How do I find and access senior services?

Area Agency on Aging (AAA) - regional level (South Carolina has 10 AAAs) / Lt. Governor's Office on Aging - LGOA (state level)

Details

What you need to know

Fee

Most services free or on sliding scale ONLINE OPTION: aging.sc.gov; scdhhs.gov; scchoices.com; 211sc.org WHERE TO GO: Your regional AAA; local senior center; 211 SC; SCDHHS office

Online Option

aging.sc.gov; scdhhs.gov; scchoices.com; 211sc.org

Where to Go

Your regional AAA; local senior center; 211 SC; SCDHHS office

County-specific variations apply

SC's 10 AAAs cover multiple counties each. Charleston/Berkeley/Dorchester (Trident AAA), Greenville/Spartanburg/Anderson (Appalachian AAA), and Richland/Lexington (Central Midlands AAA) have the most robust urban senior services. Rural SC counties (particularly Allendale, Barnwell, Bamberg, Fairfield, Lee, Marion, Dillon, Williamsburg, Hampton, and the Pee Dee region) face significant challenges with limited transportation, low incomes, and dispersed populations; AAA outreach is particularly critical in these areas.

South Carolina Notes

Important state-specific details

SHIIP (Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program): SC's free Medicare counseling - contact your regional AAA or LGOA at (803) 734-9900.
SC CHOICES IN LONG-TERM CARE WAIVER: SC's primary Medicaid HCBS waiver for elderly and disabled; provides home-based alternatives to nursing home care; apply through SCDHHS at (888) 549-0820.
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION: SC seniors 65+, totally/permanently disabled, or legally blind may qualify for a $50,000 homestead exemption from real property taxes; apply with county auditor by July 15.
LIHEAP: Energy assistance; important given SC's hot summers; apply through county DSS offices or 211.
Adult Protective Services (APS): report elder abuse through county DSS offices or call the SC APS line: (803) 898-7318.
SC LEGAL SERVICES: scjustice.org | 1-888-346-5592 - statewide civil legal aid for qualifying low-income SC residents.

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

Lt. Governor's Office on Aging - aging.sc.gov | (803) 734-9900; SHIIP: (803) 734-9900; APS: (803) 898-7318; SC Legal Services: 1-888-346-5592; 211 SC: dial 211