Senior benefits in Albemarle County, Virginia

Jefferson Area Board for Aging (JABA) is the Area Agency on Aging for Albemarle County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to AAA for Charlottesville City and Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson counties (PSA 10). Services for adults 60+: home-delivered meals, community senior centers, Medicare/insurance counseling (VICAP), nutrition assistance, respite and caregiver support, health education, advocacy. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-434-817-5222 to get started.

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

The Virginia Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible households in Albemarle County pay heating and cooling bills, with crisis help for shut-offs and broken equipment. Apply during the program windows through the Albemarle County 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 Albemarle County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital (Pantops, Charlottesville area) for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. Located on Pantops Mountain in Albemarle County. Sentara's system financial-assistance page explicitly lists Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital; 'quality care to all patients regardless of their ability to pay.' UVA Medical Center (Charlottesville) is the other nearby option.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Albemarle County offers real estate tax relief (exemption) for homeowners who are 65 or older or permanently disabled. Total household income must be $100,650 or less, and net worth (not counting the home) must be $321,000 or less. Relief brackets by income: $0-$50,325 = 100%; $50,326-$75,488 = 75%; $75,489-$100,650 = 50% (net worth $0-$321,000). Application deadline October 31; annual recertification by April 1. Apply through the local commissioner of the revenue or assessment office.

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

JAUNT (rural demand-response) + Charlottesville Area Transit (urban fixed-route, fare-free) serves Albemarle County with JAUNT provides curb-to-curb demand-response service in rural Albemarle and ADA paratransit in urban Albemarle/Charlottesville; book 1-7 days ahead at (434) 296-3184 option 1. Charlottesville Area Transit fixed routes serving urban Albemarle are fare-free for everyone ('CAT is FARE-FREE', charlottesville.gov/539/Fare-Options). JAUNT does not publish a fare table on its site. 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 1-434-296-3184 for schedules, eligibility, or to book a ride.

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