How do I find and access senior services?

Area Agency on Aging (AAA) - regional level (Virginia has 25 AAAs) / Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services - DARS (state level)

Details

What you need to know

Fee

Most services free or on sliding scale ONLINE OPTION: vadars.org; 211virginia.org; commonhelp.virginia.gov WHERE TO GO: Your regional AAA; local senior center; DARS; 211 Virginia; local DSS office

Online Option

vadars.org; 211virginia.org; commonhelp.virginia.gov

Where to Go

Your regional AAA; local senior center; DARS; 211 Virginia; local DSS office

Virginia Notes

Important state-specific details

VICAP (Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program) - Virginia SHIP: free Medicare counseling - contact your AAA or DARS at (800) 552-3402; helps with Medicare enrollment, plan selection, billing disputes, and Part D.
COMMONWEALTH COORDINATED CARE PLUS (CCC+): Virginia's integrated managed long-term services and supports (MLTSS) program for Medicaid-eligible elderly and disabled; provides home-based care as alternative to nursing home; apply through DMAS at (804) 786-7933.
TAX RELIEF FOR ELDERLY AND DISABLED: Each Virginia jurisdiction (county or independent city) sets its own income/net worth limits; contact your local Commissioner of the Revenue; can range from partial to 100% exemption.
DISABLED VETERAN EXEMPTION: 100% real property tax exemption for veterans with 100% service-connected disability; surviving spouses qualify.
LIHEAP: Energy assistance; important in Virginia's cold winters and hot/humid summers; apply through local Community Action Agencies or 211.
Adult Protective Services (APS): report elder abuse through local DSS or APS line at (888) 832-3858 (24-hour toll-free hotline).

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

Virginia DARS - vadars.org | (800) 552-3402; VICAP: (800) 552-3402; APS: (888) 832-3858; DMAS (Medicaid) - dmas.virginia.gov | (804) 786-7933; 211 Virginia: dial 211; commonhelp.virginia.gov