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.

$500–$6,000/yr

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 1-833-5CALLVA. Households with an adult 60 or older or a person with a disability are a priority group. Fuel Assistance applications are taken each fall and Cooling Assistance each summer, while funds last.

$300–$1,000/yr

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.

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.

$200–$3,000/yr

Mountain Empire Transit (operated by Mountain Empire Older Citizens) serves Lee County with Rural demand-response (curb-to-curb) service, free of charge, Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-5 p.m., serving Lee, Scott and Wise counties and the City of Norton; rides scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. METGo! app-based on-demand microtransit zones include Pennington Gap-Jonesville at $1 per trip. No senior-specific fare or age stated (service is free for all riders).. 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 1-276-523-7433 for schedules, eligibility, or to book a ride.

$150–$1,500/yr