Senior benefits in Powhatan County, Virginia

The Span Center (formerly Senior Connections, The Capital Area Agency on Aging) is the Area Agency on Aging for Powhatan County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to Area Agency on Aging (PSA 15) serving Powhatan County. Home-delivered meals, Friendship Cafes, in-home care, care coordination, Ride Connection transportation (up to two round-trip medical rides/month for 60+), caregiver support, VICAP Medicare counseling, ombudsman and legal services. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-804-343-3000 to get started.

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

The Virginia Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible households in Powhatan County pay heating and cooling bills, with crisis help for shut-offs and broken equipment. Apply during the program windows through the Powhatan 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 Powhatan County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. No hospital in Powhatan County; nearest is Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center in Midlothian (Chesterfield County), roughly 15 miles from Powhatan Courthouse. FAP: 100% assistance at or below 200% FPG; discounts to 400% FPG.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Powhatan County offers real estate tax relief (exemption) for homeowners who are 65 or older or permanently disabled. Total household income must be $75,000 or less, and net worth (not counting the home) must be $250,000 or less. Owner must be age 65 by December 31 of the previous year or handicapped. Relief is applied as a reduction on the real estate tax bill; 'The maximum amount of annual relief given is $1600.' Apply through the local commissioner of the revenue or assessment office.

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

Powhatan County has no fixed-route public transit. Ride Assist Services (RAS) is a free volunteer-driver program run by the Powhatan Department of Social Services for county residents 'age 65 and above and unable to drive for basic needs' — medical and dental appointments, grocery shopping, pharmacy, and personal business such as banking. Riders register with a short application, request rides at least 5 business days ahead (2 weeks for the wheelchair-accessible van), and may take one ride per week; trips stay within Powhatan, Chesterfield, and Richmond. Donations are accepted but never required. The Span Center's Ride Connection hotline ((804) 672-4495) also arranges rides for Powhatan residents 60+ and people with disabilities. Call 804-698-0438 to register or request a ride.

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

In this county: Riders must also be unable to drive themselves; rides depend on volunteer availability and the county's rider guidelines set the final eligibility, so this shows as a may-qualify result.