Senior benefits in Mecklenburg County, Virginia

Lake Country Area Agency on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for Mecklenburg County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to Transportation (senior medical transport plus the LAB/HART public buses), home-delivered and congregate meals, in-home care, an adult day health center, and an emergency food bank for the Brunswick-Halifax-Mecklenburg area (PSA 13). Headquarters at 1105 West Danville Street, South Hill (in Mecklenburg County); nutrition programs serve adults '60 years or older'; toll-free 1-800-252-4464. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-434-447-7661 to get started.

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

The Virginia Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible households in Mecklenburg County pay heating and cooling bills, with crisis help for shut-offs and broken equipment. Apply during the program windows through the Mecklenburg 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 Mecklenburg County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. In-county hospital at 1755 N. Mecklenburg Avenue, South Hill. CMH's own billing page (vcuhealth.org/community-memorial-hospital/patients-and-visitors/patient-resources/billing-and-insurance/, main line 434-447-3151, financial counselors 888-803-0082) links to the cited system financial-assistance page ('free care to patients with income below the Federal Poverty Level and a slide scale discount for patients with incomes less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level').

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Lake Area Bus (LAB), operated by Lake Country AAA serves Mecklenburg County with LAB is a door-to-door public bus (any age) within the town limits of South Hill, La Crosse, and Brodnax at $1.50 per pick-up; LCAAA's senior medical transportation additionally serves the whole county (434-447-7661). 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 1-434-955-7433 for schedules, eligibility, or to book a ride.

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