Senior benefits in Montgomery County, Virginia

New River Valley Agency on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for Montgomery County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to Care coordination, congregate and home-delivered meals, homemaker services, medical transportation, respite care, legal services, ombudsman, and VICAP Medicare counseling for adults 60+; service area includes Montgomery County and the towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-540-980-7720 to get started.

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

The Virginia Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible households in Montgomery County pay heating and cooling bills, with crisis help for shut-offs and broken equipment. Apply during the program windows through the Montgomery 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 Montgomery County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at LewisGale Hospital Montgomery for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. Two in-county hospitals: LewisGale Hospital Montgomery, 3700 S Main St, Blacksburg (HCA — 100% charity discount at 0-200% FPL; expanded assistance 201-400% FPL for balances over $1,500) and Carilion New River Valley Medical Center, 2900 Lamb Circle, Christiansburg (Carilion FAP: https://www.carilionclinic.org/financial_assistance_policy_english.pdf, 1-866-720-3742).

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Montgomery County offers real estate tax relief (exemption) for homeowners who are 65 or older or permanently disabled. Total household income must be $72,000 or less, and net worth (not counting the home) must be $210,000 or less. Relief ranges from 40 percent to 100 percent depending on total household income; covers real estate and mobile homes. Repeat applicants file by March 1; first-time applicants may file through Dec. 31. Apply through the local commissioner of the revenue or assessment office.

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

Blacksburg Transit serves Montgomery County with Fixed-route bus service in Blacksburg and Christiansburg plus BT Access ADA paratransit — all fare-free, so no senior fare/ID is needed. County areas outside BT's service area are covered by the fare-free CTGo on-demand service for riders 65+ or disabled (nrvcs.org/ctgo, 540-831-4020). 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 1-540-443-1500 for schedules, eligibility, or to book a ride.

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