Senior benefits in Scott County, Virginia

Mountain Empire Older Citizens, Inc. is the Area Agency on Aging for Scott County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to Designated Area Agency on Aging (PSA 01) for Lee, Scott, and Wise counties and the City of Norton. Services include Mountain Empire Transit public transportation, PACE, nutrition and wellness, in-home personal care, heating and cooling assistance, Medicare benefits/options counseling, caregiver advocacy, and senior employment. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-276-523-4202 to get started.

$500–$6,000/yr

The Virginia Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible households in Scott County pay heating and cooling bills, with crisis help for shut-offs and broken equipment. Apply during the program windows through the Scott County 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 Scott County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Holston Valley Medical Center for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. Scott County has no hospital in-county. Nearest full-service hospital is Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, TN (Ballad Health), roughly 10-15 miles from Gate City; the same Ballad Health system financial assistance policy applies at all Ballad facilities, including the Virginia hospitals in neighboring Lee and Wise counties. Application help line (888) 288-5174.

Scott County offers real estate tax relief (exemption) for homeowners who are 65 or older or permanently disabled. Total household income must be $40,000 or less, and net worth (not counting the home) must be $100,000 or less. Ordinance No. 2023-01 (adopted May 3, 2023): exemption is the first $250.00 of the real estate tax bill for age 65+ or permanently and totally disabled owners; net worth excludes the dwelling and up to one acre; affidavit filed with the Commissioner of the Revenue between February 1 and May 1 of the taxable year. Note: the county FAQ page (https://www.scottcountyva.gov/faq.aspx?TID=19) still says the program 'can deduct up to two hundred dollars ($200)' — the 2023 ordinance amount ($250) is the newer figure; the ordinance text itself also once writes 'two hundred dollars ($250.00)'. Source is a PDF of the adopted ordinance in the county Archive Center. Apply through the local commissioner of the revenue or assessment office.

$200–$3,000/yr

Mountain Empire Transit (operated by Mountain Empire Older Citizens) serves Scott County with Rural demand-response (curb-to-curb) service, free of charge, Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-5 p.m., serving Lee, Scott and Wise counties and the City of Norton; rides scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. No senior-specific fare or age stated (service is free for all riders).. 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 1-276-523-7433 for schedules, eligibility, or to book a ride.

$150–$1,500/yr