Assistance Programs For Seniors

Senior citizens on fixed incomes may find it difficult to meet their monthly expenses, especially if an unexpected emergency or a health issue cuts into, or wipes out, savings. Here are some available resources that can help with monthly expenses such as food and utility bills (electric, gas, phone, etc). This information was current at time of publication. Changes on the federal level may have been made since then.

SC 211 / UNITED WAY

Call 211 or 866-892-9211 toll-free. Online at sc211.org

211 is the most comprehensive source of information in the country. Its phones are operated 24/7. This group provides help with food, utilities, benefits, help paying bills, senior and disability services, VA services, employment and much more.

GET CARE SC / CENTRAL MIDLANDS AREA AGENCY ON AGING

Call 803-376-5390. Online at getcaresc.com

This group can provide help with Medicare premium payments, utilities, groceries, home caretakers, and temporary financial stipends.

LIHEAP / LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Call toll-free 866-674-6327. Or call 803-794-6778 (Cayce, SC)

Online at liheap.acf.hhs.gov/eligibility-tool

This program is sponsored by the United States’ Health & Human Services department. It is designed to help lower income Americans pay for monthly utilities.

MEDICAID

Call toll-free 888-549-0820. Online at apply.scdhhs.gov or medicaid.gov

Seniors may qualify for Medicaid benefits in addition to their Medicare benefits.

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

Call toll-free 800-772-1213. Online at ssa.gov

The SSA can provide seniors help assessing benefits they may not be aware of.

SNAP / SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Call toll-free 800-616-1309. Online at dss.sc.gov/assistance-programs/snap/

This benefit helps with grocery purchases and is administered by the SC agency of the federal Department of Social Services.

USA GOV

Call 1-844-872-4681. Online at usa.gov

This US government website helps citizens locate and understand government benefits, programs, and information.

LOCAL SENIOR RESOURCES

offered by the

Lexington County Recreation & Aging Commission

108 Park Road, Lexington, SC 29072 ~ (803) 957-7979 ~ www.lcrac.com

Center Hours

8:30am-2:30pm

Meals on Wheels

Home-delivered meals are delivered to individuals who are 60 or older, homebound, and/or unable to prepare a meal or transport themselves to a meal site. A five day frozen meal option is available for those that can use a microwave or conventional oven to heat their meals. This service is dependent on volunteers who deliver the meals to homes during lunch hours on weekdays. Our Meals on Wheels Sites are located in our seven Senior Centers. Please call 803-356-5111 for additional information.

Home Care

Home Maker services provides assistance with light housekeeping for the frail, home-bound elderly. Medication pick-up may be provided to qualified homebound clients. For additional information, please call 803-356-5111.

Medical Escort

Limited transportation is available for seniors to and from medical appointments, for those who have no other transportation option. Emergency transportation is not available. This service works by appointment only. Contact us at 803-356-5111 for information to see if you are eligible.

Medi-Loan Closet

The medi-loan closet allows Seniors to use our available medical equipment (walkers, wheelchairs, etc.) at no charge. This service is reliant upon equipment donations. We appreciate all donations.

Senior Centers & Nutrition Sites

Daily weekday congregate meals are offered at our seven nutrition sites located in our Senior Centers. The meals are available to those 60 years and older. Transportation is available to the sites for those individuals who qualify. Call 803-356-5111 for more information on transportation.

LEEZA'S CARE CONNECTION

This organization offers caregivers and family members help in coping with a health crisis. Founded by SC native and TV journalist Leeza Gibbons, she founded this program after dealing with her mother's Alzheimer's diagnosis. Go to leezascareconnection.org for more information.