Senior benefits in Prince George County, Virginia

Crater District Area Agency on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for Prince George County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to Nutrition program (home-delivered meals and senior-center meals), door-to-door senior transportation for an income-based fee, homemaker in-home assistance, case management, VICAP insurance counseling, long-term-care ombudsman, Senior Medicare Patrol, and health education across Planning District 19. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-804-732-7020 to get started.

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

The Virginia Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible households in Prince George County pay heating and cooling bills, with crisis help for shut-offs and broken equipment. Apply during the program windows through the Prince George 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 Prince George County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Bon Secours Southside Medical Center for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. No in-county hospital; nearest full-service hospitals are Bon Secours Southside Medical Center in adjacent Petersburg (~5-15 miles) and HCA TriCities Hospital in adjacent Hopewell. Bon Secours FAP: 100% assistance at or below 200% FPG, discounts 201-400% FPG.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Prince George County offers real estate tax relief (exemption) for homeowners who are 65 or older or permanently disabled. Total household income must be $55,000 or less, and net worth (not counting the home) must be $130,000 or less. 65+ or totally and permanently disabled as of December 31 of the preceding year; sole-dwelling requirement. Brackets: income $0-$40,000 = 100% relief; $40,001-$55,000 = 50% relief. Real-estate applications due by August 1 (mobile homes February 15). Apply through the local commissioner of the revenue or assessment office.

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

Petersburg Area Transit's paratransit service provides origin-to-destination, wheelchair-equipped van rides for approved ADA applicants in portions of Prince George County (within 3/4 mile of the PAT service area), plus Petersburg, Hopewell, and portions of Colonial Heights and Dinwiddie. Rides are currently fare-free until further notice. Apply with the PAT paratransit application; call 1-804-324-5658 (Mon-Fri 7am-5pm) for eligibility and scheduling.

Estimated service value: $200–$2,000 a year