Senior benefits in Russell County, Virginia

Appalachian Agency For Senior Citizens, Inc. is the Area Agency on Aging for Russell County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to AASC (PSA 02) serves Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell counties with home-delivered and congregate meals, in-home care, care coordination, guardianship, adult day services, ombudsman, PACE, and public transportation through Four County Transit. Veterans Transport to VA hospitals runs from Russell and Tazewell counties. Toll-free 800-656-2272. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-276-964-4915 to get started.

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

The Virginia Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible households in Russell County pay heating and cooling bills, with crisis help for shut-offs and broken equipment. Apply during the program windows through the Russell 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 Russell County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Russell County Hospital for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. In-county hospital in Lebanon (Ballad Health). Phone is Ballad's billing/financial-assistance line shown on the hospital's Ballad page. Clinch Valley Medical Center in Richlands (neighboring Tazewell County) also serves eastern Russell County residents.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Russell County 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. Exemption capped at $165.00 of the tax bill per year; age 65 or permanently disabled by Dec 31 of the preceding year; apply with the Commissioner of Revenue (Lebanon) by March 1 annually. CAVEATS: (1) the cited source is a scanned image PDF - the quote was OCR-extracted and a text-based preflight re-fetch will NOT find it verbatim; (2) a Cardinal News report (Aug 4, 2025) says the Board of Supervisors was considering changes to this program - adoption of new limits could not be verified (article rate-limited); confirm with the Commissioner of Revenue (276-889-8018) before publishing. Commissioner page: https://www.russellcountyva.us/177/Commissioner-of-Revenue Apply through the local commissioner of the revenue or assessment office.

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

Four County Transit (Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens) serves Russell County with Deviated fixed route open to riders of any age; buses deviate up to 3/4-mile off the route by request (call 48 hours ahead). Russell County routes include Town of Lebanon Transit and Cleveland Connector. 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 1-276-963-1486 for schedules, eligibility, or to book a ride.

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