Senior benefits in Alexandria City, Virginia

Alexandria Division of Aging & Adult Services is the Area Agency on Aging for the City of Alexandria. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to City AAA (DARS PSA 08A) within the Dept. of Community and Human Services; congregate and home-delivered meals, in-home care, senior transportation, Adult Day Services Center, caregiver support groups and Trualta training, Medicare counseling, and legal services. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-703-746-5999 to get started.

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

The Virginia Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible households in the City of Alexandria pay heating and cooling bills, with crisis help for shut-offs and broken equipment. Apply during the program windows online at CommonHelp, by phone through the state Enterprise Customer Service Center at 1-855-635-4370, or through the Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services (703-746-5700). Fuel Assistance applications are taken from the second Tuesday in October to the second Friday in November; Crisis Assistance runs November 1 to March 15; Cooling Assistance runs June 15 to August 17, while funds last. Cooling help requires a household member who is 60 or older, has a disability, or is under 6.

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

Uninsured and underinsured residents of the City of Alexandria can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Inova Alexandria Hospital for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. In-city hospital (moved to the new Landmark campus); Inova system-level financial assistance policy applies.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

City of Alexandria offers real estate tax relief (mixed) for homeowners who are 65 or older or permanently disabled. Total household income must be $100,000 or less, and net worth (not counting the home) must be $430,000 or less. Income brackets (shown in the page's 'New Tax Year 2024 and Beyond, Income Threshold' chart image, not body text): 100% relief at income $55,000 and below; 50% at $55,001-$72,000; 25% at $72,001-$100,000; deferral only at $100,001-$120,000. Age 65+ or permanently and totally disabled; applications due April 15. Apply through the local commissioner of the revenue or assessment office.

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

In this county: Limits shown are City of Alexandria's current published figures; relief brackets, filing windows, and exclusions are set by local ordinance and the locality makes the final determination, so this shows as a may-qualify result.

DASH (Alexandria Transit Company) serves the City of Alexandria with City bus network, fare-free for all riders since September 2021 (no senior fare needed). Metrobus/Metrorail also serve Alexandria with the 65+ Senior SmarTrip half fare; DOT Paratransit is the city's door-to-door service for residents unable to use fixed-route transit. 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.

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