Grants for Seniors in South Carolina

Last Updated on February 3, 2024 by Rachel

Key Senior Statistics in South Carolina (60 and over)
Senior Population: 1,376,023 (26.0%) Senior Population: 1,376,023 (26.0%)
Male: 45.3% Male: 45.3%
Female: 54.7% Female: 54.7%
Median Age: 70 Median Age: 70
Disability: 30% Disability: 30%
With Social Security Income: 77% With Social Security Income: 77%
With Food Stamp/SNAP Benefits: 9% With Food Stamp/SNAP Benefits: 9%
Below 100% of the Poverty Level: 11% Below 100% of the Poverty Level: 11%
Data Source: Data Source:
Data is taken from American Community Survey 2022. Please check our detailed page about Senior Statistics in South Carolina for more data and information.

Help for Seniors in South Carolina

South Carolina has been known for its natural beauty, growing economy, and perfect weather conditions. It is one of the most senior-friendly states considering the affordable cost of living, lower taxes, and low-cost housing expenses. Although this state has good living standards for the elderly, some of them may still need assistance to make a good living. Therefore, the federal divisions, the State of South Carolina, and local charity establishments present several programs and services for senior citizens.


Housing and Rent Assistance

South Carolina Housing Choice Voucher Program-Section 8 was formed and has been financed by the federal authorities for low and moderate-income residents. Seniors who are having economic problems are one of the priority groups for this program. Eligible seniors will decide on the house, apartment, flat, or townhouse they want to live in. This house must be compatible with the rules and regulations of this program. Approximately 70 percent of the rent will be paid by this program. For further information and application, please visit https://www.hud.gov/states/south_carolina/renting or make a call to the toll-free 1 800 236 4009.

South Carolina Emergency Rental Assistance Program was established and has been sponsored by the South Carolina Housing and Finance Development Authority for citizens in need of emergency rental assistance. Older residents who are 55 years of age or older and facing economic challenges are eligible to apply for this program. It is vital to know that this program provides short-term emergency rental assistance. Receivers can get up to $1,500 but it may change based on the economic condition of the applicant. To learn more, please go to https://schousing.com/home/sc-stay or contact 833 985 2929.

Salvation Army of South Carolina is one of the charity organizations that has been serving lower and middle-income individuals throughout the state. This organization has various programs and services for seniors. Seniors who are about to lose their home because of rent problems can benefit from housing assistance or sheltering either for long or short-term periods. Find out more information at https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/north-south-carolina/  or dial 704 522 4970. Apart from the Salvation Army, there are other senior charities in the United States that offer support to elderly individuals.

Furthermore, Home Repair Grants for Seniors are available to ensure that homes are well-maintained and safe for elderly adults.

Financial Assistance

ElderCare Trust Fund was formed and has been managed by the South Carolina Department of Aging to provide grants for seniors living at their homes. This program is intended to strengthen seniors who are living at home instead of living in a nursing unit. The amount of this monetary aid can differ based on the current economic situation of the applicant. Further information can be accessed by clicking on the following link https://aging.sc.gov/programs-initiatives/eldercare-trust-fund or get in touch with 803 734 9903.

Health Assistance

The Alzheimer’s Resource Coordination Center was constituted and has been funded by the State of South Carolina for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. Alzheimer can be very challenging both for the applicants and their family members. This center offers cash assistance for medical equipment and prescription bills. Those seniors who have dementia and are having a hard time affording their medical expenses are encouraged to consult this center. The link to their official website is as follows https://aging.sc.gov/programs-initiatives/alzheimers-resource-coordination-center-arcc or call 803 734 9900.

Evidence Based Disease Prevention and Health Promotion is a health assistance department that was constituted by the South Carolina Department on Aging. This benefit is specifically designed for seniors who are 60 years of age or older and have a chronic disease. This program aims to strengthen the well-being of the applicants. It promotes healthy behaviors and a healthier lifestyle. Eligible seniors can get involved in the training and courses of this program. To see more information, please go to https://aging.sc.gov/programs-initiatives/evidence-based-disease-prevention-and-health-promotion-title-iii-d or give a call to the toll-free number at 1 800 868 9095.

The South Carolina State Health Insurance Assistance Program has been sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Residents who are already receivers of the Medicare Program are automatically eligible for this program. The services of the program are available for applicants, their family members, and caregivers. Qualified people will be receiving free, detailed information and one-to-one insurance counseling. To read more and apply, please click the link https://aging.sc.gov/programs-initiatives/medicare-and-medicare-fraud or dial 1 800 868 9095.

Several programs are dedicated to improving the oral health of seniors and offer dental grants or assistance to cover services like exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, and other necessary treatments.

Utility Bills Assistance

South Carolina Duke Power is one of the largest local electricity companies within the borders of the state. This company has two programs which are Cooling Assistance and Share the Warmth. Both of these programs are designed to offer discounts and cash support for low and moderate-income citizens. Seniors who are having economic problems and cannot pay their utility bills are qualified for these programs. To see in detail and apply, please visit https://www.duke-energy.com/home or make a phone call to 1 800 943 6914.

Palmetto Electric Cooperative is a local electric firm that has an Operation Roundup Program for low and middle-income people. Older citizens who are searching for utility assistance may benefit from this company. It offers different amounts of discounts based on the financial condition of the applicant. For more information, click the link https://www.palmetto.coop/ or make contact with 1 866 445 5551.

Food Assistance

South Carolina Group Dining (Congregate Dining)/ Nutrition Sites were organized by the State of South Carolina across the state’s senior centers. Individuals who are 60 years of age or above regardless of their income level and need healthy meals are encouraged to look for these food sites. The senior centers do not only have hot meals but also have many activities including language classes, book clubs, dancing, games, wellness, and health activities. Hence this is not only food assistance but also social engagement. To see more information, please go to https://aging.sc.gov/nutrition or contact 803 868 9095.

South Carolina Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program was created by the federal government and has been run by the South Carolina Department of Social Services. Seniors who are not in a good healthy position to cook for themselves or are not able to purchase healthy food are qualified for this food support. Eligible seniors who are 60 years old or older will have an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that is allowed to be used at grocery stores in the state. To examine and apply, please follow the link https://dss.sc.gov/assistance-programs/snap/ or call 1 800 206 1957.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What financial assistance programs are available for seniors in South Carolina? South Carolina offers the Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program for vouchers redeemable at local farmers’ markets, the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) for utility bill aid, and the I-CARE program which provides Medicare and insurance counseling to help manage healthcare costs.

2. How can seniors apply for Medicaid in South Carolina? Seniors can apply for Medicaid through the South Carolina Healthy Connections website, by calling the customer service line, or by visiting local SCDHHS county offices. Documentation required typically includes proof of income, assets, South Carolina residency, and age.

3. What housing assistance is available for seniors in South Carolina? The South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority (SC Housing) provides the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) for rental assistance, along with information on affordable housing options specifically for seniors.

4. Can seniors receive assistance with utility bills in South Carolina? Yes, the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps eligible seniors with their heating and cooling bills, ensuring their homes remain comfortable throughout the year.

5. How do seniors get help with prescription medications in South Carolina? The South Carolina Prescription Assistance Program assists qualifying seniors in obtaining prescription medications at reduced or no cost, supplementing Medicare Part D coverage.

6. Are there property tax relief programs for seniors in South Carolina? South Carolina provides a Homestead Exemption for seniors 65 and over, which exempts the first $50,000 of the fair market value of their primary residence from property taxes.

7. What in-home care services can seniors access in South Carolina? Through the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, South Carolina offers in-home care services including personal care, homemaking, meal delivery, and respite care for eligible seniors, supporting independent living.

8. How can seniors access transportation services in South Carolina? Seniors can access transportation through services provided by local Area Agencies on Aging, offering rides for medical appointments, shopping, and other essential activities, often at reduced costs or for free.

9. What nutritional programs support seniors in South Carolina? The Elderly Nutrition Program provides meals to seniors at community and senior centers as well as home-delivered meals for those unable to leave their homes, ensuring access to nutritious food.

10. How can seniors in South Carolina receive legal assistance? Legal Services for South Carolina provides free legal aid to seniors, covering issues like healthcare, housing, consumer protection, and advance directives, ensuring their legal rights are protected.