Senior benefits in Lee County, Virginia

Mountain Empire Older Citizens, Inc. is the Area Agency on Aging for Lee County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to Designated Area Agency on Aging (PSA 01) for Lee, Scott, and Wise counties and the City of Norton. Services include Mountain Empire Transit public transportation, PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly), nutrition and wellness programs, in-home personal care, heating and cooling assistance, Medicare benefits/options counseling, caregiver advocacy, and senior employment. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-276-523-4202 to get started.

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

The Virginia Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible households in Lee County pay heating and cooling bills, with crisis help for shut-offs and broken equipment. Apply during the program windows through the Lee 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 Lee County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Lee County Community Hospital for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. In-county critical-access hospital in Pennington Gap, VA (reopened 2021 by Ballad Health). System-level Ballad Health financial assistance policy applies; eligibility is based on a review of the family's income, assets and liabilities, referencing the U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines. Application help line (888) 288-5174, Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Lee County offers real estate tax relief (exemption) for homeowners who are 65 or older or permanently disabled. Total household income must be $40,000 or less, and net worth (not counting the home) must be $125,000 or less. Flat credit of up to $200 per year against real estate tax; age 65+ or totally and permanently disabled; applications filed with the Commissioner of the Revenue on or before May 31 of the tax year, renewed yearly. Administered by the Lee County Commissioner of the Revenue (leecor.org). Apply through the local commissioner of the revenue or assessment office.

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

Mountain Empire Transit, run by Mountain Empire Older Citizens, gives free curb-to-curb rides in Lee County, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The service covers nearly 1,390 square miles across Lee, Scott and Wise counties and the City of Norton. Anyone can ride, whatever their age, and the vehicles take wheelchairs, walkers and other mobility aids. Book at least 24 hours ahead, and up to 30 days ahead, by calling 276-523-7433. Rides are booked in the order calls come in. METGo! app-based on-demand rides are also offered in three zones for $1 a trip.

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