Senior benefits in Franklin County, Virginia

Southern Area Agency on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for Franklin County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to Area Agency on Aging (PSA 12). Home-delivered meals and senior cafes, in-home personal care, transportation, respite/caregiver support, insurance counseling, ombudsman. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-276-632-6442 to get started.

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

The Virginia Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible households in Franklin County pay heating and cooling bills, with crisis help for shut-offs and broken equipment. Apply during the program windows through the Franklin 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 Franklin County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Carilion Franklin 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 at 390 South Main Street, Rocky Mount. Carilion's system-wide FAP (which lists Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital by name) provides assistance for patients with 'total gross family income less than 500% of the FPG and (ii) Available Assets of less than $100,000'. The HTML billing page (carilionclinic.org/billing/financial-assistance) requires JavaScript; the policy PDF is directly fetchable.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Franklin County offers real estate tax relief (exemption) for homeowners who are 65 or older or permanently disabled. Total household income must be $38,000 or less, and net worth (not counting the home) must be $110,000 or less. For owners 65+ on January 1, or permanently and totally disabled (no age requirement). Relief is never repaid if the property is sold or the owner dies. Apply by May 1 annually; Commissioner of Revenue (540) 483-3083, option 2. Apply through the local commissioner of the revenue or assessment office.

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

Franklin County Department of Aging Services serves Franklin County with County-run demand-response transportation for seniors to medical appointments, meal sites, shopping, and recreation, plus specialized transportation for disabled individuals and Medicaid medical transportation. The free Ferrum Express bus (Valley Metro/Ferrum College/Rocky Mount/county partnership) also links Ferrum, Rocky Mount, and Roanoke on limited days. 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 1-540-483-9238 for schedules, eligibility, or to book a ride.

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