Grants for Seniors in Richmond

Last Updated on April 25, 2024 by Rachel

11% of Richmond’s population are elderly persons, 37% of which live on their own. 13% of seniors living in this city have an annual household income of less than $10,000. This demonstrates the need for assistance for seniors. This article discusses grants for seniors in Richmond. Happy reading.


Housing Assistance for Seniors in Richmond

Subsidized Housing is offered through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This housing is also called section 8 or HUD housing. Seniors 60 years and above are eligible for the program assistance. You can make your own choice of the house, flat or apartment. The program covers roughly 70% of housing and utility costs. Eligible seniors pay 30% of the rent. There is a waiting list for this program so it is important to apply for assistance as soon as you get the chance. Find the subsidized housing for seniors at https://www.virginiahousing.com/renters/housing-choice-voucher-program.

Darby House. You can have access to one and two-bedroom apartments in Darby House. The apartments are exclusively for elderly persons aged 62 or older who are looking for convenience and a sense of community. The building is situated two miles from downtown Richmond and it is a smoke-free environment. You will find affordable rentals and other unique amenities, including storage units, computer labs, laundry facilities and a community room for activities.

Virginia from General Relief provides financial support, emergency finance and housing assistance to older adults in need. The program receives funding from the Virginia Department of Social Services. If you are a beneficiary of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you are automatically eligible for support. Visit https://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/gr/index.cgi to explore the available program opportunities.


Homeless Intervention Program Virginia provides assistance with mortgage or rent to older adults with low-income. If you are facing eviction or foreclosure, you may apply for the program assistance. The goal of the program is to offer safe, decent and quality housing and living environment for the low-income eligible senior residents of the City of Richmond. Find out more at https://thriveva.org/how-we-help/homelessness-prevention/overview/.

Healthcare Assistance in Richmond

The Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) was established by the Office for Aging Services Division for Community Living. Are you a Medicaid Beneficiary? Then you automatically qualify for VICAP assistance. Find out more about the program at https://www.vda.virginia.gov/vicap.htm.

Virginia Medicaid provides medical coverage to low-income senior residents facing financial hardship. The program aims to improve the health of the seniors in need of healthcare assistance/insurance. This focuses on areas, including promoting quality healthcare services to the eligible program participants. Medicaid reduces financial burden on elderly persons seeking medical help. To qualify for the program assistance, you must be a resident of Virginia, a U.S. citizen, and have low-income as described in HUD federal poverty guidelines. Read more at https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/.

Food Assistance

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides financial assistance to eligible low-income seniors to enable them buy food from the authorized retailers. The cash benefits are provided through Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Eligible senior residents of the City of Richmond are required to create an account and receive their benefits every month. Find out more at https://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/snap.cgi.

Virginia Senior Centers were built to provide support to elderly persons in need of social and physical activities. The Senior Center of Greater Richmond provides programs and services, including nutritious and healthy hot meals. The center ensures that the program participants eat a well-balanced foods and exercise to protect their well-being. Read more about the Senior Centers at http://seniorcenterofgreaterrichmond.org/about/about-us.

Virginia’s Farm Market Fresh Program is administered by the Office of Aging Services Division for Community Living. The program aims to provide healthy, tasty, fresh and nutritious meals for eligible low-income seniors. Eligible seniors may be receiving approximately $50 and they can use them in the local markets. Learn more about the program at https://www.vda.virginia.gov/sfmnp.htm.

Utility Assistance

The Virginia Energy Assistance Program (EAP) helps senior homeowners with low-income to pay their heating or cooling bills. Your income must be 150% of the federal poverty level or less to qualify for the program assistance. The program has four components; cooling, fuel, crisis and weatherization assistance. Your local social services department will accept applications in your area. The Housing and Community Development Department of Virginia administers this program at the state level. Learn more about the program at https://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/ea/.

Transportation Assistance

The Virginia Department of Rail & Public Transportation funds Ride Connection to help the seniors in Richmond have access to transportation. The goal of the program is to help elderly persons to undergo safe aging and live a healthy and connected life. The program work with counselors that offer transportation education and referrals to other services and resources. You can use the program to take rides to your regular medical appointments. Eligible persons include seniors aged 60 or older and adults living with disabilities and are receiving SSDI and SSI. Find out more at https://seniorconnections-va.org/services/support-to-stay-home/ride-connections/.