Senior benefits in Stafford County, Virginia

Healthy Generations Area Agency on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for Stafford County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to AAA for Planning District 16 (PSA 16): Fredericksburg City and Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford counties. Services (most for 60+): home-delivered meals, Senior Cafes, homemaker services, transportation and Mobility Options, emergency financial assistance, insurance counseling, ombudsman, telephone reassurance. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-540-371-3375 to get started.

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

The Virginia Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible households in Stafford County pay heating and cooling bills, with crisis help for shut-offs and broken equipment. Apply during the program windows through the Stafford 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 Stafford County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Stafford Hospital for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. In-county hospital (Stafford). MWHC free care: 'Free care helps families with combined incomes that are at or less than 200 percent of the federal government's poverty guidelines.'

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Stafford County offers real estate tax relief (mixed) 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 $400,000 or less. Two tiers: complete (100%) exemption for income under $35,000 with net worth up to $400,000; partial (50%) exemption for income $35,001-$40,000 with net worth up to $200,000. Relief covers the house and up to one acre; first $10,000 of a resident relative's income excluded; maximum relief $3,500. Contact (540) 658-4132 Option #2. Apply through the local commissioner of the revenue or assessment office.

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

FXBGO! (Fredericksburg Regional Transit, formerly FRED) runs fixed-route and deviated fixed-route bus service in Stafford County (Routes 20-23). Right now all FXBGO! rides are fare-free, so the Half-Fare Program is temporarily suspended. When fares return, the Half-Fare Program cuts the bus fare in half (standard fare $1.25, half fare $0.60) for people 62 and older, people with disabilities, and Medicare recipients. Call 1-540-372-1222 for schedules or Half-Fare questions.

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