Benefits and Resources for Disabled Seniors in Virginia

Last updated: August 2025


Quick help box (keep this close by)

If you’re in danger or need urgent help, use these numbers and links first.

Need Who to contact Phone How to get help
Immediate danger, fire, medical emergency 911 911 Call 911
Mental health crisis or emotional distress 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988 Call or chat via 988; TTY 711, then 988. Learn more at the 988 Lifeline site: https://988lifeline.org/
Adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation Virginia Adult Protective Services (APS) 1-888-832-3858 24/7. Learn what to report at Virginia APS: https://www.dars.virginia.gov/aps.htm
Find local help (food, housing, bills) 211 Virginia 2-1-1 Search and chat at 211 Virginia: https://211virginia.org
Medicaid application and member help Cover Virginia 1-855-242-8282 (TTY 1-888-221-1590) Apply and check eligibility at Cover Virginia: https://coverva.org
Long-term care options and local aging services No Wrong Door Virginia (DARS) Search for services and referrals at No Wrong Door: https://www.nowrongdoorvirginia.org
Medicare counseling (free, unbiased) Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) Find a counselor via DARS VICAP: https://www.dars.virginia.gov/vicap.htm

Tip: Save this page and the Quick help box on your phone or print it out for your fridge.


What this guide covers (and how to use it)

This guide focuses on Virginia-specific benefits and real steps seniors with disabilities can take right now. You’ll find plain-language summaries, links to official applications, and tips to avoid delays. It starts with emergency help, then moves through healthcare and long-term care, money and food, housing and home repairs, transportation, accessibility, and legal protections. There are dedicated sections for LGBTQ+ seniors, veterans, tribal members, and rural communities. Near the end you’ll find resources by region, FAQs, and an easy-to-scan resource list.

Reality check: Some programs have waitlists, strict rules, and paperwork. We’ll note hurdles and how to work around them. Always apply as early as you can and keep copies of everything.


Emergency help first: safety, heat/cold, and urgent needs


How Virginia’s benefits system fits together

  • Medicaid (run by the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services—DMAS) covers health care and long-term services and supports (LTSS) for eligible seniors and adults with disabilities. Learn the basics at DMAS: https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/ and member information at Cover Virginia: https://coverva.org.
  • Most seniors with significant care needs use Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus (CCC Plus), Virginia’s managed long-term services program. CCC Plus can cover personal care at home, adult day health, respite, and nursing facility care for those who qualify medically and financially. See CCC Plus member info at Cover Virginia: https://coverva.org/en/cccplus.
  • PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) is a Medicare/Medicaid program that provides comprehensive medical and long-term care for people who meet nursing home level of care but want to live at home. See the Virginia PACE program via DMAS: https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/for-members/benefits-and-services/long-term-care/pace/.
  • Long-term care screening is required before Medicaid-funded LTSS at home or in a nursing facility. Learn how screenings work at Cover Virginia LTSS: https://coverva.org/en/long-term-services-and-supports-ltss.
  • Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) provide local information and assistance, meals, caregiver support, transportation, and more. Find services statewide at No Wrong Door: https://www.nowrongdoorvirginia.org. You can also get unbiased Medicare counseling via VICAP: https://www.dars.virginia.gov/vicap.htm.

Health care and long-term care in Virginia

Medicaid for seniors and adults with disabilities

What Medicaid can cover (if you qualify):

  • Doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, medical equipment
  • In-home personal care and respite through CCC Plus LTSS
  • Adult day health care and nursing facility care when medically necessary
  • Non-emergency medical transportation to covered appointments (how to get rides: https://coverva.org/en/transportation)

Dental coverage: Virginia Medicaid covers comprehensive adult dental care. Adult dental benefits were restored in 2021 and include preventive, restorative, and limited specialty services. See details and how to find a dentist at DMAS Dental: https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/for-members/benefits-and-services/dental/ (plan administrator information is listed there).

Pre-Admission LTSS Screening: To receive Medicaid-funded personal care, adult day, or nursing facility services, you need a screening by a local team using Virginia’s Uniform Assessment Instrument. Start by contacting your local Department of Social Services or Health Department, or ask your AAA to help you request a screening. Learn more at Cover Virginia LTSS: https://coverva.org/en/long-term-services-and-supports-ltss.

Consumer-directed care: Many home care services in CCC Plus can be “consumer-directed,” meaning you can help choose and manage your attendant. Ask your care coordinator about consumer direction and which fiscal agent supports your area. See CCC Plus overview at Cover Virginia: https://coverva.org/en/cccplus.

PACE: If you meet nursing home level of care but want to live at home, PACE provides coordinated medical care, therapies, adult day health, transportation, and caregiver support through one program. Check availability by ZIP code at the DMAS PACE page: https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/for-members/benefits-and-services/long-term-care/pace/.

Medicare help: For free, unbiased counseling on Medicare Advantage, Medigap, Part D plans, and savings programs, contact VICAP: https://www.dars.virginia.gov/vicap.htm.

Assistive technology and accessibility:

  • Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS) offers device demonstrations, short-term loans, and reuse programs: https://www.dars.virginia.gov/vats.htm.
  • Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority (ATLFA) offers low-interest loans for vehicles, home modifications, hearing aids, and more: https://atlfa.org/.
  • For hearing support, the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing runs the Technology Assistance Program (TAP): https://www.vddhh.virginia.gov/.
  • For vision loss, the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired provides independent living services for older adults: https://www.vdbvi.virginia.gov/.

Find providers and facilities:

Table: Key Virginia health and long-term care programs

Program Who it serves What it covers Where to apply / learn more
Virginia Medicaid (including ABD) 65+ and individuals with disabilities who meet income/resource rules Medical care, prescriptions, durable equipment, LTSS if eligible Apply at Cover Virginia: https://coverva.org
CCC Plus (LTSS managed care) Seniors and adults with disabilities needing LTSS In-home aides, adult day, respite, nursing facility, care coordination CCC Plus overview: https://coverva.org/en/cccplus
PACE Nursing-home-eligible adults living in the community All-inclusive medical + LTSS, adult day health, transportation DMAS PACE page: https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/for-members/benefits-and-services/long-term-care/pace/
Medicare Savings Programs Medicare beneficiaries with limited income Pays Part B premium; may cover some cost-sharing MSPs (QMB, SLMB, QI): https://coverva.org/en/medicaid-programs/medicare-savings-programs
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Medicaid members Rides to covered appointments How to get rides: https://coverva.org/en/transportation
Adult Dental (Medicaid) Adult Medicaid members Preventive, restorative, limited specialty dental DMAS Dental: https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/for-members/benefits-and-services/dental/

Reality check: LTSS services require medical and financial eligibility and a screening. There can be wait times for screenings and staffing shortages for home care aides. Apply early, keep records of every call, and ask for written decisions.


Money, food, and utilities

Social Security benefits:

SNAP (food assistance): Seniors can qualify for SNAP to help with groceries. Virginia also uses medical expense deductions for seniors/disabled households, which can increase benefits. Apply at Virginia DSS SNAP: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/snap.cgi.

Commodity foods for seniors (CSFP): The Commodity Supplemental Food Program provides monthly packages of nutritious foods to income-eligible adults 60+. In Virginia, CSFP is administered with local partners. Learn eligibility and where to apply at Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) CSFP: https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/food-distribution-csfp.shtml.

Farmers’ market produce (SFMNP): Low-income seniors may receive coupons for fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers’ markets. Learn about the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program via USDA contacts and check Virginia listings: https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfmnp/contacts (ask your local AAA through No Wrong Door: https://www.nowrongdoorvirginia.org).

Energy assistance (LIHEAP): Virginia’s Energy Assistance Program helps with heating, cooling, and crisis needs. Application windows are seasonal and limited. See details at VDSS Energy Assistance: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/ea/.

Weatherization: The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) helps improve home energy efficiency and safety for eligible households, often with priority for seniors and people with disabilities. Apply through local providers listed at DHCD WAP: https://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/wap.

Telephone and internet discounts: The federal Lifeline program offers a monthly discount on phone or internet service for qualifying households. Check eligibility and providers here: https://www.lifelinesupport.org/.

Table: Money, food, and utility help in Virginia

Program What it helps with Where to apply / learn more
SSI Income support for older adults and people with disabilities SSA SSI: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/
SSDI Disability benefits based on work history SSA SSDI: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/
SNAP Monthly food benefits; senior/disabled deductions may raise benefits VDSS SNAP: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/snap.cgi
CSFP Monthly USDA food boxes for 60+ VDACS CSFP: https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/food-distribution-csfp.shtml
SFMNP Farmers’ market produce coupons USDA SFMNP contacts: https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfmnp/contacts
LIHEAP Energy Assistance Heating, cooling, and crisis energy help VDSS Energy Assistance: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/ea/
Weatherization (WAP) Free energy-saving repairs DHCD WAP: https://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/wap
Lifeline Discount on phone/internet Lifeline Support: https://www.lifelinesupport.org/
Food banks Groceries and mobile pantries Federation of Virginia Food Banks: https://vafoodbanks.org/

Tip: For SNAP and energy assistance, mark application windows on a calendar. If mobility is limited, ask your AAA or a family member to help submit documents.


Housing, home modifications, and care settings

Auxiliary Grant (AG): Virginia’s state supplement helps pay for care in licensed Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) and Adult Foster Care for eligible individuals who receive SSI or have very low income and resources. The facility must accept AG. Learn how AG works and how to apply at VDSS Auxiliary Grant: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/ssi.cgi.

Public and subsidized housing: Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) and public housing are managed by local housing agencies, often with long waitlists. Find local agencies through Virginia Housing and HUD resources (ask your AAA to help with applications and reasonable accommodations). Start with HUD’s PHA list: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts and Virginia Housing: https://www.virginiahousing.com/.

Emergency Home and Accessibility Repair Program (EHARP): Helps low-income homeowners with urgent repairs and accessibility modifications (e.g., ramps, grab bars). Administered by local nonprofits funded by DHCD. See DHCD EHARP: https://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/eharp.

Weatherization (WAP): Can add insulation, repair unsafe heating systems, and fix minor home health-and-safety issues tied to energy use. Learn more at DHCD WAP: https://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/wap.

Veteran home modifications: Granting Freedom (for veterans/servicemembers with disabilities) helps with accessibility modifications. Check eligibility at Virginia Housing’s Granting Freedom: https://www.virginiahousing.com/renters/granting-freedom (verify current program terms there).

Long-term care options:

Facility quality and complaints:

Table: Housing, modifications, and care settings

Resource What it does Where to learn more
Auxiliary Grant (AG) Helps eligible residents pay for care in licensed ALFs or Adult Foster Care VDSS AG: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/ssi.cgi
EHARP Funds urgent home repairs and accessibility modifications DHCD EHARP: https://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/eharp
Weatherization (WAP) Energy-saving upgrades; fixes unsafe heating DHCD WAP: https://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/wap
PACE All-inclusive care for those meeting nursing home level DMAS PACE: https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/for-members/benefits-and-services/long-term-care/pace/
Assisted living & adult day licensing Verify facility license and inspection history VDSS facility searches: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/facility/
Ombudsman program Addresses problems in nursing homes and ALFs Virginia LTC Ombudsman: https://www.elderrightsva.org/

Reality check: Many housing programs have waitlists. If a facility tells you “we don’t take AG,” ask your AAA to help you locate facilities that do. If you need a ramp or bathroom modifications quickly, check EHARP and also ask your AAA about local nonprofit ramp projects.


Transportation in Virginia

  • ADA paratransit: If you cannot use fixed-route buses or rail due to a disability, local transit systems must offer paratransit within their service area. Check your local transit provider’s paratransit page via the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) transit listings: https://www.drpt.virginia.gov/transit/.
  • Medicaid rides: Medicaid members can get non-emergency medical transportation for covered appointments. How to schedule depends on your plan and area; start here: https://coverva.org/en/transportation.
  • Aging services rides: Many AAAs offer senior ride programs or volunteer driver programs. Search by ZIP at No Wrong Door: https://www.nowrongdoorvirginia.org.
  • Veterans: Disabled American Veterans (DAV) offers hospital transportation in some areas. Learn more at DAV Transportation: https://www.dav.org/veterans/i-need-a-ride/.

Table: Transportation options

Option Who qualifies How to use
ADA Paratransit Riders unable to use regular transit due to disability Apply with your local transit system; start via DRPT listings: https://www.drpt.virginia.gov/transit/
Medicaid NEMT Medicaid members Schedule through your Medicaid plan; instructions: https://coverva.org/en/transportation
AAA Senior Rides Older adults; varies by county Find your AAA via No Wrong Door: https://www.nowrongdoorvirginia.org
DAV Vans Veterans to VA medical appointments Check DAV near you: https://www.dav.org/veterans/i-need-a-ride/

Tip: Schedule rides as early as possible, especially in rural areas where availability can be limited.


Taxes, legal protections, and IDs

Real estate tax relief for the elderly and disabled: Virginia law lets local governments offer real estate tax relief (exemption or deferral) for homeowners who are elderly or permanently disabled and meet income/asset limits. Rules vary by city/county. The authority is in Virginia Code § 58.1-3210: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title58.1/chapter32/section58.1-3210/. Contact your local Commissioner of the Revenue or Treasurer’s Office for application deadlines and forms.

Property tax exemption for disabled veterans: Veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability (and their surviving spouse, with conditions) may be exempt from real estate tax on their principal residence. See Virginia Code § 58.1-3219.5: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title58.1/chapter32/section58.1-3219.5/. Apply with your local tax office.

Disability placards and plates: Apply for disabled parking placards/plates through the Virginia DMV. See requirements and forms at DMV Disability Plates and Placards: https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/disability-plates-placards.

Anti-discrimination protections: The Virginia Values Act expanded the Virginia Human Rights Act to protect against discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations, including protections based on disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Learn about filing a complaint at the Office of the Attorney General, Division of Human Rights: https://www.oag.state.va.us/programs-initiatives/human-rights.

Legal help and advocacy:

  • disAbility Law Center of Virginia (Protection & Advocacy): helps with disability rights issues including abuse/neglect, access, and services: https://www.dlcv.org/.
  • Virginia Legal Aid: find civil legal help (housing, benefits, consumer issues) by ZIP code: https://www.valegalaid.org/.
  • Long-Term Care Ombudsman: for issues in nursing homes and assisted living: https://www.elderrightsva.org/.

Inclusive resources and considerations

LGBTQ+ seniors and older adults with disabilities

Tip: If you face discrimination in a care setting, contact the Ombudsman for facility issues (https://www.elderrightsva.org/) and the Division of Human Rights (https://www.oag.state.va.us/programs-initiatives/human-rights).

Veteran seniors with disabilities

Tribal members and Native seniors in Virginia

Virginia has federally recognized tribes including the Chickahominy, Eastern Chickahominy, Monacan Indian Nation, Nansemond, Pamunkey, Rappahannock, and Upper Mattaponi. See the Commonwealth’s list and links to tribal governments: https://commonwealth.virginia.gov/virginia-indians/.

  • Health services: Some Virginia tribal members may be eligible for Indian Health Service (IHS) programs through the Nashville Area Office. Learn about services and eligibility at IHS Nashville Area: https://www.ihs.gov/nashville/.
  • Medicaid and Medicare: Most tribal members in Virginia use Medicaid/Medicare and local providers. Ask your AAA to help coordinate culturally appropriate services via No Wrong Door: https://www.nowrongdoorvirginia.org.

Tip: If you are a tribal member, bring your tribal enrollment information when applying for benefits. Certain cost-sharing protections can apply under federal law.

Rural seniors and families with limited access


How to apply: practical steps that reduce delays

  1. Gather documents:
  • Photo ID, Social Security number, proof of Virginia residency
  • Proof of income (award letters, pay stubs), bank statements, insurance cards
  • Medical records or a doctor’s letter describing care needs (for LTSS screening)
  1. Apply the right way for the program:
  1. Use your local network:
  1. Keep records:
  • Date-stamp applications, keep copies, and note every call (who, what, when). If you’re denied, you may appeal—deadlines are short, so act quickly. Ask Legal Aid for help: https://www.valegalaid.org/.

Who to call for what (at a glance)

Topic First stop Backup or specialized help
Medicaid eligibility and enrollment Cover Virginia: https://coverva.org Local DSS office (see VDSS): https://www.dss.virginia.gov/localagency/index.cgi
Long-term care screening Cover Virginia LTSS page: https://coverva.org/en/long-term-services-and-supports-ltss AAA via No Wrong Door: https://www.nowrongdoorvirginia.org
Medicare plan questions VICAP: https://www.dars.virginia.gov/vicap.htm 1-800-MEDICARE: https://www.medicare.gov/
Assisted living payment help VDSS Auxiliary Grant: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/ssi.cgi LTC Ombudsman (issues/complaints): https://www.elderrightsva.org/
Food and utilities 211 Virginia: https://211virginia.org VDSS Energy Assistance: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/ea/
Accessibility and devices VATS: https://www.dars.virginia.gov/vats.htm ATLFA (loans): https://atlfa.org/
Abuse or neglect APS: https://www.dars.virginia.gov/aps.htm 911 (emergency)

Resources by region (examples)

Use these starting points. For a full list of services in your county, search No Wrong Door: https://www.nowrongdoorvirginia.org and 211 Virginia: https://211virginia.org.

Northern Virginia

Hampton Roads and Tidewater

Richmond and Central Virginia

Southwest and Southside Virginia

Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont

Note: County names, specific phone numbers, and provider lists change often. Always confirm on the linked official pages.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1) How do I get a Medicaid long-term care screening in Virginia?

  • Start at Cover Virginia: https://coverva.org and review LTSS steps: https://coverva.org/en/long-term-services-and-supports-ltss. You can also ask your local Area Agency on Aging, found via No Wrong Door (https://www.nowrongdoorvirginia.org), to help coordinate the screening with your local DSS and Health Department.

Q2) What is CCC Plus and do I have to join?

  • Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus (CCC Plus) is Virginia’s Medicaid managed care for people who need LTSS. If you qualify, you enroll in a CCC Plus health plan that coordinates in-home aides, adult day health, and nursing facility care. Learn more: https://coverva.org/en/cccplus.

Q3) Does Virginia Medicaid cover dental for adults?

Q4) I’m a low-income senior but my income is slightly over the limit for full Medicaid. Any help?

  • Check Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI) to help with Medicare costs: https://coverva.org/en/medicaid-programs/medicare-savings-programs. If you have high medical bills, ask about spenddown/medically needy pathways through your local DSS: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/localagency/index.cgi.

Q5) How can I pay for assisted living if I have very low income?

  • Ask about Virginia’s Auxiliary Grant (AG), which can help pay for care in licensed assisted living or adult foster care homes that accept AG. Program details and how to apply: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/ssi.cgi. Not all facilities accept AG—ask your AAA to help find openings.

Q6) What’s the difference between PACE and CCC Plus?

Q7) How do I get rides to my doctor?

Q8) Can I get help with my power bill or staying cool in summer?

Q9) Are there resources for making my home safer (ramps, grab bars)?

Q10) I’m a disabled veteran homeowner. Do I qualify for property tax relief?

Q11) Who do I call if I suspect neglect in a nursing home?

Q12) Where can I find my nearest Social Security office?


Source links (one place to bookmark)

Health and LTSS

Food and income

Housing, utilities, and home safety

Transportation

Legal and protections

Assistive technology

Special populations

General


Reality checks, warnings, and tips

  • Beware of “free” home modification offers that ask for upfront fees. Verify through your AAA, DHCD providers (EHARP/WAP), or ATLFA.
  • Keep your Medicaid renewal notices. Virginia resumed normal renewals; missing a form can end coverage. If you’re disenrolled, contact Cover Virginia quickly: https://coverva.org.
  • Assisted living with Auxiliary Grant often has limited availability. Ask to be placed on waitlists at multiple facilities and keep calling back.
  • For paratransit and Medicaid rides, schedule early and confirm the day before. Keep a backup plan when possible.
  • If a benefit is denied, appeal deadlines are short. Read the notice, call for clarification, and contact Legal Aid: https://www.valegalaid.org/.

About This Guide

by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team

The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.

Our Commitment to You:
• Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
• Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
• Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.

While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.

• Last Updated: August 2025
• Sources Verified: August 2025
• Next Review: February 2026

If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.


Disclaimer

This guide is for general information only. Program rules, amounts, and eligibility can change at any time. Always confirm details with the official agency or program website linked above. If you have an emergency, call 911.

About the Authors

Analic Mata-Murray

Analic Mata-Murray

Managing Editor

Analic Mata-Murray holds a Communications degree with a focus on Journalism and Advertising from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello. With over 11 years of experience as a volunteer translator for The Salvation Army, she has helped Spanish-speaking communities access critical resources and navigate poverty alleviation programs.

As Managing Editor at Grants for Seniors, Analic oversees all content to ensure accuracy and accessibility. Her bilingual expertise allows her to create and review content in both English and Spanish, specializing in community resources, housing assistance, and emergency aid programs.

Yolanda Taylor

Yolanda Taylor, BA Psychology

Senior Healthcare Editor

Yolanda Taylor is a Senior Healthcare Editor with over six years of clinical experience as a medical assistant in diverse healthcare settings, including OB/GYN, family medicine, and specialty clinics. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Psychology at California State University, Sacramento.

At Grants for Seniors, Yolanda oversees healthcare-related content, ensuring medical accuracy and accessibility. Her clinical background allows her to translate complex medical terminology into clear guidance for seniors navigating Medicare, Medicaid, and dental care options. She is bilingual in Spanish and English and holds Lay Counselor certification and CPR/BLS certification.