There are times when seniors living in the state of Virginia may need financial assistance to ensure their bills are all paid and their basic needs are being met. This is a common situation for many seniors in the country, as they live on fixed incomes and struggle to pay all of their bills. The good news is that there are programs that provide financial assistance for seniors in Virginia.
Seniors who need some assistance making ends meet each month can apply for the programs below. If they are approved for them, they will have their basic needs met and they will never have to pay the funds back, since it is not considered to be a loan. The programs will help ensure that people have food, utilities, housing, and medical care. Some of the programs have a time limit on how long someone can get assistance, while others provide long term assistance.
The programs that seniors can apply for and get help from include those made possible by the federal and state government, as well as organizations. There are organizations in most cities that aim to help those who live in the area with the things they need. They don’t usually have the strict requirements that need to be met, like the federal and state programs do. Most federal and state assistance programs require that seniors have a low income and be legal residents of the state.
Programs Offering Financial Assistance
Food Assistance Programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program was created to help ensure that people have their food needs met each month. The federal government provides the program, which used to be called food stamps. They will provide those who qualify with a payment source to purchase groceries each month. To qualify, seniors need to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. The amount that one will receive if approved for the program will be determined in part by the number of dependents in the home. There is no time limit on how long someone can get help through this program as long as they continue to meet the requirements. The payment source is renewed each month electronically and the debit-style card can then be used to purchase food items. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Catholic Charities – This organization is known for all the work they do in communities around the country. They help many people each year, by providing them with free food, bill payment assistance, clothing, shelter, and more. Those who need food assistance can contact a location near them to inquire about how they can go about getting free food. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
Federation of Virginia Food Banks – This organization can help seniors locate food banks and food pantries in their area, where they will be able to get free food supplies. Some of the locations hold dates where people can drive up and get food supplies to take home, while others may have seniors programs that will deliver the food to them. To get more information and find a pantry or bank near you, click here.
Rent Assistance Programs
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – The federal government created this agency to help people with their housing needs. Those who have difficulty paying for their rent or finding affordable housing can contact HUD to get assistance. The agency has several ways they help people with housing, including paying for rent, finding affordable housing units, paying for house repairs, and providing free weatherization services. The weatherization services will make the home more energy efficient, which will reduce the monthly energy bills. To qualify for financial assistance through HUD, seniors need to be low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. There is no limit on how long you can get assistance through this program. To get more information and apply for financial assistance for housing, click here.
State Rental Assistance Program – This program is provided by the state government and helps pay for rent. To qualify for the rental assistance, seniors have to be considered low income and be a legal resident of the state. To get more information and apply, click here.
Utility Bills Assistance Programs
Energy Assistance – This program will help seniors pay for their energy bills, including those that are for heating and cooling. The program is open to those who have a low income and are the ones responsible for paying the bill. They also offer crisis energy assistance, which will help with emergency situations where people have received disconnection notices. The program will send the funds directly to the energy provider and your account will be credited. You will need to apply for this program each year in order to keep getting the financial assistance. To get more information and apply, click here.
211 – This free referral program, provided by the United Way organization, will help seniors find local places to get financial assistance in their local area of Virginia. Seniors can call the number and tell them where they live in the state and what type of assistance is needed and they will provide referrals to programs that can help. To get more information about the program, click here.
Medical Bills Assistance Programs
Medicaid – This federal program will provide medical bill payment assistance for seniors in Virginia. To qualify, you have to be under the age of 65, have a low income, and be a legal resident of the state. The program will pay for most types of medical bills and there’s no limit on how long you can get help. To get more information and apply, click here.
Medicare – This program is similar to the one listed above, but it is for those over the age of 65, and there are no income requirements. Every legal resident over 65 is eligible to get financial assistance paying their medical bills with this program. To get more information and apply, click here.
