Senior benefits in Chesterfield County, Virginia

The Span Center (formerly Senior Connections, The Capital Area Agency on Aging) is the Area Agency on Aging for Chesterfield County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to Area Agency on Aging (PSA 15) serving Chesterfield County. Home-delivered meals, Friendship Cafes, in-home care, care coordination, caregiver support, VICAP Medicare counseling, ombudsman, legal services and fraud prevention. Ride Connection provides transportation referrals for Chesterfield residents. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-804-343-3000 to get started.

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

The Virginia Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible households in Chesterfield County pay heating and cooling bills, with crisis help for shut-offs and broken equipment. Apply during the program windows through the Chesterfield/Colonial Heights 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 Chesterfield County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. Midlothian (Chesterfield County). FAP: 'BSHSI's Financial Assistance Policy provides 100% financial assistance for emergency or other medically necessary care to qualifying uninsured and insured patients with an annual gross family income at or below 200% of the current Federal Poverty Guidelines'; discounts to 400% FPG. HCA Johnston-Willis Hospital is also in Chesterfield.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Chesterfield County offers real estate tax relief (exemption) for homeowners who are 65 or older or permanently disabled. Total household income must be $65,400 or less, and net worth (not counting the home) must be $514,000 or less. Tax relief on real estate (and mobile homes) for residents 65+ or totally and permanently disabled as of Dec. 31 preceding the application year who own and live in their home. Apply through the county Citizen Portal or by downloading the application; administered by the Commissioner of the Revenue, taxrelief@chesterfield.gov. Apply through the local commissioner of the revenue or assessment office.

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

GRTC buses serve parts of Chesterfield County and all buses are currently zero fare, so anyone can ride free. CARE paratransit gives rides within 3/4 mile of bus routes for people whose disability keeps them from using the bus, and riders 80 or older are automatically eligible. CARE hours for Chesterfield residents are Monday-Friday 5:00 am to 7:30 pm and Saturday 8:00 am to 7:00 pm (no Sunday service). No fare is charged on CARE or CARE Plus until further notice. Book at least one day ahead at (804) 782-2273. For an 80+ ID card or help with eligibility, call GRTC's Eligibility Coordinator at (804) 358-3871 ext. 434.

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