South Carolina Area Agencies on Aging.
Federal government funds are issued to South Carolina as part of the Older Americans Act. The state uses these government grants to provide a wide range of assistance and resources, including medications, housing, Meals on Wheels, healthcare and more. The assistance is for seniors, the disabled, as well as elderly.
While the state of south Carolina does technically oversee the program through their Area Agencies on Aging Centers, applications will in fact be taken and processed in South Carolina at the local town as well as county level. More information on where seniors can get financial help, medical care, food, and other support is below.
A number of financial and non-monetary assistance programs are available for qualified applicants. More details are below, however seniors can receive help with transportation, home delivered and congregate meals, emergency rental assistance, free legal aid, disease prevention, home care services, or education and job training.
In total, ten Area Agencies on Aging offices are located across South Carolina and are listed below. The primary point of contact at most locations is known as the Information and Referral Specialist, and these individuals can direct you and help you apply for aid. They can guide you through the processes that are required to find the services and help you need, assist with both short and long-term care planning and explain eligibility for the various assistance programs.
Assistance for the elderly and disabled in South Carolina
When you contact an office, the I&R Specialist will need to interview you and assess your situation. They will locate resources for you and your needs. Specialists will refer you to the appropriate non-profits and resources, and help you apply or contact a certain program if need be. The specialist will advocate for low income individuals when necessary and they will always help seniors obtain services they may be entitled to but are not currently receiving. Some of the resources available for seniors and people with disabilities are below.
Emergency rental assistance (as funding allows) may be available for seniors who are sixty years of age or older. In some cases up to $1000 can be provided to pay rent. The money will be paid directly to your landlord, and is for emergencies only.
The program that can help with rent was made possible through a grant from the federal government and the South Carolina Housing Authority. If an applicant meets conditions, including they needed to have fallen behind on their rent due to unforeseen circumstances, such as an unexpected job loss, medical bills or higher than average utility bills, they can apply for help. Applications are processed at your local South Carolina Area Agency on Aging office.
Family caregiver support program, which includes limited amounts of respite care assistance and more general support for local groups.
Free or low cost legal aid may be provided for certain civil legal issues, including Elderly Legal Services Program. In some cases representation during the legal matter may be offered as well. Read more on free legal aid in South Carolina.
Medicaid Managed Care and related health care services are offered by South Carolina Area Agencies on Aging. Some of the Medicaid type services offered may include education and outreach on the federal government and South Carolina program. Case managers may also help with providing enrollment counseling for Medicaid beneficiaries.
Reduced priced prescription medications may be provided from various sources, including Medicare Part D Assistance. Seniors across the state can receive advice and help in choosing a federal or a state of South Carolina government plan based on your pharmacy preference, total household income, and the exact types of prescription medications needed.
South Carolina Aging Offices help seniors save money as well. Whether on medications or food, many elderly people live check to check. They often may only have social security or pension savings, or live from their retirement funds. Therefore there are many resources out there, such as ideas on how to save money, discount cards for prescription drugs, coupons for store, and more.
South Carolina senior centers for referrals
The centers are excellent resources for local community issues and information as well. For example, learn about programs and agencies that focus on seniors, such as food pantries, energy bill assistance/LIHEAP, and similar resources.
- Receive assistance with completing Long Term Care Medicaid Application assistance.
- Transportation assistance may be provided if the senior has a medical or doctor appointment in South Carolina or some other type of emergency.
- Aging Information, Referral, and details on various Assistance Centers as well as community action agencies.
- Long Term Care Ombudsman. This includes investigation of complaints of abuse, neglect, and exploitation in long term care facilities.
- Senior Centers also give referrals to assistance programs such as flow income housing for seniors, Meals on Wheels from churches, and charity programs.
Addresses and phone numbers of South Carolina Area Agencies on Aging.
Local counties are below. Each helps the elderly in the county, city, and town below. The disabled and senior spouses can also be given help. Or referrals are offered.
Appalachia Area Agency, SC Appalachian Council of Governments Location - 30 Century Drive Greenville, SC 29606 Phone number is 864-242-9733 do not offer bill paying programs, but rather provide services to the elderly such as Long Term Care Ombudsman, Nutrition, and referrals. Counties of Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Oconee, Pickens and Spartanburg
Upper Savannah Area Agency, Upper Savannah Council of Governments 222 Phoenix Avenue Greenwood, SC 29648 Phone number is 800-922-7729 Supports seniors in Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick and Saluda
Catawba Area Agency on Aging 2025 Ebenezer Road, Ste. B Rock Hill, SC Dial 803-329-9670 Chester, Lancaster, York and Union Counties
Central Midlands Area Agency, Central Midlands Council of Governments 236 Stoneridge Drive Columbia, SC 29210 Phone 866-394-4166 Fairfield, Lexington, Newberry, Richland County
Lower Savannah Council of Governments, Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun and Orangeburg Counties Office location is 2748 Wagener Road Aiken, South Carolina 29801 803-649-7981
Santee-Lynches Area Agency – Supports Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee and Sumter County 36 West Liberty, Sumter, SC 29151 Phone number - 803-775-7381
Pee Dee Area Agency, Vantage Point Hartsville, South Carolina 29551 843-383-8632 Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marion, and Marlboro
Waccamaw Area Agency Seniors from Georgetown, Horry, and Williamsburg should call this agency 1230 Highmarket Street Georgetown, SC 29440 Main number is 843-546-4231
Trident Area Agency 5895 Core Rd Ste 419 North Charleston, SC 29406 Phone 843-554-2275 Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester County. Read more on senior assistance from Trident Area Agency.
Lowcountry Area Agency I-95 Exit 33 Hwy. 17 Point South, South Carolina 29945-0098 Main number is 843-726-5536 Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper
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