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.

$500–$6,000/yr

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 1-833-5CALLVA. 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 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.'

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.

$200–$3,000/yr

FXBGO! (Fredericksburg Regional Transit, formerly FRED) serves Stafford County with Fixed-route and deviated fixed-route bus service in Stafford County (Routes 20-23). Half Fare Program for 'Persons 65 years of age or older,' people with disabilities, and Medicare recipients; standard fare $1.25, reduced (half) fare $0.60 per the Fares page (which also notes 'Transit Fares are temporarily suspended due to Fare Free service initiative').. 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 1-540-372-1222 for schedules, eligibility, or to book a ride.

$150–$1,500/yr