The state of South Carolina has one of the highest poverty rates, making it rank as one of the poorest states in the country. This makes it more difficult for many seniors to ensure that their basic needs are being met. There are many seniors who need financial assistance in order to get by each month and ensure they can eat, have a place to live, and get the medical care that they need. The good news is that there are programs in place that will provide financial assistance for seniors in South Carolina.
It is important that seniors know about the programs that they can turn to during challenging financial times. Some of the programs will provide short term assistance, while others do not have a time limit and will allow them to use the program long term. The programs are made possible by a combination of those funded by the state and federal government, along with some organizations that help people in the community.
Seniors who need financial assistance can apply for multiple programs. They are not limited to getting funds from only one program. By applying for more than one they will increase their chances of getting all of their needs met. Plus, the funds are not considered to be a loan, so they never have to be paid back. There are programs that will help cover most basic needs. The ones offered by the government programs typically require the person to be a legal resident of the state and have a low income. Those offered by organizations usually don’t have strict requirements on who can get assistance. They help everyone in the community who needs it.
Programs Offering Financial Assistance
Food Assistance Programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Obtaining financial assistance to purchase food is much easier when seniors get approved by this program. The federal government first created this program in 1939 and it was called food stamps. In 2008, the name was changed to SNAP. The goal of the program is to help ensure people don’t go hungry. Those who have a low income and are citizens or legal non-citizens will be able to get help paying for their groceries each month. The amount that a senior is given depends on if they have any dependents in the home. Those who are approved for SNAP can get the benefit long term, as there is no limit to how long you can use it. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Salvation Army – This organization gives out free food to people all year long. They provide free hot meals through their soup kitchens and they give out bags of food through their food pantries. They will also provide people with free clothing. They are a faith-based organization that has many locations to help serve people in need. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
Rent Assistance Programs
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Seniors may be able to get financial assistance to pay for their rent and avoid foreclosure through HUD. This is a federal agency that focuses on housing issues and helping to reduce homelessness in the country. They have numerous programs in place to help people who have a low income and are citizens or legal non-citizens. Some of the programs they provide include rental assistance, foreclosure avoidance, house repair assistance, weatherization services, and more. HUD also owns housing units that they will allow people to live in. To get more information and apply for financial assistance, click here.
South Carolina Housing – This agency has programs in place to help people with paying their rent. They can also help people who need house repairs and other housing-related issues. To get more information, click here.
Utility Bills Assistance Programs
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program can help seniors with paying for their utility bills, especially those related to heating and cooling. They will provide utility bill assistance, energy crisis assistance, and weatherization services, which will help to reduce the monthly bill. To qualify, seniors need to meet the low income requirements. This program is funded by a block grant from the federal government, which means the money runs out each year and they cannot help others until they get another grant from the government the following year. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
211 – Calling this number will put people in touch with a free referral service that is run by the United Way organization. By calling the number they can help people find local programs that provide financial assistance for the things that seniors need help with. They can help with finding programs that provide utility bill payment assistance, rent assistance, free food, and more. To get more information about the program, click here.
Medical Bills Assistance Programs
Medicaid – Seniors who are under the age of 65 can apply for this federal program to get help paying for medical bills. The program will pay for most types of medical bills, including prescription drugs. There is no time limit on how long someone can use this program. As longs you continue to meet the requirements you can get help through the program. To qualify for Medicaid in South Carolina, you have to meet the low income requirements and be a legal resident of the state. To get more information and apply, click here.
Medicare – This program is similar to Medicaid, listed above, but differs slightly. The program, which is provided by the federal government, is for those over the age of 65. There are no income requirements, because the program is open to everyone who is a citizen or legal non-citizen who meets the age requirements. Seniors will get help paying for the majority of their medical bills with this program, including those from hospitals, doctors, and specialists. There is no limit to how long you can get help through the program. To get more information and apply, click here.
