Senior benefits in Roanoke County, Virginia

Local Office on Aging, Inc. (LOA Area Agency on Aging) is the Area Agency on Aging for Roanoke County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to Meals on Wheels, nutrition programs, health and wellness, legal assistance, ombudsman, dementia support, and caregiver respite for adults 60+ in the 5th Planning District. LOA is headquartered at 4932 Frontage Road NW, Roanoke. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-540-345-0451 to get started.

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

The Virginia Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible households in Roanoke County pay heating and cooling bills, with crisis help for shut-offs and broken equipment. Apply during the program windows through the Roanoke 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 Roanoke County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. No hospital inside the county's own boundaries; the adjacent hospitals serving county residents are Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital (Roanoke City) and LewisGale Medical Center (Salem), each within a few miles of most of the county.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Roanoke County offers real estate tax relief (freeze) for homeowners who are 65 or older or permanently disabled. Total household income must be $60,000 or less, and net worth (not counting the home) must be $200,000 or less. Real estate tax FREEZE (not exemption) for owners 65+ or permanently and totally disabled; net worth excludes the dwelling and up to one acre. File January 1 through March 15 each year (for 2027, the last day to file is March 15). Income counts the owners and relatives living in the home, but the first $10,000 of each relative's income (other than a spouse or owner) is not counted. Apply through the local commissioner of the revenue or assessment office.

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

CORTRAN (County of Roanoke Transportation) serves Roanoke County with Pre-approved demand-response ride program for Roanoke County residents 65+ or with a disability; curb-to-curb, Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-6 p.m., to destinations in Roanoke County, Vinton, Salem, and Roanoke City; operated with Virginia Regional Transit. Valley Metro fixed routes also touch parts of the county. 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 1-540-776-7271 for schedules, eligibility, or to book a ride.

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