Article by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services
(Posted 2022 August)
If you’ve visited a store, restaurant or gas station lately, you’ve probably experienced sticker shock. For older adults on a fixed income, the steep rise in prices is making it difficult to afford even the basics. However, services and programs are available in Fairfax County that can provide some relief to those who qualify.
Food, Financial and Medical Assistance
These programs are offered by the Department of Family Services’ (DFS) Public Assistance and Employment Services (PAES) Division. Apply online at CommonHelp.Virginia.gov or by phone at 1-833-522-5582. If you have questions or if you need more information, call DFS at 703-324-7500, TTY 711.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP helps you and your family buy food using a special debit card called an EBT card. Money is automatically loaded onto the card, which can be used to buy eligible food items from authorized retailers, including most grocery stores, certain online retailers, and participating farmers markets.
Eligible households with adults over 60 and no earned income can receive benefits for 36 months, which is 12 months longer than what was offered in the past. The dollar amount on the EBT card will vary depending on your household size and income. You can receive credit for medical expenses, which could increase your benefit substantially.
Energy Assistance
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program that assists eligible households with their energy needs. LIHEAP in Virginia is seasonal and consists of three programs, Fuel Assistance (10/11/2022-11/14/2022), Crisis Assistance (11/01/2022-3/15/23) and Cooling Assistance (06/15/2023-8/15/2023). Households must meet income and other eligibility requirements to participate in the programs.
Medicaid
For those who qualify, medical, dental, and behavioral health care is available for adults; people with low income; people who are blind or have other disabilities; pregnant women; children in need and their caretakers; and refugees when they first enter the U.S.
Coordinated Services Planning
Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) connects Fairfax County residents to county- and community-based services and resources that promote self-sufficiency and enhance well-being. Contact CSP If you need help with emergency food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, employment, financial assistance and other needs. Call 703-222-0880, TTY 711, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For more information, visit Fairfaxcounty.gov/NCS.
Human Services Resource Guide
The Human Services Resource Guide is a searchable database that contains information on thousands of nonprofit and government services available to Fairfax County residents. The database primarily focuses on human services programs for low-income residents and those in need, and includes detailed service descriptions, eligibility, locations (maps and directions), and contact information: FairfaxCounty.gov/HSRG.
Home Repair for the Elderly Program
The Home Repair for the Elderly Program is designed to provide minor home repairs and/or accessibility modifications to eligible low- and moderate-income elderly homeowners and individuals with disabilities for homes in which they are currently residing. These “minor” repairs can often make a “major” difference when it comes to protecting their investment and maintaining their independence.
Fairfax County will provide a crew to do up to one week's worth of labor and provide up to $1,000 in materials. All materials and labor are provided completely free of charge to eligible homeowners.
For more information about the program and the kinds of improvements included, call 703-246-5179, TTY 711, or visit FairfaxCounty.gov and search for “Home Repair for the Elderly.”
Human Services Transportation Options
Transportation assistance is available for older adults, low-income individuals, individuals with disabilities and individuals accessing Fairfax County Human Services. Call 703-222-9764 or visit FairfaxCounty.gov/NCS for more information.
Fastran offers specialized transportation services for residents of Fairfax County and the Cities of Fairfax and Falls Church participating in human services agency programs including Critical Medical Care, Adult Day Health Care, Senior Centers and more.
Transportation Options, Programs & Services (TOPS) provides subsidized transportation funds on an easy-to-use debit card for eligible older adults, persons with disabilities, and those with limited income who reside in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, or the City of Falls Church.
Public Transportation
Fairfax Connector
Customers who are age 65 years and older automatically qualify for reduced fares when using a Senior SmarTrip® card or by showing a valid government issued photo ID with proof of age when paying cash. Senior SmarTrip cards can be purchased at any Connector Store for $2.00 with proof of age and completing a registration form. Customers who are under age 65 and receive Medicare are eligible for a Reduced Fare SmarTrip® photo ID card. For additional details and to learn about fares and policies for seniors and persons with disabilities, visit FairfaxCounty.gov/connector or call 703-339-7200, TTY 711.
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
People under the age of 65 with qualifying disabilities who possess a Reduced Fare SmarTrip® Photo ID Card may ride for half the peak fare on Metrobus, Metrorail, and other participating transit agencies. Discounted fares for passengers age 65 and older are available with a SmarTrip® card, in both plastic and digital versions. For more information, visit wmata.com/fares or call 888-762-7874, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
Fairfax County Help Lines
Calls are answered Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Aging, Disability and Caregiver Resources Line: 703-324-7948, TTY 711
- Family Services Customer Care Line: 703-324-7500, TTY 711
- Coordinated Services Planning: 703-222-0880, TTY 711
- Emergency Housing and Rent/Utility Assistance: 703-222-0880, TTY 711
- Tenant-Landlord Resources, Concerns and Complaints: 703-222-8435, TTY 711
- Rental Housing and Home Ownership Programs: 703-246-5101, TTY 711
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).