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.

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

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 1-855-635-4370. 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 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.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

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.

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

Mountain Empire Transit, run by Mountain Empire Older Citizens, gives free curb-to-curb rides in Scott County, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The service covers nearly 1,390 square miles across Lee, Scott and Wise counties and the City of Norton. Anyone can ride, whatever their age, and the vehicles take wheelchairs, walkers and other mobility aids. Book at least 24 hours ahead, and up to 30 days ahead, by calling 276-523-7433. Rides are booked in the order calls come in. METGo! app-based on-demand rides are also offered in three zones for $1 a trip.

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