Benefits and Resources for Senior Veterans in South Carolina

Benefits and Resources for Senior Veterans in South Carolina (Authority Hub)

Last updated: August 2025


Quick Help Box (Emergency and Fast-Action Contacts)

If you’re in crisis or need urgent help, start here.

Need Who to Contact How
Mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide Veterans Crisis Line Call or text 988, then press 1; or chat via the Veterans Crisis Line (https://www.veteranscrisisline.net)
Immediate shelter or housing help National Call Center for Homeless Veterans Call 877-424-3838; details at VA Homeless Programs (https://www.va.gov/homeless/)
One-on-one benefits help in your county South Carolina County Veterans Affairs Offices Find your county office and phone number (https://scdva.sc.gov/county-veterans-affairs-offices)
VA health care enrollment help VA Health Care – How to Apply Apply online or by phone (https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/)
General local assistance (food, utilities, transport) South Carolina 211 Call 2-1-1 or visit SC 2‑1‑1 (https://sc211.org)
Medicare counseling (free, unbiased) SC Department on Aging I‑CARE (SHIP) Call your Area Agency on Aging via SCDOA I‑CARE (https://aging.sc.gov/programs-initiatives/i-care)
Legal help (civil matters) South Carolina Legal Services – Veterans Apply online or by phone (https://sclegal.org/services/veterans/)
Report elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation Adult Protective Services – SC DSS Call 888-CARE4US (888-227-3487) or visit SC DSS APS (https://dss.sc.gov)

Reality check: If lines are busy or you can’t wait, call 911 for immediate danger. For non‑emergency but urgent needs, call your county Veterans Affairs Office—staff can escalate within the VA system when needed.


Who This Guide Is For

This guide is for South Carolina veterans age 60+ (and their families or caregivers) looking for clear, step‑by‑step help with health care, money benefits, housing, taxes, food, transportation, and long‑term care. It focuses on South Carolina–specific programs and how to use them.

How to use this guide:

  • Start with the Quick Help Box above if you need urgent help.
  • Use the “Start Here” checklist below to get the fastest wins.
  • Keep this page handy and click the blue links—we point to official government or established non‑profit sites you can trust.

Start Here: 3 Fast Steps Most Senior Veterans Should Take

  1. Connect with your County Veterans Affairs Office
  • Why: A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can file VA claims for you at no cost, check your eligibility, and solve roadblocks.
  • How: Find your county office (https://scdva.sc.gov/county-veterans-affairs-offices).
  • Tip: Bring your DD‑214, any VA decision letters, medical records, and a photo ID.
  1. Enroll in VA health care (even if you have Medicare)
  • Why: Many services and prescription copays are lower through VA; Medicare and VA can work together.
  • How: Apply online, by phone, or by mail at VA Health Care – How to Apply (https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/).
  • Reality check: You may be placed in a priority group; some groups have copays or wait times. If VA can’t see you in time, ask about VA Community Care.
  1. Screen for income‑based benefits

Key Benefits at a Glance (What They Are and Why They Matter)

Benefit What It Is Why It Helps Where to Start
VA Health Care Medical care at VA clinics/hospitals, plus mental health and specialty services Often lower costs; coordinated care built for veterans VA Health Care – How to Apply (https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/)
VA Disability Compensation Monthly tax‑free payments for disabilities caused or worsened by service Reliable monthly income; added health eligibility VA Disability (https://www.va.gov/disability/)
VA Pension Income support for wartime veterans with low income/net worth Helps cover basics; can add Aid & Attendance VA Pension (https://www.va.gov/pension/)
Aid & Attendance or Housebound Add‑on to VA Pension for veterans who need help with daily tasks or are largely homebound Can help pay caregivers or assisted living Aid & Attendance (https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/)
State Tax and Fee Relief Property tax exemptions, military retirement income deduction, plates/licensing Cuts monthly costs and annual taxes SCDVA – Benefits (https://scdva.sc.gov/benefits)
Long‑Term Care Options VA homemaker/home health aide, adult day health, nursing home, and state veterans homes Supports staying at home longer or getting full‑time care VA Geriatrics & Extended Care (https://www.va.gov/GERIATRICS/)
Housing Assistance HUD‑VASH vouchers, SSVF grants for rent deposits/arrears, shelter Prevents or ends homelessness VA Homeless Programs (https://www.va.gov/homeless/)
Medicare Counseling Free, unbiased help choosing Medicare plans and lowering drug costs Avoids costly plan mistakes SCDOA I‑CARE (SHIP) (https://aging.sc.gov/programs-initiatives/i-care)

Notes:


VA Health Care in South Carolina

Two VA health systems serve South Carolina. Each runs clinics across the state and offers telehealth.

What you get

How to enroll

Women Veterans, LGBTQ+ Veterans, and Caregivers

If you’re new to VA care

Reality checks and tips

  • Appointments: If your wait is too long, ask your VA team about the “eligibility for Community Care” under the MISSION Act.
  • Records: Bring your DD‑214 and any outside medical records to your first appointment.
  • Transportation: If you can’t drive, ask your county VSO about rides through the DAV Transportation Network (https://www.dav.org/veterans/i-need-a-ride/).

Long‑Term Services and Supports (Home Care to Nursing Homes)

Many seniors want to stay at home. VA and state programs can help.

  • VA Homemaker/Home Health Aide: Personal care at home (bathing, dressing). Often through community agencies. Learn more: VA Geriatrics & Extended Care (https://www.va.gov/GERIATRICS/).
  • Adult Day Health Care: Daytime supervision and activities; provides respite for caregivers.
  • Veteran‑Directed Care: A VA program (in some areas) that lets you manage a budget to hire your own caregiver, including some family members; ask your VA social worker: Veteran-Directed Care (https://www.va.gov/GERIATRICS/pages/Veteran-Directed_Care.asp).
  • Community Living Centers and Contract Nursing Homes: For veterans needing facility care; availability varies. Ask your VA social worker for options near you.

South Carolina State Veterans’ Nursing Homes

  • The state partners with VA to operate veterans’ nursing homes. Admission usually requires SC residency, honorable service, and a clinical need for nursing home level care. See SCDVA State Veterans’ Nursing Homes (https://scdva.sc.gov/benefits/state-veterans-nursing-homes).
  • Reality check: Wait lists are common. Apply early, keep paperwork handy, and ask the facility what documents are needed (DD‑214, medical records, advance directives).

Paying for care


Money Benefits: Disability, Pension, Aid & Attendance

VA Disability Compensation

  • What it is: Monthly tax‑free payments for service‑connected conditions. Includes Special Monthly Compensation for severe disabilities.
  • Apply: VA Disability (https://www.va.gov/disability/).
  • Evidence: Medical records, service treatment records, and a nexus (link) between service and the condition.
  • Appeals: If denied or rated too low, use VA Decision Reviews (Supplemental Claim, Higher‑Level Review, Board Appeal): VA Decision Reviews (https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/).
  • Tip: Use an accredited VSO from your county or SCDVA (free). Verify accreditation: VA OGC Search (https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/).

VA Pension (Non‑Service‑Connected)

  • What it is: Income support for wartime veterans age 65+ or permanently and totally disabled, with limited income and net worth.
  • Start here: VA Pension (https://www.va.gov/pension/).
  • Net worth limit and income rules change annually; see VA Net Worth Limits (https://www.va.gov/pension/eligibility/#net-worth-limits).
  • Reality check: There is a 3‑year “look‑back” period for certain asset transfers. Read the VA rules before moving money.

Aid & Attendance (A&A) and Housebound

  • What it is: A monthly increase added to Pension if you need help with daily activities (bathing, dressing, feeding) or are mostly confined at home.
  • Apply: Submit VA Form 21‑2680 with your pension claim; instructions at Aid & Attendance (https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/).
  • Tip: Get the physician’s form filled out in detail. Include specifics about daily help needed.

Survivors (Spouses)

Avoiding scams

  • Never pay unaccredited “claim consultants.” Use free accredited help: VA OGC Accreditation Search (https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/).
  • Be careful with anyone suggesting you hide assets for A&A. The look‑back rules can cause penalties.

State Tax, Fee, and Everyday Cost Savings

Here are the most important South Carolina cost‑savers to check.

Benefit What It Does Who May Qualify Where to Learn/Apply
Property Tax Exemption (Home and Vehicles) Exemption from property tax on a primary residence and up to two vehicles for 100% permanently and totally disabled veterans (and certain surviving spouses) 100% P&T disabled veterans; rules defined in state law SCDVA Tax Benefits overview (https://scdva.sc.gov/benefits) and confirm with your County Auditor/Assessor
Homestead Exemption (Age 65+) Reduces taxable value on your primary residence SC residents age 65+ (regardless of veteran status) SCDOR – Homestead Exemption info (https://dor.sc.gov/tax/property)
Military Retirement Income State income tax relief for military retirement pay Military retirees; details and current law SCDOR – Military Tax Resources (https://dor.sc.gov/military)
Disabled Veteran Plates and Registration Special plates; some fee/tax exemptions for eligible disabled veterans Eligibility varies by plate type SCDMV Military & Veterans Plates (https://scdmvonline.com/Vehicle-Owners/License-Plates/Military-Veterans)
Hunting & Fishing Benefits Reduced or special licenses for disabled veterans; other discounts may apply Eligibility varies; documentation required SCDNR Military & Veterans License Info (https://www.dnr.sc.gov/licenses/)
State Parks Discounts/Passports Discounts for seniors and certain disabilities SC residents; bring documentation South Carolina State Parks Passports (https://southcarolinaparks.com/passports)

Important:

  • Property tax rules are administered locally. Always call your County Auditor or Assessor to confirm documents needed and deadlines.
  • For military retirement tax policy details and updates, rely on the South Carolina Department of Revenue (https://dor.sc.gov/military).

Housing, Utilities, and Homelessness Support

If you’re behind on rent or at risk of homelessness, act quickly—earlier is better.

  • National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: 877-424-3838 (https://www.va.gov/homeless/)
  • HUD‑VASH: Combines HUD housing vouchers with VA case management. Info: HUD‑VASH (https://www.va.gov/homeless/hud-vash/). Ask your VA social worker at Charleston or Columbia VA.
  • SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families): Non‑profits funded by VA to help with deposits, arrears, and case management. Find providers: SSVF Provider Finder (https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/).
  • SC Housing: State housing programs, renter resources, and affordable housing info: SC Housing (https://www.schousing.com/).
  • 2‑1‑1: Connects you to local rental/utility help, especially if you don’t qualify for VA programs: SC 2‑1‑1 (https://sc211.org).

Utility help

  • LIHEAP (home energy help) and weatherization are available to low‑income households. These are often handled by community action agencies; find local help through SC 2‑1‑1 (https://sc211.org) or your Area Agency on Aging (https://aging.sc.gov/locations).

Reality checks and tips

  • Paperwork: You’ll likely need a lease, ID, proof of veteran status (DD‑214), and proof of income/arrears notices.
  • Back rent: Many programs cannot cover months of arrears if there’s already a court judgment—apply early.
  • Eviction court: If you get court papers, call South Carolina Legal Services right away (https://sclegal.org/services/veterans/).

Food and Cash Help

Tip: Ask your county VSO to screen you for both VA Pension and SNAP. Getting one benefit doesn’t automatically disqualify you from the other.


Transportation

Tip: Ask your VA clinic’s social worker about local ride options and voucher programs; some counties partner with transit providers.


Education, Work, and Small Business

Many seniors still work, train, or start businesses.

Education benefits for dependents

  • South Carolina offers free tuition for eligible children of certain war veterans. Details and eligibility are administered by SCDVA; see SCDVA Benefits (https://scdva.sc.gov/benefits).

Inclusive Support: Tailored Help for Specific Groups

LGBTQ+ Senior Veterans

  • Care: VA affirms inclusive care, including hormone therapy, mental health, and primary care needs. Learn more at VA LGBTQ+ Health (https://www.patientcare.va.gov/LGBT/).
  • Privacy and respect: Patient Bill of Rights applies to everyone. If you have concerns, ask for the facility Patient Advocate (find via Charleston VA or Columbia VA site).
  • Community: Check local LGBTQ+ centers via SC 2‑1‑1 (https://sc211.org) for friendly support groups.

Disabled Senior Veterans

Female Senior Veterans

  • Care: Coordinated women’s health services, mammograms, gynecology, and maternity coordination through VA Women’s Health (https://www.womenshealth.va.gov/). Women Veterans Call Center: 855-829-6636.
  • Safety: VA provides Military Sexual Trauma counseling and care, no copay. MST info: VA MST (https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome.asp).
  • Peer support: Ask the Women Veterans Program Manager at Charleston or Columbia VA for groups and classes.

Tribal‑Specific Resources (Catawba Indian Nation and Native Veterans)

Rural Senior Veterans (Limited Access)


VA and State Contacts in One Place

Topic Best First Contact Link
Any VA claim or question County Veterans Affairs Office County VSO Directory (https://scdva.sc.gov/county-veterans-affairs-offices)
VA health care (Charleston area) Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System Facility page (https://www.va.gov/ralph-h-johnson-health-care/)
VA health care (Midlands/Upstate) Columbia VA Health Care System (Dorn VAMC) Facility page (https://www.va.gov/columbia-south-carolina-health-care/)
VA benefits (regional) VA Columbia Regional Office (VBA) Benefits office (https://www.benefits.va.gov/columbia/)
State veterans services SC Department of Veterans’ Affairs SCDVA (https://scdva.sc.gov)
Aging services & Medicare help SC Department on Aging – I‑CARE I‑CARE (https://aging.sc.gov/programs-initiatives/i-care)
Food assistance SC DSS SNAP SNAP (https://dss.sc.gov/assistance-programs/snap/)
Medicaid & long‑term care SC Department of Health and Human Services SCDHHS (https://www.scdhhs.gov/)

Region-by-Region: Where Seniors Usually Go for Help

Charleston/Lowcountry

Columbia/Midlands

Greenville/Spartanburg (Upstate)

  • VA Clinics: See Columbia VA and local CBOCs, plus Greenville area clinics.
  • Vet Center: Greenville Vet Center via locator.
  • Aging: Appalachian Council of Governments AAA (https://aging.sc.gov/locations).

Florence/Pee Dee

Myrtle Beach/Grand Strand

Beaufort/Hilton Head

  • VA Clinics: Ralph H. Johnson HCS clinics; check facility site.
  • Aging: Lowcountry AAA via SCDOA.

Note: Use the VA facility pages for exact clinic addresses and the SCDOA locator for the correct AAA covering your county.


How to Apply: Step‑by‑Step (Common Benefits)

VA Disability Compensation

  1. Gather DD‑214, private medical records, buddy statements if relevant.
  2. File online at VA Disability (https://www.va.gov/disability/) or through your county VSO.
  3. Attend any C&P exams scheduled by VA.
  4. If denied or rated low, consider a Higher‑Level Review or appeal: VA Decision Reviews (https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/).

VA Pension with Aid & Attendance

  1. Confirm wartime service and income/net worth rules: VA Pension (https://www.va.gov/pension/).
  2. Ask your doctor to complete VA Form 21‑2680 with specific daily care needs.
  3. File online or by mail; your county VSO can help avoid mistakes.
  4. Keep receipts for caregiving costs; VA may count them to reduce your “income for VA purposes.”

SC Property Tax Exemption (100% P&T)

  1. Get your VA letter showing 100% permanent and total disability.
  2. Contact your County Auditor/Assessor for forms and deadlines.
  3. Apply for your home and up to two vehicles as allowed by law.
  4. Reapply or provide updates if requested by the county.

SNAP (Food Help)

  1. Apply online at SC DSS SNAP (https://dss.sc.gov/assistance-programs/snap/).
  2. Be ready to verify identity, residency, and income.
  3. Seniors often qualify with simplified paperwork—ask DSS if there are senior‑friendly options.

Reality Checks, Common Roadblocks, and How to Handle Them

  • Long wait times: Ask VA about Community Care if appointments exceed timeliness standards.
  • Missing records: Request your DD‑214 from the National Archives eVetRecs portal: Request Military Records (https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records).
  • Complex forms: Work with your county VSO or SCDVA to avoid errors and missing attachments.
  • Scams: If anyone asks for a big fee to “win” benefits, walk away. Verify accreditation: VA OGC Search (https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/).
  • Income limits confusion: Don’t guess. Pension rules change—use VA pension pages and ask a VSO.
  • Caregiver burnout: Ask VA social work about respite care, adult day health, and caregiver support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: I already have Medicare. Should I still enroll in VA health care?

Q: How do I get South Carolina’s property tax exemption as a disabled veteran?

Q: Can Aid & Attendance help me pay a family member to assist me at home?

Q: I was denied VA disability years ago. Can I try again?

  • Yes. You can file a Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence, request a Higher‑Level Review, or appeal to the Board. Learn options at VA Decision Reviews (https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/).

Q: I lost my DD‑214. How do I get a copy?

Q: Does South Carolina tax my military retirement pay?

  • South Carolina provides tax relief for military retirement income. For current law and how to claim it, rely on the South Carolina Department of Revenue (https://dor.sc.gov/military).

Q: I live in a rural county and can’t get to VA. What can I do?

Q: Where can I get counseling if I don’t want to go to a big hospital?

Q: Are there state‑run veterans’ nursing homes in South Carolina?

Q: Who can help me decide between VA Pension and VA Disability if I qualify for both?


Program Reference Tables

Table 1: VA Health Care Access Points in South Carolina

System What It Offers Find Locations
Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System (Charleston) Main medical center and many clinics along the coast/Lowcountry Facility page (https://www.va.gov/ralph-h-johnson-health-care/)
Columbia VA Health Care System (Dorn VAMC) Main medical center and clinics in Midlands/Upstate Facility page (https://www.va.gov/columbia-south-carolina-health-care/)
Vet Centers Community‑based counseling for readjustment, families, and MST Vet Center Locator (https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/find-a-location/)

Table 2: Income and Long‑Term Care Supports

Program What It Does Key Eligibility Learn More
VA Pension Income support for wartime veterans with limited income/net worth Age 65+ or disabled, wartime service, financial need VA Pension (https://www.va.gov/pension/)
Aid & Attendance Increases pension if help with daily living is needed Must qualify for Pension and need regular assistance A&A Details (https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/)
Housebound Increases pension for those substantially confined at home Must qualify for Pension and be housebound A&A/Housebound (https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/)
Medicaid LTC Long‑term nursing home or home/community services for low‑income seniors Income/asset limits; functional need SCDHHS (https://www.scdhhs.gov/)

Table 3: State Tax and Everyday Savings

Benefit Notes Where to Confirm
Property tax exemption (100% P&T) Home and up to two vehicles; confirm locally SCDVA Benefits (https://scdva.sc.gov/benefits)
Homestead exemption (65+) Primary residence value reduction SCDOR Property Tax Relief (https://dor.sc.gov/tax/property)
Military retirement tax relief Check annual rules and how to claim SCDOR Military (https://dor.sc.gov/military)
Veteran plates/fees SCDMV handles eligibility and documents SCDMV Military Plates (https://scdmvonline.com/Vehicle-Owners/License-Plates/Military-Veterans)

Table 4: Homelessness and Housing Help

Program What It Covers How to Access
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans Hotline and case management entry 877-424-3838; VA Homeless (https://www.va.gov/homeless/)
HUD‑VASH Housing vouchers + VA case management Ask VA social worker; HUD‑VASH (https://www.va.gov/homeless/hud-vash/)
SSVF Emergency rent/deposit help via non‑profits Find SSVF provider (https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/)
SC Housing State housing resources and programs SC Housing (https://www.schousing.com/)

Table 5: Transportation and Access

Option What It Is Learn More
VA Beneficiary Travel Reimbursement for eligible VA medical travel VA Travel Pay (https://www.va.gov/health-care/get-reimbursed-for-travel-pay/)
DAV Transportation Network Volunteer rides to VA appointments DAV Rides (https://www.dav.org/veterans/i-need-a-ride/)
Medicaid NEMT Rides to covered medical visits for Medicaid enrollees SC DHHS Transportation (https://www.scdhhs.gov/transportation)
Local Transit/Dial‑a‑Ride Regional services; eligibility varies SC 2‑1‑1 (https://sc211.org)

Trusted Sources and Official Links (Selected)


Disclaimer

Program rules, dollar amounts, eligibility, and contact details can change. Always verify directly with the agency or program using the official links provided in this guide. This guide is for general information and is not legal, tax, or medical advice.


About This Guide

by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team

The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.

Our Commitment to You:

  • Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
  • Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
  • Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.

While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.

  • Last Updated: August 2025
  • Sources Verified: August 2025
  • Next Review: February 2026

If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.