Grants for Seniors in Virginia

Last Updated on February 3, 2024 by Rachel

Key Senior Statistics in Virginia (60 and over)
Senior Population: 2,015,868 (23.2%) Senior Population: 2,015,868 (23.2%)
Male: 45.5% Male: 45.5%
Female: 54.5% Female: 54.5%
Median Age: 70 Median Age: 70
Disability: 28% Disability: 28%
With Social Security Income: 73% With Social Security Income: 73%
With Food Stamp/SNAP Benefits: 8% With Food Stamp/SNAP Benefits: 8%
Below 100% of the Poverty Level: 9% Below 100% of the Poverty Level: 9%
Data Source: Data Source:
Data is taken from American Community Survey 2022. Please check our detailed page about Senior Statistics in Virginia for more data and information.

Help for Seniors in Virginia

Virginia is a very popular state among senior residents with its affordable cost of living, low crime rates, business ventures, and decent housing options. This state was named as the best state to retire by Forbes. It provides great health care facilities, natural beauty, and safety. All these qualifications make this state perfect for seniors. Yet some seniors may have difficulties paying their rents, housing items, utilities, or food. Hence, the federal government, the State of Virginia, and the local charity organizations offer various benefits and services for senior citizens.


Housing and Rent Assistance

Virginia Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program was established and has been run by the federal authorities for low and moderate-income families and individuals who need rent support. Seniors who are 60 years of age or older and are in financial need are eligible for this benefit. Eligible seniors are able to decide on the house, flat, or the apartment that they want to live in. These properties must be compatible with the regulations of the program. Roughly 70 percent of the rent cost of beneficiaries will be covered by the federal government and 30 percent will be paid by the tenant. It is better to apply as soon as possible since there is always a waiting list. To learn more, please follow the link https://www.virginiahousing.com/partners/housing-choice-vouchers or call 800 955 2232.

The Salvation Army Virginia Rent and Mortgage Assistance is a well-known rent assistance program for low-income households. Salvation Army of Virginia is a non-governmental establishment across the state. Seniors who face financial hardship or foreclosure are qualified for this program. It offers a mortgage plan that is compatible with the applicant’s financial situation. To see more, please visit the link https://cvac.salvationarmypotomac.org or by phone at 804 225 7470.

Virginia from General Relief is a local social organization that provides financial assistance, emergency funds, and housing assistance for persons in need. The program was formed and has been financed by the Virginia Department of Social Services. Seniors who are already recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or Supplemental Security Income are automatically eligible for this housing assistance. Explore more opportunities through the following link https://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/gr/index.cgi or get in touch with 757 664 6035.

Homeless Intervention Program Virginia was established by the local neighborhood to provide temporary mortgage or rent support for residents in need. The main goal of this program is to decrease homelessness in the state. Older tenants who face foreclosure or eviction are encouraged to apply for this program. Eligible people can live in a safe, decent, and comfortable environment until they can afford their place of residence. Find out more information at https://www.thriveva.org/what-we-do or by phone at 804 966 8720.

In addition to housing and rent assistance, senior citizens can receive assistance with home repair, improvement, and restoration. See Home Repair Grants for Seniors for more information.

Financial Assistance

Virginia Social Services Short Term Financial Assistance Program was established and has been supported by the Virginia Department of Social Services for persons who need monetary aid. People who are 60 years of age or older are qualified for this cash assistance program. The amount of the money can change based on the participant’s case. To read more information, please click the link https://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/ or make connections with 1 833 829 2767.

Health Assistance

The Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) was created and has been led by the Office for Aging Services Division for Community Living. Seniors who are already beneficiaries of Medicare are automatically qualified for this health support service. If those seniors are curious about their health condition or medical procedure and do not know where to ask, they can consult this program. It offers the best options for people based on their health condition. For further information, please go to https://www.vda.virginia.gov/vicap.htm or make a phone call at 804 662 9333.

Virginia Senior Centers are specifically designed for seniors who need social and physical activities. These centers present nutritious and healthy hot meals during the day. It organizes indoor and outdoor activities. Besides psychological support, these centers try to make sure that seniors eat healthily and exercise well enough to protect their well-being. Check out the closest center to you at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/senior-centers or contact 703 324 4600.

Dental problems associated with aging are common in seniors. Approximately half of elderlies do not visit the dentist. This should not be the case because there are dental care programs available. Find out how seniors can get these services by visiting Dental Grants in Virginia.

Utility Bills Assistance

The State of Virginia Energy Bill Assistance Program was constituted and has been sponsored by the Virginia Department of Social Services for people who are not in a good financial position to pay their utility bills. Low-income elder residents who are struggling to pay their utility bills are urged to apply for this program. The program includes cooling and air conditioning assistance, ongoing fuel assistance, and emergency crisis assistance. One of these services or all of them can be available for seniors’ applications. To learn more, please visit https://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/ea/ or dial 833 829 2767.

Appalachian Power is a local electricity company that offers several discounts and financial assistance for people in need across the state. This company has a program called the Dollar Energy Fund to provide monetary aid. Senior residents who need utility assistance are one of the priority groups to receive a certain amount of discount on their bills. To see more information, please visit https://www.appalachianpower.com/ or get in touch with 800 956 4237.

Every state has additional programs to assist seniors with their utility bills. Help with Bills expands your options.

Food Assistance

Virginia’s Farm Market Fresh Program was constituted and has been managed by the Office for Aging Services Division for Community Living for senior citizens. The main aim of this program is to provide healthy, tasty, fresh, nutritious food boxes for eligible candidates. The program not only supports low-income older residents who are 60 years of age or older but also supports the local farmers and their markets throughout the state. Eligible seniors will be receiving a check that their worth is approximately $50.00. These checks can be used at specific local markets. To see more information and apply, please follow the link here https://www.vda.virginia.gov/sfmnp.htm or get in touch with at 804 662 9319. For seniors who require food assistance, there are numerous programs and advantages available. These services are detailed in Food Programs for Seniors.

The federal poverty level is used to determine financial eligibility for many assistance programs. Annual and monthly data can be found at Federal Poverty Level Virginia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What financial assistance programs are available for seniors in Virginia? Virginia seniors can access the Virginia Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for help with utility bills, and the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) for assistance with Medicare and related healthcare costs.

2. How can seniors apply for Medicaid in Virginia? Applications for Medicaid in Virginia can be submitted online through the CommonHelp website, by phone, or at local Department of Social Services offices. Applicants need to provide proof of income, assets, Virginia residency, and age.

3. What housing assistance is available for seniors in Virginia? The Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) offers rental assistance through the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program and information on affordable housing options for seniors. Additionally, VHDA provides resources for home modifications to ensure senior homes are safe and accessible.

4. Can seniors receive assistance with utility bills in Virginia? Yes, the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) in Virginia helps eligible seniors with their heating and cooling expenses, providing financial support to maintain a comfortable home environment.

5. How do seniors get help with prescription medications in Virginia? The Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) assists seniors in navigating Medicare Part D for prescription drug coverage, and the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services offers resources to help with medication costs.

6. Are there property tax relief programs for seniors in Virginia? Many localities in Virginia offer property tax relief or exemptions for seniors based on age, income, and residency criteria. Seniors should contact their local commissioner of revenue or tax assessor’s office for specific information and applications.

7. What in-home care services can seniors access in Virginia? Through the Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus (CCC Plus) waiver, Virginia provides in-home care services for eligible seniors, including personal care, meal preparation, and respite care, facilitating independent living.

8. How can seniors access transportation services in Virginia? Transportation services for seniors in Virginia are often provided by local Area Agencies on Aging, offering reduced-fare or free transportation for medical appointments, shopping, and other essential errands.

9. What nutritional programs support seniors in Virginia? The Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services supports programs like Meals on Wheels and congregate meal services at local senior centers, ensuring seniors have access to nutritious meals.

10. How can seniors in Virginia receive legal assistance? Virginia Legal Aid Society and other legal services organizations offer free legal advice and representation to seniors on issues such as healthcare, housing, consumer rights, and elder law, protecting their legal rights.