Mile, Citronelle and downtown Mobile, the notice that "The satellite locations are not open year-round" and the current notice that all satellite offices are closed until October 1 with visitors directed to the Michael Square location, and the description of the main office as centrally located with ample free parking and handicap access: https://mobilecopropertytax.com/ . Verified September 8, 2026.
• Mobile County Revenue Commission, Affidavit for Homestead Exemption (Rev 01/24/2024): source of the penalty language that knowingly and willfully giving false information to claim a homestead exemption "is punishable by penalty of twice the amount of any ad valorem tax which would have been due, retroactive for up to 10 years plus interest at a rate of 15 percent per year"; the attestation that the owner has "no active homestead exemptions for any other property in this or any other county or state"; the Exemption Qualification Questionnaire including "(Any other homestead must be canceled before this application can be processed.)", the age 65 questions on combined Taxable Income of "$12,000 or less" on the federal return and Adjusted Gross Income of "$12,000 or less" on the state return, the six permanent and total disability documentation options including "Department of Veterans Affairs (100% service connected or unemployable)" and "State of Alabama Retirement documents," and the blind exemption question referencing "Code of Alabama 1975, Section 1-1-3 (vision acuity of 20/200 or less)": https://mobilecopropertytax.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/AFFIDAVIT-FOR-HOMESTEAD-EXEMPTION-rev-01242024.pdf . Verified September 8, 2026.
• Alabama Medicaid Agency, Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE): source of the four eligibility criteria including "meet the nursing home level of care," "be able to live safely in the community at the time of enrollment," "be 55 years of age and older," and "live in a designated PACE service area, currently Mobile and Baldwin counties"; the covered services list including primary care, hospital care, medical specialty services, prescription drugs, dentistry, nursing home care, personal care, physical therapy, adult day care, nutritional counseling, laboratory and x-ray services, social services and transportation; and the statement that participants may be Medicaid-only, Medicare-only, dually eligible, or private pay: https://medicaid.alabama.gov/content/5.0_Managed_Care/5.2_Other_MC_Programs/5.2.3_PACE.aspx and https://medicaid.alabama.gov/news_detail.aspx?ID=6237 . Verified September 8, 2026.
• Mercy LIFE of Alabama (Trinity Health PACE), Contact Us: source of the address "2900 Springhill Ave. Mobile, AL 36607," phone "251-287-8420," TTY "711," referrals line "855-287-8427," and hours "8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. with 24/7 on-call support for our participants," and of the program having been formed in 2011 as the first PACE organization in Alabama serving Mobile and Baldwin counties: https://www.trinityhealthpace.org/alabama/mercy-life-of-alabama/contact-us . Verified September 8, 2026.
• South Alabama Regional Planning Commission (SARPC), Area Agency on Aging: source of the counties served, "Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia counties in southwest Alabama"; the program list including the Aging and Disability Resource Center, Prescription Assistance, Home Delivered Meals, Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Free Tax Preparation Program, Home and Community Based Services, Legal Counseling, Silver Sweepers Home Cleaning Services, the State Health Insurance Program (SHIP), Senior Nutrition Centers, Alabama CARES Caregiver Support and Seniors and SNAP; the AAA line 251-706-4680 and the SARPC main number 251-433-6541; the address "110 Beauregard St. P.O. Box 1665 Mobile, AL 36633" and email aginginfo@sarpc.org; the SHIP "New to Medicare? Monthly Education Seminars 1st Tuesday of Each Month"; the ADRC services "Information and Assistance," "Benefit Enrollment," "Options Counseling" and the "Alzheimer's & Dementia Helpline"; the "Caregiver Colleges" described as a "free one day course"; and "Free Legal Counseling for Older Persons": https://sarpc.org/area-agency-on-aging/ , https://agingsouthalabama.org/ and https://agingsouthalabama.org/contact/ . Verified September 8, 2026.
• SARPC Area Agency on Aging, Home and Community Based Services: source of the Elderly and Disabled Waiver description, that it "provides services to the elderly and individuals with disabilities at risk for nursing facility placement," the covered services "personal care, homemaker, respite, adult day health, companion services, and/or home-delivered frozen meals," the statement that "Case managers work with clients to develop a person-centered plan of care based on the client's medical needs," the income test of "300% of the federal poverty level" with limited assets, and the contact number "(251) 706-4680": https://agingsouthalabama.org/home-community-based-services/ . Verified September 8, 2026.
• SARPC Area Agency on Aging, Senior Meal Programs: source of the eligibility rule "Persons age 60 and older on a donation only basis," the note that transportation is provided by most centers, the statement that the agency offers "frozen home-delivered meals in areas not served by Senior Nutrition Centers, non-profits and churches," and the full list of Mobile County nutrition centers with addresses and phones: Bayou La Batre (12745 Padgett Switch Rd, 251-824-4616), Citronelle (19125 South Mobile St., 251-866-5047), Creola (9618 Old Hwy 43, 251-675-7661), Dearborn Street YMCA (321 N. Warren Street, 251-432-4768), Dumas Wesley (126 Mobile Street, 251-479-0649), Grand Bay (11610 Hwy 90 West, 251-865-4010), Hillsdale (558 Felhorn Rd., 251-344-0341), Mt. Vernon (1220 Military Road, 251-829-9696), Prichard (2500 W. Main St, 251-452-7918), Saraland (718 Mae Street, 251-375-5438), Thomas Sullivan Center (351 N. Catherine St., 251-438-7282), Tillman's Corner (5863 Nevius Rd, 251-661-6600), Trinity Gardens (3055 Banks Avenue, 251-456-6690) and Wilmer Center (13251 Ave B, 251-645-9209): https://agingsouthalabama.org/senior-meal-programs/ . Verified September 8, 2026.
• ADECA, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and the LIHEAP regions and contact list: source of the income ceiling, "applicant's household income must not exceed 150% of the federally established poverty level"; the statement "ADECA does not schedule appointments and does not accept or process applications"; the instruction that "you must contact the Community Action Agency in your county"; and the Region 11 listing for "Mobile Community Action, Inc. (REGION 11), 461 Donald Street, Mobile, AL 36617-3327, Call center: 251-206-6117, Main office: 251-457-5700," serving "Mobile and Washington Counties": https://adeca.alabama.gov/liheap/ and https://adeca.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/LIHEAPRegionsMap.pdf . Verified September 8, 2026.
• ADECA, Weatherization Assistance Program agency list: source of the Region 14 listing for "Mobile Community Action, Inc., Mr. Elige Jones, Executive Director, 461 Donald Street, Mobile, AL 36617," serving "Mobile, Washington, Choctaw," coordinator "Mr. Tracy Rhodes (251) 457-5700, trhodes@mcamobile.org," and of ADECA contracting with local community action agencies to deliver weatherization in all 67 counties: https://adeca.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/Weatherization-Agency-List.pdf and https://adeca.alabama.gov/weatherization/ . Verified September 8, 2026.
• Mobile Community Action, Inc., Community Services and Weatherization: source of the LIHEAP applicant rule that the applicant must be "The head of the household; or the spouse of the head of the household"; the required documents including "A current utility bill (the bill must be in the name of the head of the household or the spouse)," current picture identification, Social Security cards for all household members and income verification for the previous month for all members 18 and older; the statements that "LIHEAP assistance is provided based on funding availability and is not guaranteed" and "All services provided by MCA are free of charge"; the online appointment scheduler; the weatherization eligibility that "All eligible recipients must own or be purchasing their home, and have not received prior weatherization assistance"; the statement that the program "prioritizes services to the elderly, people with disabilities, and families with children"; the measures performed; and the contacts Tracy Rhodes at 251-457-5700 and Brenda Nettles at 251-829-6362 or 251-829-5418, at 461 Donald Street, Mobile, Alabama 36617: https://www.mcamobile.org/departments/-community-services and https://www.mcamobile.org/departments/weatherization . Verified September 8, 2026.
• Alabama Power, Payment Assistance Programs: source of "In partnership with the Salvation Army, Project SHARE helps low-income Alabamians who are 60+ or disabled pay winter energy bills," the note that summer assistance for medical emergencies may be available if funds exist, the instruction to "Apply at your local Salvation Army office or call 205-328-2420," the LIHEAP description and referral to adeca.alabama.gov/liheap/, and the Energy Assistant tool, Special Needs Programs including alternate payment dates and Braille and large-print bills, Low Income Assistance Programs for SSI and Medicaid recipients, and the Alabama Business Charitable Trust Fund (ABC Trust): https://www.alabamapower.com/residential/billing-and-payment-options/payment-assistance-programs.html . Verified September 8, 2026.
• The Salvation Army, Coastal Alabama Area Command: source of the Mobile location at 1009 Dauphin St, Mobile, Alabama, phone 251-438-1625, weekday hours 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the services description including emergency shelter, hot meals, social services, seasonal assistance and utility bill assistance: https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/coastal-alabama/ and https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/coastal-alabama/contact-us/ . The statewide administration of Project SHARE by the Salvation Army of Greater Birmingham is documented at https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/birmingham-al/project-share/ . Verified September 8, 2026.
• Alabama Medicaid Agency, district office locations: source of the Mobile District Office at "2800 Dauphin Street, Suite 105, Mobile, AL 36606-2400," phone 866-371-4078, hours Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, serving "Baldwin, Clarke, Escambia, Mobile and Washington counties," and the statewide Recipient Call Center 1-800-362-1504: https://medicaid.alabama.gov/10.1.1_DO_Map_Mobile.aspx and https://medicaid.alabama.gov/content/10.0_Contact/10.1_Medicaid_Contacts/10.1.1_Medicaid_Locations.aspx . Verified September 8, 2026.
• Alabama Department of Senior Services, SenioRx prescription drug assistance: source of the description that the program has helped Alabamians receive "FREE or LOW-COST prescription medications from pharmaceutical companies," that eligible clients "may receive a three-month supply of medication," that refills are "permitted as long as the participant remains eligible," the eligibility that "You must be at least 55 years of age with a chronic medical condition, have no prescription drug insurance coverage and must meet certain income guidelines," the separate disability route "regardless of age" including those in the "24-month Medicare waiting period," and the instruction to contact your local Area Agency on Aging at "1-800-AGELINE (1-800-243-5463)": https://alabamaageline.gov/seniorx/ . Verified September 8, 2026.
• Alabama Department of Human Resources, county office contacts: source of the Mobile County DHR entries, director "Leslie Kelly," administration at "3103 Airport Blvd, Mobile, AL 36606" with Information at (251) 450-7000, the SNAP, Public Assistance and JOBS address "2970 Cottage Hill Road, Suite 150, Mobile, AL 36606," and Food Assistance at (251) 450-6955: https://dhr.alabama.gov/county-office-contact/ . The statewide Food Assistance Program line (833) 822-2202 and the line outside the Montgomery area (800) 382-0499 come from https://dhr.alabama.gov/food-assistance/food-assistance-division-contacts/ . Verified September 8, 2026.
• Alabama Department of Human Resources, SNAP Simplified Application for the Elderly (Form DHR-FSD-2198, Rev. 10-25): source of the AESAP rule that the application is for persons 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," the statement "You may file this application by completing at least your name, address, and signing the form," and the help line "1-800-438-2958": https://dhr.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Form-DHR-FSD-2198-AESAP-Application-Rev.-10-25.pdf . Verified September 8, 2026.
• Feeding the Gulf Coast, food distribution programs: source of the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (Senior Boxes) rule that "Seniors must be 60 years of age or older and have a household income at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level," the description of a monthly USDA food package, the instruction to "contact the food bank at (888) 704-3663," the mobile pantry description, the main branch address 5248 Mobile S St, Theodore, AL 36582 and phone (251) 653-1617 with Agency Relations at Option 4, and the organization's founding in 1981 and 24-county service area: https://www.feedingthegulfcoast.org/learn-more/our-programs/food-distribution-programs and https://www.feedingthegulfcoast.org/ . Verified September 8, 2026.
• The Wave Transit System, Fares and Passes: source of the regular fare "$1.25 for a one-way trip" with "one free transfer if using a MyWAVE card or the MyWAVE Mobile App," the "$0.60" senior fare with "Senior Citizens: riders who are 65 or older qualify for reduced fares," the identical "$0.60" fare for "Disabled and Medicare Recipient Riders," the note that "If using cash, you must provide proper documentation to the operator," the Moda! downtown circulator at "$0.50," the day pass at $3.00, the weekly passes at $10.00 general and $5.00 for seniors, disabled and Medicare recipients, the monthly passes at $40.00 general and $20.00 for seniors, disabled and Medicare recipients, and the issuance of reduced-fare identification at the GM&O Building: https://www.thewavetransit.com/183/Fares-Passes . Verified September 8, 2026.
• The Wave Transit System, Mobility Assistance Program (MAP): source of the eligibility statement that "Persons with a physical or functional disability which limits their capacity to use accessible fixed route public transportation may be eligible for demand-response transportation service," the reservation line "Please call the MAP Department at 251-344-5656. Customer Service Personnel are available between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday," and the Mobility Eligibility Specialist contact mwalters@thewavetransit.com. Fares and the exact service boundary are not published on that page, which is why this page routes readers to the phone number: https://www.thewavetransit.com/159/Paratransit-Mobility-Assistance-Program- . Verified September 8, 2026.
• Legal Services Alabama and AlabamaLegalHelp.org: source of the Mobile office address "104 St. Francis Street, Suite 700, Mobile, AL 36602," the numbers "LOCAL: 251/433-6560 • TOLL FREE: 1-800-403-4872," that is 251-433-6560 and 1-800-403-4872, the weekday hours, the counties served (Baldwin, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe and Washington), and the income test at or below 125 percent of the federal poverty level: https://www.alabamalegalhelp.org/organization/mobile-office-legal-services-alabama . The statewide call center 866 456 4995 with hours "Mon- Fri | 8:30a-4:30p" is from https://legalservicesalabama.org/ . Verified September 8, 2026.
• City of Mobile, Neighborhood Development, Individuals Seeking Financial Assistance: source of the Housing Rehab Program, which "Provides a grant of up to $15,000 for home repair for qualified homeowners," and of the Leaving a Legacy program, described verbatim as "Legal Services Alabama, through a Partnership with the City of Mobile provides free drafting, execution, and probate of Wills to low-to-moderate income property owners," along with the Community Reinvestment Program and the referral of inquiries through Mobile 311: https://www.cityofmobile.gov/departments/neighborhood-development/neighborhood-development-individual-financial-assistance . The city's announcement expanding its critical home repair program, including the additional discretionary funding and the intent to grow the number of households served, is at https://www.cityofmobile.gov/news/mayor-cheriogotis-expands-home-repair-program-to-serve-more-mobilians/ . The single-family owner-occupied restriction and the 80 percent of Area Median Income test are published in the city's Community Planning and Development program description at https://www.cityofmobile.gov/pdf/CityWideIIIHomeownerRehabLoanProgramDesc.pdf . Verified September 8, 2026.
• City of Mobile, Mobile 311: source of the number "251-208-5311 or just 311 within the city limits," the hours "7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday" with calls after 6 p.m., on weekends or on city holidays going to voicemail, the email Mobile311@CityofMobile.gov, and the online and app request options: https://www.cityofmobile.gov/311 . Verified September 8, 2026.
• Mobile County Sheriff's Office, Project Lifesaver: source of "This is a FREE Program offered by Sheriff Paul Burch," the eligibility line "Caregiver of an individual with Alzheimer's, Autism, Down Syndrome or a related disorder," the description of "a wristband transmitter that is picked up by special receivers with directional antennas," the statement that the average rescue takes less than 20 minutes, and the contacts Sgt. Kristen Barclay, projectlifesaver@mobileso.com, cell 251-331-5113 and office 251-574-8049: https://www.mobileso.com/project/project-lifesaver/ . Verified September 8, 2026.
• Via Health, Fitness and Enrichment Center and the GrandFriends Adult Day Program: source of the address 1717 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36604 and phone 251-478-3311; the Dauphin Street Cafe being "open to the public Monday - Friday 11:00am - 1:00 pm for lunch, offering low-cost hot meals"; and, from the center's published GrandFriends program sheet, the description of the program as one "designed to offer caregivers an affordable opportunity for respite while providing supervised activities within a safe, healthy and comfortable environment," that it is "for any adult over the age of 50 in need of moderate assistance and supervision," the staffing by "Certified Nursing Assistants, senior aides, senior companions and trained volunteers," the full eligibility list including "No wandering or exit-seeking behaviors" and "Able to stay out of bed 6-8 hours a day," the application process with a confidential interview and half-day trial, the "non-refundable $25.00 assessment fee," and the coordinator contact "Linda Bush; GrandFriends Program Coordinator : 251-470-5228" and lbush@viamobile.org. Because that program sheet carries a 2021 revision date, this page routes readers to the coordinator for current rates and hours: https://viamobile.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/GF12022.pdf . Verified September 8, 2026.
• Mobile Housing Authority: source of the address "110 Beauregard St Suite 106 Mobile, AL 36602," phone "251-434-2300," fax 251-434-0004, TDD/TTY "1-800-545-1833, ext. 824," office hours of Monday through Friday, 8am to 4:30pm, and the published notice "Currently the HCV Waiting List is CLOSED and MHA is not currently accepting applicants for its general Waiting List": https://mobilehousing.org/contact/contactushcv . Verified September 8, 2026.
• Mobile County, County Directory: source of the Veterans Affairs office entry "1150 Government Street 36604, 251-574-8578," the Revenue Commissioner information line 251-574-8530, and the three county senior volunteer programs at the same Government Street address, "R.S.V.P.-Retired And Senior Volunteer Program, 1150 Government Street, Suite 209, 251-574-7787," "Senior Companion Program, 1150 Government Street 36604, 251-574-3232," and "Foster Grandparents Program, 1150 Government Street 36604, 251-574-6488": https://www.mobilecountyal.gov/county-directory/ . Verified September 8, 2026.
• City of Mobile Parks and Recreation Department, Seniors: source of the age eligibility "aged 55+," the senior center list including Connie Hudson Senior Center (3201 Hillcrest Rd), Parkway Senior Center (1600 Boykin Blvd), Hillsdale Community Center and Park (558 E. Felhorn Road), Thomas Sullivan Community Center and Park (351 N. Catherine Street) and Tricksey Senior Center (3055 Bank Ave), the "Bridging Generations Through Art" and "Brain Boost Cafe" programs, the note that "Hot meals are served daily at 11 am," and the department contact at 48 North Sage Avenue, Mobile, AL 36607 and MPRD@cityofmobile.org: https://www.cityofmobile.gov/parks-rec/seniors . Verified September 8, 2026.
• United Way of Southwest Alabama and Lifelines Counseling Services, United Way 2-1-1: source of the local 2-1-1 arrangement, the toll-free number 888.421.1266, the text option (text your ZIP code to 898-211), the statement that 211 provides "free confidential information and referrals, 24 hours a day, to residents of Mobile, Clarke, Washington, Baldwin, Escambia, Conecuh, Choctaw, and Monroe Counties," the list of assistance categories including transportation, senior issues, housing, utilities, legal aid, emergency shelter and veteran services, and the note that calls are answered by trained Lifelines staff: https://uwswa.org/need-help/united-way-2-1-1/ and https://www.lifelinesmobile.org/united-way-2-1-1/ . Verified September 8, 2026.
• Alabama Department of Human Resources, Adult Protective Services, and the Alabama Long-Term Care Ombudsman: source of the Adult Abuse Hotline 1-800-458-7214, described as staffed during regular workdays and hours but accessible twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week: https://dhr.alabama.gov/adult-protective-services/ . The state ombudsman line 334.242.5753, the statement that ombudsmen "work to protect the health, safety, welfare, and rights of Alabama's long-term care residents," and that "Complainants do not have to give their name and all information is confidential," are from the Alabama Department of Senior Services: https://alabamaageline.gov/elder-abuse/ . Verified September 8, 2026.
• Alabama Act 2024-344, the statewide cap limiting annual increases in taxable assessed value for Class II and Class III real property to 7 percent, with a base year of October 1, 2024, collections beginning October 1, 2025, and the limitation continuing through the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2027, with the cap lifting on a change of ownership (excepting family transfers and transfers because of death), a change of classification, or significant improvements, as published by the Alabama Department of Revenue: https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/property-tax/ . Verified September 8, 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/ . Mobile Vet Center, operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: https://www.va.gov/mobile-vet-center/ . 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 September 8, 2026.

Verified September 8, 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.