Senior benefits in Greensville County, Virginia

Crater District Area Agency on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for Greensville County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to Nutrition program (home-delivered meals and senior-center meals), door-to-door senior transportation for an income-based fee, homemaker in-home assistance, case management, VICAP insurance counseling, long-term-care ombudsman, Senior Medicare Patrol, and health education across Planning District 19. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-804-732-7020 to get started.

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

The Virginia Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible households in Greensville County pay heating and cooling bills, with crisis help for shut-offs and broken equipment. Apply during the program windows through the Greensville/Emporia 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 Greensville County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Bon Secours Southern Virginia Medical Center for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. The hospital is at 727 N Main St in Emporia, the city surrounded by Greensville County. It used to be called Southern Virginia Regional Medical Center and is now part of Bon Secours. Care is free for households with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, and discounted between 201% and 400%.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Greensville County offers real estate tax relief (exemption) for homeowners who are 65 or older or permanently disabled. Total household income must be $30,000 or less, and net worth (not counting the home) must be $75,000 or less. Credit against the real-estate bill, capped at $300 per year (county code sec. 19-9-4). Age 65+ or permanently and totally disabled. First $5,000 of each non-spouse relative's income excluded. Applications mailed/picked up starting September 1 and due to the Commissioner of the Revenue by November 1 each year. Limits appear in the county's application packet PDF (page URL above is the county page linking it), not on an HTML page. Apply through the local commissioner of the revenue or assessment office.

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

Greensville Emporia Transit (GET) is the joint public bus service of Greensville County and the City of Emporia. The fixed route runs Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with stops including Walmart and other shopping, medical, and government destinations; the fare is $1.00 (exact change or token). The bus has a wheelchair lift, and ADA paratransit is available for eligible riders. Call 1-434-348-4205 for the schedule or paratransit information.

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