Senior benefits in Fairfax City, Virginia

Fairfax Area Agency on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for the City of Fairfax. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to The Fairfax Area Agency on Aging serves the City of Fairfax (DARS PSA 08C: 'Fairfax, Fairfax (City), Falls Church (City)'); meals, in-home care, transportation, caregiver support, VICAP, ombudsman. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-703-324-7948 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 Fairfax pay heating and cooling bills, with crisis help for shut-offs and broken equipment. Apply during the program windows through the Fairfax County Department of Family 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 the City of Fairfax can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Inova Fairfax Hospital (Inova Fairfax Medical Campus) for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. No hospital inside city limits; Inova Fairfax Hospital (3300 Gallows Rd) is ~4 miles away. Inova Fair Oaks Hospital is also nearby.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

City of Fairfax offers real estate tax relief (exemption) for homeowners who are 65 or older or permanently disabled. Total household income must be $90,000 or less, and net worth (not counting the home) must be $440,000 or less. Sliding scale: 100% exemption at income $0-$75,000; 75% at $75,001-$80,000; 50% at $80,001-$85,000; 25% at $85,001-$90,000. Applications due April 15. Separate rent relief program (income limit $40,000). 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 Fairfax'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.

CUE Bus (City of Fairfax) serves the City of Fairfax with City fixed-route bus, fare-free for all riders (no senior fare needed); connects to Vienna/Fairfax-GMU Metrorail. Fairfax Connector and Metrobus also serve the city with 65+ half fares. 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 1-703-385-7859 for schedules, eligibility, or to book a ride.

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