Fairfax County, VA Senior Help Directory: Northern Virginia Programs for Seniors and Families (2026)

Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in Fairfax County, VA. Education, not advice. Verify before you rely on it.

Start here (works anywhere)

• 211 (dial 2-1-1), Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116, BenefitsCheckUp.org, Medicare 1-800-633-4227, Social Security 1-800-772-1213, VA 1-800-827-1000, Alzheimer's 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900, National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311, Crisis Lifeline 988

Three local front doors: Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning, the county's one-call help line for food, rent, utilities, and referrals, at 703-222-0880 (TTY 711) | Fairfax Area Agency on Aging (FAAA) Aging, Disability and Caregiver Resources line at 703-324-7948 (TTY 711) for older adults, caregivers, and people with disabilities | Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration, Tax Relief Office, at 703-222-8234 for senior real estate tax relief

Property tax relief (apply with the Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration, Tax Relief Office, 703-222-8234, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Virginia's senior property-tax break is set locally by each county or city under state law, so the rules below are Fairfax County's own. Fairfax County offers real estate tax relief (and limited vehicle "car tax" relief and renter relief) to homeowners who are age 65 or older, or permanently and totally disabled, and who meet the income and asset tests. Relief is figured on a sliding scale by income. Note two Virginia quirks: the office here is the county Department of Tax Administration, not a "Commissioner of the Revenue" (many other Virginia localities use that title), and the independent City of Fairfax and City of Falls Church run their own separate programs, so a resident inside those city limits applies to the city, not the county.

• Real estate tax relief, income tiers (2025): your total combined household income may not exceed $90,000. If combined income is $60,000 or less, you get 100% relief; $60,001 to $70,000 gets 75%; $70,001 to $80,000 gets 50%; and $80,001 to $90,000 gets 25%.
• Asset test: the net combined financial worth of the owners and their spouse may not exceed $400,000, not counting the value of the home, its furnishings, and up to one acre of land (up to five more acres can be excluded if the land cannot be subdivided).
• Deadline: returning applicants must file by May 1, 2026. First-time applicants have a later window in the tax year, so call the Tax Relief Office to confirm your exact deadline and the documents to bring.
• Tax deferral option: instead of (or along with) relief, qualifying owners can defer paying real estate taxes, with the deferred amount plus interest becoming due later (generally at sale or from the estate). A deferral is a loan against the home, not forgiveness, so weigh it carefully.
• Statewide disabled-veteran exemption: separately from the senior program, Virginia gives a 100% real estate tax exemption on the primary residence of a veteran with a 100% service-connected, permanent and total disability rating (and to some surviving spouses), with no income limit. Ask the Department of Tax Administration.
• The one move: call the Fairfax County Tax Relief Office at 703-222-8234 to confirm this year's income tiers, the asset limit, whether relief or deferral fits better, the documents to bring, and your filing deadline. If you live in the City of Fairfax or the City of Falls Church, call that city's tax office instead.

Food

• The Fairfax Area Home Delivered Meals program (Meals on Wheels) delivers meals to residents age 60 and older, and to adults with disabilities, who cannot shop for or prepare their own meals and have no one to do it for them. It serves Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the City of Falls Church. A social worker sets up a home visit to complete an assessment, and participants are invited to contribute toward the cost but are not turned away for inability to pay. To start or refer someone, call 703-324-5409 (TTY 711).
• Food for Others is Northern Virginia's largest direct food pantry and a hub for Fairfax-area food help (2938 Prosperity Avenue, Fairfax, VA 22031; 703-207-9173). It provides emergency food and regular neighborhood distributions across Fairfax County and nearby communities. It is part of the Capital Area Food Bank network, the regional food bank for the greater Washington area.
• SNAP (food stamps) is based on income, not age. Apply online at the Virginia benefits portal CommonHelp (commonhelp.virginia.gov), by phone through the Enterprise Customer Service Center at 1-855-635-4370, or through the Fairfax County Department of Family Services.
• To find the closest pantry, senior grocery distribution, or hot-meal site right now, call Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880 or dial 211.

Energy and utility help

• The Virginia Energy Assistance Program (through the Virginia Department of Social Services) offers Fuel Assistance for winter heating, Crisis Assistance for heating emergencies, and Cooling Assistance for summer. Application windows are set each year (Fuel Assistance generally opens in mid-October). Apply online at CommonHelp (commonhelp.virginia.gov), by phone at 1-855-635-4370, or through the Fairfax County Department of Family Services.
• Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (703-222-0880, TTY 711, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) can connect you to emergency help with an electric or gas bill and to local community funds. In the Herndon and Reston area, Cornerstones administers Dominion Energy's EnergyShare utility-assistance fund for low-income households.
• 211 is the fastest way to find another local crisis fund or church ministry with money for a past-due utility bill.

Medicare, Medicaid, prescriptions

• Virginia's SHIP is VICAP (the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program): free, unbiased, confidential help with Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D drug plans, Medigap, enrollment, appeals, and fraud, delivered locally through the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging. Call Fairfax VICAP at 703-324-5851 (TTY 711), or the statewide VICAP line at 1-800-552-3402. Start here before any Medicare decision, and ask about the free Medicare 101 workshops.
• Medicaid in Virginia (which includes long-term-care coverage and the plans that help pay Medicare costs) is applied for online at CommonHelp (commonhelp.virginia.gov), by phone at 1-855-635-4370 (Cover Virginia 1-855-242-8282 for the health-coverage line), or through the Fairfax County Department of Family Services.
• Medicare Savings Programs (help paying Part A and B premiums) and Extra Help / the Low-Income Subsidy (lower Part D drug costs) are screened and applied for through VICAP (703-324-5851), Social Security (1-800-772-1213), and CommonHelp.
• For medications, ask VICAP about Extra Help, and use BenefitsCheckUp.org to find manufacturer and nonprofit patient-assistance programs for specific drugs.

Home repair and safety

• Weatherization (free insulation, air sealing, and energy-efficiency measures for income-eligible households) runs through the Weatherization Assistance component of the Virginia Energy Assistance Program: apply through CommonHelp (commonhelp.virginia.gov), the state call center at 1-855-635-4370, or Coordinated Services Planning (703-222-0880), or dial 211.
• The Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development runs a Home Repair for the Elderly Program offering up to a week of free crew labor and up to $1,000 in materials for homeowners 62 and older (or disabled) whose housing costs run high relative to income. Call the program directly at 703-246-5179 (TTY 711), or ask Coordinated Services Planning (703-222-0880) to be routed.
• Rebuilding Together and Habitat for Humanity affiliates serving Northern Virginia do free or low-cost safety repairs, grab bars, and wheelchair ramps for qualifying older homeowners; 211 or the FAAA line can refer you.
• If your home is in a more rural part of the county, the USDA Section 504 Home Repair program offers low-interest repair loans (and grants for those 62 and older who cannot repay a loan) to fix health and safety hazards. Ask USDA Rural Development in Virginia or dial 211.

Rent, housing, emergency cash

• Coordinated Services Planning (703-222-0880, TTY 711) is Fairfax County's central intake for emergency help with rent, mortgage, security deposits, utilities, and food, and will screen you for county and community programs and link you to whichever has funds.
• 211 is another fast route to temporary rent and utility help and will point you to the local nonprofit or ministry with money available now.
• Community nonprofits across the county (for example Cornerstones in the Reston-Herndon area, United Community, Western Fairfax Christian Ministries, and others) provide emergency financial help; Coordinated Services Planning can match you to the one serving your part of the county.
• For Medicaid, SNAP, and cash assistance (TANF), apply through CommonHelp (commonhelp.virginia.gov), 1-855-635-4370, or the Fairfax County Department of Family Services.

Transportation

• Fastran is Fairfax County's specialized bus service that carries older adults and people with disabilities to senior centers, adult day health programs, and life-sustaining medical treatment (such as dialysis and cancer care). Eligibility runs through the county's human-services programs.
• TOPS (Transportation Options Programs and Services) gives eligible older adults and people with disabilities a subsidized transportation debit card to help pay for taxis and other rides. For Fastran, TOPS, travel training, and mobility management, call the Fairfax County Human Services Transportation office at 703-222-9764 (TTY 711).
• MetroAccess is the shared-ride, door-to-door ADA paratransit service run by WMATA for people who cannot use regular Metrobus or Metrorail because of a disability. You must be certified as eligible first; a decision is due within 21 days of your completed application, and if it takes longer you can ride in the meantime. Ask the FAAA line (703-324-7948) or the Human Services Transportation office for help applying.
• Some Fairfax communities also have volunteer "village" driver networks (for example Reston, Herndon, and others) that give older neighbors free rides. Dial 211 or call the FAAA line to find one near you.

Legal help

• The Virginia Statewide Senior Legal Helpline, administered by the Virginia Poverty Law Center, is free legal information, advice, and referral for any Virginian age 60 or older on issues like long-term care, public benefits (Medicaid, Medicare, SSI, Social Security), guardianship and alternatives, financial exploitation, abuse and neglect, age discrimination, and some consumer problems. Call 1-844-802-5910.
• Legal Services of Northern Virginia (LSNV) provides free civil legal help to eligible older, disabled, and lower-income residents of Fairfax County and surrounding Northern Virginia on housing, elder law, public benefits, consumer, family, and health-care matters. Call 703-778-6800.
• The Fairfax Area Agency on Aging (703-324-7948) can connect older adults to free legal counseling and benefits help through its aging-network programs.

Caregiver support

• The Fairfax Area Agency on Aging runs a Caregiver Support Program: information and one-on-one support, caregiver education, respite (a break for the caregiver), and referrals for people caring for an adult 60 or older, or for a person of any age with dementia. Reach it through the Aging, Disability and Caregiver Resources line at 703-324-7948 (TTY 711).
• The Fairfax County Community Services Board and the FAAA also offer support groups and dementia-specific help. The Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline (1-800-272-3900) is there any hour for dementia caregiving questions.

Staying at home instead of a nursing home

• Virginia Medicaid's Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus (CCC Plus) Waiver pays for in-home care (personal care, adult day care, respite, and other supports) for older adults and people with disabilities who meet a nursing-home level of care but can live safely at home. Apply for Medicaid through CommonHelp (commonhelp.virginia.gov) or 1-855-635-4370, and ask the FAAA line (703-324-7948) or the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) how to start a screening.
• PACE (the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) wraps all medical care, therapy, an adult day center, home care, and prescriptions into one program for people 55 and older who meet a nursing-home level of care but can live at home with help. The PACE program serving Fairfax County is Cherry Blossom PACE in Alexandria (1901 N. Beauregard Street, Suite 110; 571-789-0770, toll-free 1-888-524-2060, TTY 711), which serves Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax by zip code. Ask Cherry Blossom PACE whether your parent's zip code is covered, or check with the FAAA line (703-324-7948), Virginia Medicaid / DMAS, or the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116).
• The Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) can help you compare programs. Home-delivered meals, in-home help, and paratransit rides also help an older adult stay in the home longer.

Frequently asked questions

Mom is 66 in Fairfax County on a fixed income. Can she lower her property taxes? Likely yes. Fairfax County gives real estate tax relief to owners 65+ (or permanently and totally disabled) on a sliding scale by income: 100% relief at $60,000 or less, stepping down to 25% up to a $90,000 ceiling, as long as net worth (not counting the home and up to one acre, more if the land cannot be subdivided) stays under $400,000. Call the Fairfax County Tax Relief Office at 703-222-8234; returning applicants file by May 1, 2026, and first-time applicants have until December 31. If she lives inside the City of Fairfax or City of Falls Church, she applies through that city instead.

Dad is homebound in Fairfax County and can't cook anymore. How do we get him meals? Call the Fairfax Area Home Delivered Meals program at 703-324-5409 (TTY 711). It serves homebound adults 60 and older (and adults with disabilities) in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the City of Falls Church, with a social-worker assessment to set it up. If he needs food sooner, call Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880 or dial 211 to find the nearest pantry, or contact Food for Others at 703-207-9173.

My parent can't drive and needs rides to dialysis and the doctor. What is available? Fairfax County's Fastran carries older adults and people with disabilities to medical treatment and senior programs, and the TOPS program offers a subsidized ride debit card. Call the Human Services Transportation office at 703-222-9764. If a disability keeps your parent from using Metrobus or Metrorail, ask about WMATA MetroAccess ADA paratransit (the FAAA line at 703-324-7948 can help you apply).

We want to keep Mom at home but her care is getting complex. What pays for in-home care? Virginia Medicaid's CCC Plus Waiver can bring personal care, adult day care, respite, and other in-home supports to someone who would otherwise need a nursing home. Apply for Medicaid at CommonHelp (commonhelp.virginia.gov) or 1-855-635-4370, and call the FAAA Aging, Disability and Caregiver Resources line at 703-324-7948 to start a screening. If she is 55 or older and needs a nursing-home level of care, ask about Cherry Blossom PACE in Alexandria (571-789-0770), which serves Fairfax County zip codes and coordinates all of her care in one program.

Sources

• Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration, Tax Relief for Seniors and People with Disabilities (2025 income tiers: 100% relief at $60,000 or less, 75% to $70,000, 50% to $80,000, 25% to $90,000; net-worth limit $400,000 excluding home and up to 5 acres; deferral option; returning-applicant deadline May 1, 2026; Tax Relief Office 703-222-8234): https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/taxes/relief/tax-relief-seniors-people-with-disabilities and https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/taxes/relief/frequently-asked-questions
• Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, Aging, Disability and Caregiver Resources line (703-324-7948, TTY 711) and Older Adults services: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/older-adults and https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/contact/ProgramDetail.aspx?agId=100484
• Fairfax Area Home Delivered Meals / Meals on Wheels (60+ and adults with disabilities; Fairfax County, City of Fairfax, City of Falls Church; 703-324-5409, TTY 711): https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/older-adults/fairfax-area-home-delivered-meals
• Food for Others (2938 Prosperity Avenue, Fairfax, VA 22031; 703-207-9173; Capital Area Food Bank network): https://foodforothers.org/
• Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning, central intake for food, rent, and utility help (703-222-0880, TTY 711): https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/coordinated-services-planning
• Virginia Energy Assistance Program and Medicaid/SNAP via CommonHelp and the Enterprise Customer Service Center (1-855-635-4370): https://commonhelp.virginia.gov/ and https://www.dss.virginia.gov/relief/ea/
• Fairfax County Human Services Transportation, Fastran, TOPS, MetroAccess help (703-222-9764, TTY 711) and Transportation for Older Adults: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/transportation and https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/older-adults/transportation-for-older-adults
• Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP), Fairfax (703-324-5851, TTY 711; statewide 1-800-552-3402): https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/older-adults/virginia-insurance-counseling-and-assistance-program-vicap and https://www.dars.virginia.gov/aging/home-community/medicare-counseling/
• Virginia Statewide Senior Legal Helpline (Virginia Poverty Law Center; age 60+; 1-844-802-5910): https://selfhelp.vacourts.gov/node/33/statewide-senior-legal-helpline
• Legal Services of Northern Virginia (LSNV), free civil legal help for Fairfax and Northern Virginia (703-778-6800): https://lsnv.org/
• Cherry Blossom PACE, Alexandria (571-789-0770; serves Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax by zip code); Virginia DMAS PACE overview: https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/for-providers/benefits-services-for-providers/long-term-care/programs-and-initiatives/program-of-all-inclusive-care/
• Verified July 4, 2026.

Verified July 4, 2026. Program names, phone numbers, income limits, and deadlines change. Confirm directly with each program before you rely on it.

Ryan Riggins, NC Real Estate License #361546, eXp Realty. Riggins Strategic Solutions is an education and media company, not a real estate sales business. Not financial, tax, medical, or legal advice. Programs and contacts change, confirm directly before relying on them.