Senior benefits in Richmond City, Virginia

The Span Center (formerly Senior Connections, The Capital Area Agency on Aging) is the Area Agency on Aging for the City of Richmond. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to Area Agency on Aging (PSA 15) for Richmond City and Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent and Powhatan counties. Home-delivered meals (with FeedMore), Friendship Cafes, in-home care services, care coordination, Ride Connection transportation, caregiver support, VICAP Medicare counseling, long-term care ombudsman, legal services, money management, and fraud prevention. 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 the City of Richmond pay heating and cooling bills, with crisis help for shut-offs and broken equipment. Apply during the program windows through the Richmond 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 Richmond can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at VCU Medical Center for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. Downtown Richmond academic medical center. Financial counselors screen for Medicaid, the state Indigent Care Program and charity care; free care below the federal poverty level and discounted care under the state-sponsored indigent care program for income under 200% FPL.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

City of Richmond offers real estate tax relief (mixed) for homeowners who are 65 or older or permanently disabled. Total household income must be $70,000 or less, and net worth (not counting the home) must be $450,000 or less. OAPD (Older Adults and Persons with Disabilities) program offers an exemption (income up to $70,000, financial worth up to $450,000; brackets: $0-$30,000 = 100%, $30,001-$40,000 = 75%, $40,001-$50,000 = 50%, $50,001-$70,000 = 25%) and a tax-freeze option for income up to $125,000 / financial worth up to $750,000 ('Maximum total owner(s) financial worth is $450,000 for exemption, $750,000 for freeze'). Age 65+ or 100% permanently and totally disabled. Contact 3-1-1 / (804) 646-7000. 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 Richmond'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.

GRTC buses serve the City of Richmond and all buses are currently zero fare, so anyone can ride free. CARE paratransit gives rides within 3/4 mile of bus routes for people whose disability keeps them from using the bus, and riders 80 or older are automatically eligible. CARE hours for Richmond residents are 5:00 am to 1:00 am (6:00 am to 8:00 pm to or from Henrico County). No fare is charged on CARE or CARE Plus until further notice. Book at least one day ahead at (804) 782-2273. For an 80+ ID card or help with eligibility, call GRTC's Eligibility Coordinator at (804) 358-3871 ext. 434.

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