Senior benefits in Grayson County, Virginia

District Three Governmental Cooperative (District Three Senior Services) is the Area Agency on Aging for Grayson County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to PSA 3 AAA serving Bland, Bristol City, Carroll, Galax City, Grayson, Smyth, Washington, and Wythe. Home-delivered meals and Friendship Cafe congregate meals, homemaker and chore services, care management, respite, medical transportation for seniors via Mountain Lynx Transit, caregiver support, VICAP Medicare insurance counseling, and ombudsman services. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-276-783-8157 to get started.

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

The Virginia Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible households in Grayson County pay heating and cooling bills, with crisis help for shut-offs and broken equipment. Apply during the program windows through the Grayson 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 Grayson County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Twin County Regional Hospital for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. No hospital inside Grayson County; Twin County Regional Hospital in adjacent Galax City (200 Hospital Drive, Galax, ~14 miles from Independence) is the 'Twin County' (Carroll/Grayson) hospital. FAP provides free or discounted care for uninsured patients based on gross family income vs. Federal Poverty Guidelines; financial counselors at 276-238-2534.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Grayson 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 276-773-2381 for the current figures and an application. Applications go to the Commissioner of the Revenue.

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

Mountain Lynx Transit (District Three Governmental Cooperative) serves Grayson County with Demand-response service to Grayson County areas at least weekly; the Galax fixed-route loop and demand-response routes serve the adjacent Twin County area. Rides are currently fare-free, so no senior fare tier exists. 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 1-276-782-9300 for schedules, eligibility, or to book a ride.

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