Senior benefits in Radford City, Virginia

New River Valley Agency on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for the City of Radford. 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+; Radford City is in the service area. 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 the City of Radford pay heating and cooling bills, with crisis help for shut-offs and broken equipment. Apply during the program windows through the Radford City 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 the City of Radford can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Carilion New River Valley Medical Center for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. No acute-care hospital inside Radford City; nearest is Carilion New River Valley Medical Center, 2900 Lamb Circle, Christiansburg (Montgomery County), about 8 miles away. LewisGale Hospital Pulaski is a similar distance west.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

City of Radford offers real estate tax relief (exemption) for homeowners who are 65 or older or permanently disabled. Total household income must be $30,000 or less, and net worth (not counting the home) must be $80,000 or less. 100% exemption for qualifying homeowners 65+ or permanently and totally disabled. Assets include home value exceeding $200,000; first $7,500 of a disabled person's income and first $6,500 of certain relatives' income are excluded. Apply through the local commissioner of the revenue or assessment office.

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

In this county: Limits shown are City of Radford's current published figures; relief brackets, filing windows, and exclusions are set by local ordinance and the locality makes the final determination, so this shows as a may-qualify result.

Radford Transit serves the City of Radford with Fixed-route city bus service, fare-free for all riders, so no senior fare is needed. Fare-free CTGo on-demand service (65+/disabled) also covers Radford City (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.

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