Senior benefits in Accomack County, Virginia

Eastern Shore Area Agency on Aging - Community Action Agency, Inc. is the Area Agency on Aging for Accomack County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to ESAAA/CAA (PSA 22, Exmore) provides senior center programs, home-delivered meals, care coordination for persons 60 and older, Medicare/Medicaid assistance and No Wrong Door services for Accomack and Northampton counties. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 757-442-9652 (toll-free 800-452-5977) to get started.

Estimated service value: $500–$6,000 a year

The Virginia Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible households in Accomack County pay heating and cooling bills, with crisis help for shut-offs and broken equipment. Apply during the program windows through the Accomack Department of Social Services, online at CommonHelp, or by phone at 1-855-635-4370. Cooling Assistance requires a household member who is 60 or older, has a disability, or is a child under 6. Fuel Assistance applications are taken each fall and Cooling Assistance each summer, while funds last.

Estimated bill savings: $300–$1,000 a year

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Accomack County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. In-county hospital in Onancock (Accomack County); Riverside system-wide financial assistance policy explicitly lists Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Accomack County offers real estate tax relief (exemption) for homeowners who are 65 or older or permanently disabled. Total household income must be $36,704 or less, and net worth (not counting the home) must be $80,000 or less. Real estate and mobile home tax relief for the sole primary residence of taxpayers 65+ or permanently and totally disabled. Application process opens in January; applications due to the Commissioner of Revenue by April 1. Apply through the local commissioner of the revenue or assessment office.

Estimated bill savings: $200–$3,000 a year

STAR Transit (Accomack-Northampton Transportation District Commission) serves Accomack County with Fixed-route public transit across Accomack and Northampton counties; all fixed-route fares are currently free, so no separate senior fare. Older adults and people with disabilities can use reduced fares or demand-response rides for medical appointments, shopping, and other essential trips. Rides are free or low-cost depending on the service. Call 1-757-787-8322 for schedules, eligibility, or to book a ride.

Estimated service value: $150–$1,500 a year