Senior benefits in Salem City, Virginia

Local Office on Aging, Inc. (LOA Area Agency on Aging) is the Area Agency on Aging for the City of Salem. 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. 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 the City of Salem 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 (serves City of Salem), 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 Salem can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at LewisGale Medical Center for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. In-city hospital: LewisGale Medical Center, 1900 Electric Rd, Salem, VA 24153. HCA charity policy: 100% discount at 0-200% FPL; expanded assistance 201-400% FPL for balances over $1,500.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

City of Salem offers real estate tax freeze for homeowners who are 65 or older or permanently and totally disabled. The income and net-worth limits are set by local ordinance and are not published online — call the Commissioner of the Revenue at 540-375-3019 for the current figures and an application. This is a tax FREEZE: qualifying locks the real estate tax at its current amount rather than exempting it. Applications are accepted July 1 through August 31 only.

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

Valley Metro (Greater Roanoke Transit Company) serves the City of Salem with Valley Metro fixed routes serve Salem, and its MetroFLX microtransit offers door-to-door rides 'within the Cities of Roanoke and Salem and the Town of Vinton' after 8:45pm (valleymetro.com homepage). Same 65+ discount fare with Valley Metro Discount ID. RADAR-operated STAR provides ADA paratransit in the valley. 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 1-540-982-2222 for schedules, eligibility, or to book a ride.

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