Senior benefits in Surry County, Virginia

Crater District Area Agency on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for Surry County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to Nutrition program (home-delivered meals and senior-center meals), door-to-door senior transportation for an income-based fee, homemaker in-home assistance, case management, VICAP insurance counseling, long-term-care ombudsman, Senior Medicare Patrol, and health education across Planning District 19. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-804-732-7020 to get started.

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

The Virginia Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible households in Surry County pay heating and cooling bills, with crisis help for shut-offs and broken equipment. Apply during the program windows through the Surry 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 Surry County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Riverside Doctors' Hospital Williamsburg for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. No in-county hospital. Nearest is Riverside Doctors' Hospital Williamsburg (~20 miles via the free Jamestown-Scotland ferry); Bon Secours Southside Medical Center in Petersburg (~40 miles) is the land-route alternative to the west. Riverside FAP (explicitly covers Riverside Doctors' Hospital Williamsburg): full write-off at or below 200% FPL; 75% write-off for uninsured 201-400% FPL; 50% uninsured discount otherwise. Phone is Riverside's customer service line for financial assistance.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Surry County offers real estate tax relief (exemption) for homeowners who are 65 or older or permanently disabled. Total household income must be $55,000 or less, and net worth (not counting the home) must be $150,000 or less. Age 65+ or totally disabled. Qualifying applicants may receive up to a $1,500.00 deduction from their real-estate taxes. Annual application due to the Commissioner of the Revenue on or before May 1 (application PDF linked from the program page). Apply through the local commissioner of the revenue or assessment office.

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