Senior benefits in Wise County, Virginia

Mountain Empire Older Citizens, Inc. is the Area Agency on Aging for Wise 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, headquartered in Big Stone Gap (Wise County). Services include Mountain Empire Transit, 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 Wise County pay heating and cooling bills, with crisis help for shut-offs and broken equipment. Apply during the program windows through the Wise 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 Wise County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Lonesome Pine Hospital for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. In-county Ballad Health hospital in Big Stone Gap, VA (listed as a department of Norton Community Hospital); Norton Community Hospital in adjacent Norton City also serves Wise County. System-level Ballad Health financial assistance policy; application help line (888) 288-5174.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Wise County offers real estate tax relief (exemption) for homeowners who are 65 or older or permanently disabled. Total household income must be $42,000 or less, and net worth (not counting the home) must be $85,000 or less. Flat credit: 'Eligible applicants can receive up to $200 in tax credit each year.' Age 65+ or permanently and totally disabled; net worth excludes the dwelling and up to one acre. The county document says applications 'will be accepted between January 1st and March 1st of taxable year' (the ordinance text within the same document says 'not later than April 1'); mobile homes assessed as personal property have an October 15 deadline. Source is the county's Senior and Disabled Real Estate Tax Relief PDF; Commissioner of the Revenue phone 276-328-3556 (from the COR page cited as application_url). Apply through the Wise County Commissioner of the Revenue.

Estimated bill savings: about $200 a year

Mountain Empire Transit, run by Mountain Empire Older Citizens, gives free curb-to-curb rides in Wise 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