Senior benefits in McCormick County, South Carolina

The Upper Savannah Council of Governments' Area Agency on Aging is named by the South Carolina Department on Aging to plan and coordinate services for older adults in Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick and Saluda counties, including McCormick County. It is also an Aging and Disability Resource Center for seniors and people with disabilities. Regional services include group dining, home-delivered meals, transportation, home care, respite care, legal help, Medicare counseling (I-CARE), a long-term care ombudsman, and a Family Caregiver Support Program. Most services require a yearly assessment. Call the Information and Referral line at 864-941-8077 to get started.

Estimated service value: $200–$2,000 a year

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay home heating and cooling bills. In McCormick County, LIHEAP applications are taken by GLEAMNS Human Resources Commission. GLEAMNS gives priority to older adults, people with disabilities, families with young children, and households facing an energy emergency such as a shutoff. Call the McCormick County office at 864-852-2662 to ask how to apply. Bring proof of income and a current energy bill in an adult household member's name. Help depends on available funds.

Estimated bill savings: $300–$1,000 a year

McCormick County has no hospital. The nearby regional hospital is Self Regional Medical Center in Greenwood, which also runs the Self Medical Center Savannah Lakes clinic in McCormick County. Self Regional offers free medically necessary or urgent care to patients who cannot pay and meet its financial and South Carolina residency guidelines. Household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Mail the completed application to the Patient Financial Advocate at 1325 Spring Street, Greenwood. Call 864-725-6070 with questions.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

McCormick Area Transit (MAT) gives low-cost public rides to people of all ages across McCormick County, with trips to Greenwood, Abbeville, Edgefield, Augusta and Evans. Rides go to medical appointments, jobs, shopping, banking, and senior center activities, and buses are accessible for wheelchairs and walkers. Call 864-465-2626 before 2 p.m. the day before your trip. Fares are $2 inside the Town of McCormick, $3 inside McCormick County, $7 to or from Greenwood, Abbeville or Edgefield, and $14 to or from Augusta and Evans.

Estimated service value: $100–$1,000 a year