Grants for Seniors in Virginia

Last Updated on March 29, 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 – 28 Assistance Programs

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.


State Assistance

The Division for Community Living – The Office of Aging Services Virginia: The Office of Aging Services supports older Virginians to achieve independence by offering services that enhance their dignity and security. They also avail resources the elderly, their loved ones, and caregivers can use to make informed decisions about matters affecting their lives. This office works with 25 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and different organizations to help older adults find the information, programs, and services they need to live sufficient lives. To promote the independence and well-being of seniors, the Division of Community Living supports older Virginians through leadership, advocacy, and overseeing the work of the local programs. They also offer guidance and assistance to the Commonwealth regarding the aging population.

Dementia Capable Virginia: This is an initiative created through a partnership between the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) and Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Commission. The purpose of the program is to offer information, training materials, and other necessary tools to help realize the Dementia State Plan of Virginia. The initiative also offers the Virginia Dementia Road Map, Caregiver Tip Sheets, the Primary Care Dementia Practice Toolkit, and some screening materials. Read more at https://www.vda.virginia.gov/dementiacapableva.htm.

Virginia Adult Services (AS) Program: Also known as Companion Services, the Virginia Adult Services (AS) Program is dedicated to helping to reduce the risk of seniors being institutionalized in nursing homes. The goal of the program is to help seniors remain in their homes or their caregivers’ homes and receive care and support services from those places. The program works to prevent unnecessary institutionalization while enhancing the quality of life of older adults with disabilities at the same time. These goals are achieved by offering support to family caregivers and providing home care services to senior Virginians. To qualify for the program assistance, seniors must be at least 60 or disabled. The applicants must also demonstrate the need for significant care. To identify the neediest older adults, the local social service conducts an individual assessment. One must meet the low-income guidelines, which change every year. the program’s benefits include adult day care, adult foster care, case management, assessments of assisted living facilities, nursing home screenings, and chore services. Seniors may also have access to nutritional counseling, laundry, and meal services. The level of assistance differs and is identified on a case-by-case basis.

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.

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.

Virginia Housing Development Authority was formed by the Virginia Commonwealth to help provide quality, affordable housing to seniors. The goal is to allow older adults to thrive in their communities by dealing with the affordable housing crisis. Senior homebuyers, renters, homeowners, and business partners can all benefit from this housing assistance program. Read more at https://www.virginiahousing.com/.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) works with housing counseling agencies that offer counseling services to older adults on renting, homebuying, foreclosures, reverse mortgages, and credit issues. Learn more about the program at https://www.hud.gov/states/virginia/homeownership/seniors.

Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program is exclusively designed to help seniors pay for their independent living-style apartments where they receive cooking, cleaning, transportation, and other support services to enable them to thrive. Visit https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/mfh/progdesc/eld202 to apply for assistance.

Home Repair Grants

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.

Emergency Home and Accessibility Repair Program (EHARP): The purpose of this program is to provide financial assistance to older Virginians to help remove health and safety hazards. To qualify for assistance, the housing situation must demonstrate the urgent need for a solution. It also makes the necessary modifications to make some homes more accessible for seniors and disabled older adults. EHARP directly finances the local administrators to make urgent repairs to improve the older adults’ housing conditions. Qualified repairs include plumbing, roofing electrical, structural, installation of wheelchair ramps, and other accessibility modifications. To qualify for the program support, seniors’ income must not exceed 80% of the area median income (AMI). The maximum amount of assistance older adults can receive is $4,000. Read more at https://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/eharp.

Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants in Virginia: Also known as Section 502 Home Repair Program, the Single-Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants provides low-income senior homeowners with grants to help them remove health and safety hazards from their homes. The maximum amount of funds one can receive is $10,000, which are repaid if the senior homeowner sells or changes the ownership of the property within three years of receiving the financial support. To qualify for home repair assistance, seniors must provide proof of homeownership and that they occupy the house. They must also demonstrate an inability to obtain affordable credit anywhere else, meet the low-income limit, be at least 62, and cannot pay back the loan. Find out more at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants/va.

Habitat for Humanity: Habitat for Humanity can provide home modification support to low-income seniors to help them with emergency home repairs. Habitat for Humanity is known to help rebuild homes, and to qualify for the assistance, older adults must be participants, and willing to help other residents build their homes. The goal of the organization is to reduce the risk of homelessness among low-income elderly persons. Read more at https://www.habitat.org/.

Healthcare 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.

Virginia Medicaid: Medicaid helps seniors pay for healthcare expenses and long-term care services, like nursing home care. To qualify for the program support, older adults must meet income and assets eligibility guidelines. The local Departments of Social Services administer the program. Visit https://commonhelp.virginia.gov/ to apply for healthcare support.

Virginia Medicare: Virginia Medicare is a health insurance program for older Virginians aged at least 65 and older adults living with disabilities. Seniors not receiving benefits from Social Security and Railroad Retirement Board should sign up for Medicare. The health insurance program consists of four sections:

– Part A: Part A is the hospital insurance coverage, and seniors enrolled in it do not pay premiums if they or their spouses paid Medicare taxes. Older adults who are ineligible for premium-free Part A Medicare can buy it, but they must also have Part B and will pay monthly premiums for both plans. Part A covers nursing care (not long-term), hospital care, hospice care, home health care, and inpatient care in a religious nonmedical healthcare facility.

– Part B: Part B Medicare plan provides medical insurance and involves monthly premiums, which can be higher for higher-income earners. The plan covers doctor’s appointments, outpatient care, home health services, medical equipment, and medical-related services, including those that involve preventative measures.

– Part C: Part C is the Medicare Advantage Plan, which is an alternative to the Original Medicare, and to receive it, older adults must have both Part and Part B plans. Seniors can only receive services under this coverage under Medicare Advantage Plan, not the Original Medicare. The coverages are offered through private health insurance companies that are approved by Medicare to offer such services. The companies must adhere to the rules set by Medicare. These plans may provide more coverage, including dental vision, hearing, and other health-related services. Most insurance companies provide Part D, the Medicare prescription drug coverage. Some of the Medicare Advantage Plans are Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plans, Special Needs Plans (SNP), Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Medical Savings Account (MSA plans, and more.

– Part D: This is Prescription Drug Coverage, and any senior enrolled in Medicare receives it. The Medicare-approved private insurance companies provide the coverage, and there are monthly premiums paid, which can be higher for higher income earners. Even seniors who are not on any kind of prescription medication should consider joining the program.  To join the program, older adults must have Part A and Part B.

Please visit https://www.vda.virginia.gov/medicaremedicaid.htm for more information.

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 (EAP) 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. EAP provides financial assistance to low-income families to help them pay their home energy bills. To qualify for the program assistance, senior homeowners must have heating or cooling expenses, have incomes not exceeding 150% of the federal poverty level, and meet state residency and US citizenship requirements.  The local departments of social services administer the program in various cities and counties. The types of assistance offered through the program include:

Crisis Assistance: Crisis Assistance is a support program to help low-income elderly persons with their heating emergencies. Eligible services include:

  • Repair or replacement of defective heating/cooling equipment.
  • Offering supplemental heating equipment, like fuel tanks.
  • Help pay a security deposit.
  • Helping to pay heating costs.

To qualify for Crisis Assistance, older adults must lack heat, have their utility cut off, and have defective heating equipment.

Fuel Assistance: The purpose of fuel assistance is to offset the costs of fuel. Seniors applying for fuel assistance must be responsible for paying heating costs.

Cooling Assistance: The purpose of the Cooling Assistance Program is to help low-income elderly Virginians pay their cooling utility bills and repair/replace defective cooling equipment. Eligible services include:

  • Installing air conditioning.
  • Repairing or replacing the air conditioning unit.
  • Paying electricity bills.
  • Paying a deposit for electricity.

Seniors must be aged at least 60 to be considered for assistance. For more information, please visit https://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/ea/.

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.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Initially referred to as food stamps, SNAP offers nutritional support and services to eligible low-income older adults. Benefits are given through Electronic Benefits Cards (EBTs), and the purpose is to help older adults buy nutritious foods to help them age healthy and strong. Seniors should note that the benefits cannot be used to acquire alcohol-related drinks and tobacco. EBT cards are only used in groceries and farmers’ markets participating in the program. Read more at https://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/food.cgi.

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.

Assistance Given to Caregivers Looking after Seniors

Caregiving can be stressful, and sometimes people need a break to recharge. DARS recognizes the efforts made by family caregivers in looking after their loved ones. For that reason, Virginia families who take care of their older loved ones can apply for assistance through the respite care voucher program. Through the program, caregivers can be given up to $400 as reimbursement to allow them to take a break from such duties.

Transportation Assistance for Seniors

The Elderly and Disabled Transportation Fund: This fund is designed to provide transportation assistance to elderly low-income Virginians to help them get to and from their jobs, medical appointments, and grocery stores, among others. The Virginia law enables taxpayers who want to offer their support to donate voluntarily towards this fund. The Virginia Division of Community Living administers the fund and works with the local transit providers to make the program work. The local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are sometimes some of these transit providers, and each agency offers services to a specific county or city. Visit https://www.vda.virginia.gov/aaamap.htm to see which AAA serves your area. For more information about the program, please visit https://www.vda.virginia.gov/drivingtransport.htm.

Assistance for Senior Veterans: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) financial support to senior veterans and their surviving spouses through loans and grants designed to help them purchase, refinance, or renovate their homes to make them safer for living. The VA acts as a guarantor for a part of the loan, which means they cover a small portion of the loan should the seniors fail to repay. This allows older adults to qualify for more favorable loan terms from banks ad mortgage companies. More information is available at https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/.

Assistance from Charities and Nonprofits for Seniors

Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia is a nonprofit organization committed to assisting elderly persons and their caregivers by offering meals, in-home support, community activities, and resources. The goal is to help them stay healthy and physically, socially, and emotionally engaged as they age. Read more at https://www.ssseva.org/.

Virginia Assisted Living Association (VALA): VALA is a nonprofit organization committed to offering advocacy, education, communication, and resources to help seniors thrive in assisted living facilities. They provide the necessary information and services to help elderly Virginians know about senior living options in Virginia. VALA works closely with government agencies by influencing policies and regulations that are geared towards improving the senior living status in the state. The goal is to ensure that seniors receive quality services in community living facilities. For more information, please visit https://www.valainfo.org/.

Senior Connections: Senior Connections is dedicated to offering seniors home and community-based services. Caregivers and older adults with disabilities can also receive these services. The organization operates in the counties of Charles City, Hanover, Henrico, Powhatan, New Kent, Chesterfield, Goochland, and the city of Richmond. The organization source its funds from individual donations and support from corporations and organizations to improve older adults’ quality of life. Services include social engagement, transportation, emergency support, in-home care, food, and other support services. Read more about the organization at https://seniorconnections-va.org/.

ServiceSource: Virginia Senior Services by SeniorSource offers assistance emphasizing social inclusion to enable older adults with minor cognitive and physical disabilities actively take part in the daily activities at Fairfax County Senior Centers. More details are available at https://www.servicesource.org/virginia-senior-services/.

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.