Senior benefits in Goochland County, Virginia

The Span Center (formerly Senior Connections, The Capital Area Agency on Aging) is the Area Agency on Aging for Goochland County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to Area Agency on Aging (PSA 15) serving Goochland County. Home-delivered meals, Friendship Cafes, in-home care, care coordination, Ride Connection transportation (up to two round-trip medical rides/month for 60+), caregiver support, VICAP Medicare counseling, ombudsman and legal services. 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 Goochland County pay heating and cooling bills, with crisis help for shut-offs and broken equipment. Apply during the program windows through the Goochland 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 Goochland County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. No hospital in Goochland County; nearest full-service hospitals are in the Richmond area — Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital (Richmond/Henrico, roughly 20-25 miles from Goochland Courthouse). FAP: 100% assistance at or below 200% FPG; discounts to 400% FPG.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Goochland County offers real estate tax relief for homeowners who are 65 or older or permanently and totally disabled. The income and net-worth limits are set by local ordinance and are not published online — call the Commissioner of the Revenue at 804-556-5807 for the current figures and an application. Applications go to the Commissioner of the Revenue; call for the current application window.

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

GoochlandCares Transportation Program serves Goochland County with No fixed-route public transit in Goochland County. GoochlandCares (the county's community nonprofit) provides free shared-van, curb-to-curb demand-response rides for registered clients to medical/dental appointments, pharmacies, grocery stores and DSS, within Goochland and to Henrico/Richmond on set days; book at least 24 hours ahead. The Span Center's Ride Connection ((804) 672-4495) also serves Goochland residents 60+. 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 1-804-556-6260 for schedules, eligibility, or to book a ride.

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