Senior benefits in Richmond City County, 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.

$500–$6,000/yr

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 1-833-5CALLVA. Households with an adult 60 or older or a person with a disability are a priority group. Fuel Assistance applications are taken each fall and Cooling Assistance each summer, while funds last.

$300–$1,000/yr

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.

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.

$200–$3,000/yr

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 Transit System serves the City of Richmond with Fixed-route bus network serving Richmond, Henrico and parts of Chesterfield; currently systemwide zero-fare, so no separate senior fare exists. CARE ADA paratransit (origin-to-destination, within 3/4 mile of bus routes; riders 80+ automatically eligible) — reservations (804) 782-2273; 'No fare payment is required to ride CARE or CARE Plus services until further notice.' (https://www.ridegrtc.com/grtc-services/care-paratransit/). 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 1-804-358-4782 for schedules, eligibility, or to book a ride.

$150–$1,500/yr