Written & Reviewed by
Last updated: April 27, 2026
Many programs called “grants” are not cash paid to you. In Arlington County, help may come as rent support, food benefits, tax relief, utility aid, home repair work, Medicare counseling, rides, or case help. The best place to start is the county’s Aging and Disability Resource Center if you are 60 or older, a caregiver, or an adult with a disability.
Bottom line
Start with aging resource center staff if you are not sure what to ask for. They can point you to housing, food, health, transportation, in-home support, and other local services. If you need help with SNAP, Medicaid, heating, cooling, or cash assistance, use CommonHelp or call Arlington County Department of Human Services at 703-228-1350.
Urgent help in Arlington
Call 911 if there is a medical emergency, a fire, a crime in progress, or immediate danger.
Call 703-228-1300 if you are homeless, close to losing housing, out of food, or facing a utility shutoff. Arlington County says residents who are homeless or at risk should contact the Department of Human Services Community Assistance Bureau for help. The county’s emergency aid page also explains rent, utility, and eligible medical help when funds are open.
Call 703-228-1700 for older adult help, caregiver support, in-home service screening, transportation questions, and referrals through Aging and Disability Services.
Contents
- Quick help table
- Key local facts
- Housing and rent help
- Food, health, utility, and tax help
- Transportation and home safety
- Phone scripts, documents, mistakes, and FAQs
Quick help table
| Need | Best first call | What to ask for | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Not sure where to start | ADRC: 703-228-1700 | Screening for older adult services | They may refer you to another DHS team. |
| Rent or eviction problem | DHS: 703-228-1300 | Emergency financial help and housing screening | Funds can pause when monthly money runs out. |
| Food help | DHS: 703-228-1300 | SNAP, pantry referrals, AFAC, and meals | Some food programs need a referral. |
| Medicaid, SNAP, or energy aid | DHS: 703-228-1350 | Public benefits application help | You may need income and expense proof. |
| Medicare questions | VICAP: 703-228-1725 | Free Medicare counseling | Counselors do not sell plans. |
Key Arlington facts for seniors
Arlington is a high-cost place to age. The Census QuickFacts page lists Arlington County’s 2025 population estimate at 243,931, with 12.5% age 65 or older. It also lists a 2020-2024 median gross rent of $2,322 and a median owner-occupied home value of $895,000. These costs help explain why many seniors need more than one program at the same time.
For statewide benefit paths, see our Virginia senior grants guide after you check the Arlington contacts below.
Main grants and help programs
| Program | What it helps with | Who may qualify | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing Grants | Part of monthly rent | Low-income Arlington renters who meet income rules and asset rules | DHS housing team |
| Housing Choice Voucher | Private-market rent | Low-income families, older adults, and people with disabilities | Arlington housing office |
| Real Estate Tax Relief | Home property taxes | Homeowners 65 or older, or certain disabled homeowners | DHS tax relief team |
| SNAP | Groceries on an EBT card | Low-income households, with special rules for seniors and disabled people | CommonHelp or DHS |
| Energy Assistance | Heating, crisis, cooling, and PIPP | Income-qualified households that meet program rules | CommonHelp or DHS |
Housing and rent help
Housing is often the largest senior expense in Arlington. The county’s housing grants page says the Housing Grants Program helps low-income Arlington residents pay part of monthly rent. The amount depends on income, household size, and rent. The same page says personal assets may not be more than $35,000 for this grant path.
Who it may help: Older renters with low income, high rent, and limited assets may be a fit. You should call 703-228-1350 and ask for Housing Grants screening. Have your lease, rent amount, income proof, bank account totals, and Social Security award letter ready if you have them.
Where to apply: The Housing Grants and Tax Relief contact listed by Arlington County is 703-228-1350. You can also ask the Aging and Disability Resource Center to help you understand which housing path fits.
Reality check: Housing help can involve documents from both you and your landlord. If your rent is already late, do not wait for a grant review. Call 703-228-1300 and ask about emergency housing or eviction help too. For a wider view of programs, our rent help guide explains common housing options in plain words.
Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Housing Choice Voucher Program is the local form of Section 8 rental help. Arlington says it helps low-income families, older adults, and people with disabilities afford suitable housing in the private market. A voucher is not the same as a one-time grant. It may help with rent over time if you qualify and if a voucher is available.
Where to apply: For voucher questions, Arlington lists 703-228-1450 and hcv@arlingtonva.us. Ask whether the waiting list is open, how to update your address, and what proof is needed.
Reality check: Voucher lists can close or have long waits. Keep copies of every form you send. If you move, update your contact details fast so you do not miss a letter.
Emergency financial assistance
Arlington’s emergency financial help may assist with rent, utility, or eligible medical expenses when funds are available. The county’s current page says the annual assistance cap is $3,000 per household and payment goes to the business, not the applicant. It also says a DHS clinician must assess the request.
Who it may help: Seniors with a current crisis, such as a late rent notice, shutoff notice, or urgent eligible medical bill, may be screened.
Where to apply: Call 703-228-1300 or go to the DHS Customer Service Center at 2100 Washington Boulevard, 1st Floor, Arlington, VA 22204.
Reality check: This fund can close when monthly money is used up. Ask what backup options are open that same week.
Property tax relief for older homeowners
Arlington County has a real estate tax relief program for qualified homeowners who are age 65 or older, or who meet certain total and permanent disability rules. The county’s tax relief page lists the 2026 filing deadline as November 16, 2026. It also says applicants should submit by March 31 for a timely adjusted bill.
What it helps with: The program can give a full or partial exemption, or a deferral. A deferral is not free money. It usually means taxes are delayed and may be owed later.
Who may qualify: You must meet age or disability rules, own and live in the home as your sole residence, and meet income and asset rules. For 2026, Arlington lists a household income limit of $139,551 and an asset limit of $515,200 for an exemption, not counting the value of the home. The county lists a higher asset limit for deferral only.
Reality check: The rules count many kinds of income, including Social Security, pensions, annuities, and help from family. If you are close to the limit, call 703-228-1350 before deciding you cannot qualify. Our Virginia tax relief page explains how senior tax relief changes by city or county.
Food help and grocery support
SNAP is the main food benefit. Arlington’s SNAP page says benefits are loaded to an Electronic Benefits Transfer card each month and can be used at USDA-approved stores and food vendors. Seniors and disabled people may have different rules because medical costs and other allowed expenses can affect the final decision.
Where to apply: Use CommonHelp, call 703-228-1350, or ask DHS to mail an application. Arlington says residents can also apply through the Virginia Department of Social Services call center at 1-855-635-4370.
What to have ready: Bring proof of identity, Arlington address, income, rent or housing costs, utility costs, and medical costs if you are 60 or older or disabled.
Reality check: Apply even if you are not sure. Some senior households can qualify after deductions even when gross income looks too high.
Free groceries and meals
Arlington County’s food help page lists SNAP, food pantries, AFAC, Meals on Wheels, Social 60+ Cafes, and Senior Farmers’ Market help. It says older adults can call 703-228-1700 for food help, and residents who need food can call 703-228-1300.
AFAC provides weekly groceries to Arlington residents who cannot afford enough food. The AFAC groceries page says you must live in Arlington and get a referral from an Arlington County social service agency. Ask DHS, your case worker, or the Area Agency on Aging about the referral.
Reality check: Pantry rules can change by site, season, and funding. Bring photo ID and proof of Arlington address when asked. If getting to a pantry is hard, ask about Meals on Wheels or other older adult nutrition options. Our food programs guide covers national options that may pair with local food help.
Health, Medicaid, Medicare, and prescriptions
Arlington County lists medical assistance options through its medical programs page, including Medicaid, Medicare information, dental help, and prescription assistance. You can apply online through CommonHelp, call 703-228-1350, or visit 2100 Washington Blvd., 1st Floor.
Medicaid: Virginia Medicaid can help with health coverage for people who meet program rules. Seniors may need to ask about aged, blind, or disabled Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, or long-term care coverage if they need nursing home or home-based care. The Medicaid application page explains official application choices and appeals.
Medicare counseling: Arlington’s VICAP can help people with Medicare questions, plan choices, prescription costs, and related savings programs. Call 703-228-1725 and ask for a Medicare counseling appointment. This is different from a sales call.
Dental and prescriptions: Ask DHS about dental assistance and prescription assistance listed on the medical programs page. You can also read our dental help guide for other ways seniors may lower costs.
Reality check: Bring a current medicine list to every benefits appointment. Include drug name, dose, how often you take it, and the pharmacy you use.
Heating, cooling, and utility help
Virginia energy help in Arlington is run through DHS and CommonHelp. Arlington’s energy assistance page lists Fuel Assistance, Crisis Assistance, Cooling Assistance, and the Percentage of Income Payment Program for some Dominion Energy customers.
What it helps with: Fuel Assistance may help with home heating costs. Crisis Assistance may help with emergency heating needs. Cooling Assistance may help with cooling equipment or electricity costs tied to cooling. PIPP can base some Dominion Energy bills on household income and heat source.
Important dates: Arlington lists Fuel Assistance from the second Tuesday in October through the second Friday in November, Crisis Assistance from November 1 through March 15, and Cooling Assistance from June 15 through August 15.
Where to apply: Use CommonHelp, call 703-228-1350, or ask DHS to mail an application. If you already have a shutoff notice, call 703-228-1300 and ask about local options.
Reality check: Energy aid is not open year-round for every need. Keep the whole utility bill, not just the shutoff page. Our energy savings help guide can help homeowners think about repairs and upgrades that may lower future bills.
In-home support and home repair help
Arlington Aging and Disability Services supports aging in place through care coordination, home care, and other services for people over 60, adults with developmental disabilities, and caregivers. The county’s older adults page lists adult day services, benefits help, Medicaid, Medicare counseling, nursing services, personal care, food programs, and social services.
Who may qualify: Older adults who need help bathing, dressing, meals, house tasks, care planning, or safe living at home should call 703-228-1700. A staff member may screen your needs and connect you to the right service or partner.
Home repairs: Rebuilding Together Arlington/Fairfax/Falls Church serves low-income homeowners and nonprofits with free repairs focused on health, safety, and accessibility. The repair application page is the starting point, and the group focuses on repairs that help people live safely at home. Our home repair help guide explains other national and local repair paths.
Reality check: Free home repair programs often have waitlists. Repairs are usually based on safety needs, not cosmetic work. Take photos of the problem and keep any doctor, fire safety, or code notices that show why the repair matters.
Transportation help
The Arlington Area Agency on Aging funds transportation services such as grocery loops, STAR Assist, Temporary STAR, and taxi discounts. Its aging agency page says residents age 60 and older, people with disabilities, and caregivers can connect with Aging and Disability Services at 703-228-1700.
STAR and MetroAccess: Some riders with disabilities may qualify for paratransit. The county transportation brochure and local transit staff can explain current rules and fares. Ask ADRC which ride program fits your need.
Reality check: Some rides must be booked ahead. Same-day rides are not always available. If you have dialysis, cancer treatment, or another repeating medical visit, ask about standing ride options and backup plans.
Legal help and veteran help
If you face eviction, benefit denial, debt collection, public benefit trouble, or elder law problems, contact Legal Services of Northern Virginia. The legal help page lists an Arlington office at 2200 Wilson Blvd., Suite 210, with walk-in applications on Wednesdays during posted hours.
Senior veterans in Arlington should check both county and state resources. Arlington’s veterans page links to Virginia Department of Veterans Services benefits, VA disability compensation, rent assistance, housing resources, and homeless veteran resources. For caregiving questions, our Virginia caregiver pay guide may also help families plan next steps.
Reality check: Legal and veteran benefit cases can need deadlines, denial letters, service papers, medical records, and proof of income. Do not throw away envelopes. The postmark and notice date can matter.
How to start without wasting time
- Write down your main problem first. Use one short sentence, such as “I need rent help before a court date” or “I need food and help with my electric bill.”
- Call the right number. Use 703-228-1700 for older adult services and 703-228-1350 for public benefits. Use 703-228-1300 for urgent housing, food, or crisis help.
- Ask for screening, not a grant. Say you want to be screened for all programs you may qualify for. This helps staff check rent, food, health, utility, and tax options.
- Keep proof. Save letters, screenshots, application numbers, names of staff, and dates you called.
- Follow up every week. If you have a deadline, ask what to do while the application is pending.
Documents and information to gather
| Item | Why it matters | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Most programs must confirm who is applying | Driver’s license, state ID, passport, Medicare card |
| Arlington address | Many programs serve Arlington residents only | Lease, utility bill, mail, shelter letter |
| Income | Income rules decide many benefits | Social Security letter, pension, pay stubs, bank records |
| Housing costs | Rent and mortgage costs may affect eligibility | Lease, rent ledger, mortgage bill, tax bill |
| Medical costs | Senior SNAP and Medicaid reviews may count them | Premiums, prescriptions, copays, doctor bills |
| Crisis proof | Emergency help often needs a current notice | Eviction notice, shutoff notice, late bill |
Phone scripts seniors can use
| Situation | What to say |
|---|---|
| Not sure where to start | “Hello, I am an Arlington resident age 60 or older. I need help finding benefits for rent, food, health care, and transportation. Can you screen me or connect me to the right person?” |
| Rent is late | “I have a rent problem and I am worried about losing my housing. I have my lease and notice. Can I be screened for emergency help and housing grants?” |
| Food is low | “I need food this week and I also want to apply for SNAP. Can you tell me where to get a pantry referral and how to apply today?” |
| Medicare costs are high | “I have Medicare and my drug or premium costs are hard to pay. Can I make a VICAP appointment and be checked for savings programs?” |
Reality checks before you apply
- Most help is not instant. Even emergency programs need proof and staff review.
- Some funds run out. Ask what is open today and what opens next month.
- Rules can differ by program. A “no” for one program does not mean a “no” for all programs.
- Income is not the only rule. Assets, rent level, immigration status, household size, and medical costs can matter.
- Keep every notice. Denial letters often explain appeal rights or missing documents.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting until the eviction court date to call for help.
- Sending an application without phone number, address, or signature.
- Forgetting to report rent, utility, and medical costs on benefit forms.
- Assuming you make too much before asking for a senior screening.
- Letting mail pile up after applying.
- Using old online lists instead of checking the county page or calling DHS.
What to do if help is denied, delayed, or confusing
First, ask for the reason in writing. If something is missing, ask what exact document is needed and the deadline to send it. If you disagree with a decision, ask about appeal rights right away. For SNAP, Medicaid, and other public benefits, deadlines can be short.
Second, call another trusted door while the first request is pending. For example, a senior with late rent may call DHS for emergency help, ask the housing office about Housing Grants, and contact Legal Services of Northern Virginia if an eviction notice has arrived.
Third, ask for a warm handoff. Say, “Can you transfer me or give me the name of the office I should call?”
Backup options when one program does not fit
- Rent problem: Ask about emergency help, Housing Grants, legal aid, and affordable housing search tools.
- Food problem: Apply for SNAP, ask for an AFAC referral, and ask about older adult meals.
- High home costs: Check property tax relief, utility help, and repair programs.
- Health costs: Ask about Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help, VICAP, prescription help, and dental options.
- Caregiver strain: Ask ADRC about caregiver support, respite, in-home screening, and adult day options.
Resumen en español
Si usted es una persona mayor en Arlington, Virginia, puede pedir ayuda para renta, comida, servicios públicos, impuestos de la vivienda, transporte, Medicare, Medicaid y cuidado en casa. Llame al 703-228-1700 si tiene 60 años o más y no sabe por dónde empezar. Llame al 703-228-1350 para beneficios públicos como SNAP, Medicaid y ayuda de energía. Si tiene una emergencia de vivienda, comida o servicios públicos, llame al 703-228-1300.
Tenga listos documentos como identificación, prueba de dirección en Arlington, ingresos, renta, facturas, costos médicos y avisos de corte o desalojo. Si le niegan ayuda, pida la razón por escrito y pregunte sobre apelación o documentos faltantes.
FAQs
Are there real grants for seniors in Arlington?
Yes, but many are not cash grants paid to you. Help may come as rent assistance, tax relief, food benefits, utility help, home repair work, or services paid to a provider.
What number should Arlington seniors call first?
Call 703-228-1700 if you are 60 or older and need help sorting your options. Call 703-228-1350 for public benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, and energy assistance.
Can Arlington help with rent?
Possibly. Arlington has Housing Grants, Housing Choice Vouchers, and emergency financial help when funds are open. Call 703-228-1300 for urgent housing trouble and 703-228-1350 for housing grant screening.
Can seniors get help with property taxes in Arlington?
Yes. Arlington has a 2026 Real Estate Tax Relief Program for qualified homeowners age 65 or older and certain disabled homeowners who meet income, asset, residency, and ownership rules.
Does Arlington have free food help for seniors?
Yes. Seniors can apply for SNAP, ask DHS about food pantry referrals, and ask Aging and Disability Services about Meals on Wheels, Social 60+ Cafes, and Senior Farmers’ Market options.
Who can help with Medicare questions?
Arlington VICAP gives free Medicare counseling. Call 703-228-1725 and ask for help with plan choices, prescription costs, and savings programs.
What should I do if I am denied?
Ask for the reason in writing, ask what document is missing, and ask about appeal rights. If housing, benefits, or safety is at risk, contact Legal Services of Northern Virginia.
About this guide
We check this guide against official government, local agency, and trusted nonprofit sources. GrantsForSeniors.org is independent and is not a government agency.
Program rules, funding, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply.
See something wrong or outdated? Email info@grantsforseniors.org.
Review dates
Last updated: April 27, 2026
Next review date: July 27, 2026
Editorial note: This guide uses official federal, state, local, and trusted nonprofit sources mentioned in the article. It is for information only and is not legal, financial, medical, tax, disability-rights, immigration, or government-agency advice.
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