Senior benefits in Richland County, South Carolina

The Central Midlands Council of Governments is the Area Agency on Aging for Fairfield, Lexington, Newberry and Richland counties, including Richland County. It plans and coordinates services that help seniors and people with disabilities stay in their homes — home-delivered meals, homemaker and personal care (after an assessment), family caregiver respite, Medicare counseling (SHIP), long-term care ombudsman help, legal referrals, and free advance directive forms. Call the information and referral specialist at 803-376-5390.

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

South Carolina's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay heating and cooling bills. In Richland County, applications are taken by Wateree Community Actions, which serves Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee, Richland and Sumter counties. Call the appointment line at 803-626-1696, or the Richland County office in Columbia at 803-807-9811. Offices are open 9 AM to 5 PM, closed 1 to 2 PM for lunch.

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

Patients at Prisma Health Richland Hospital in Columbia can apply for financial assistance. Prisma Health offers financial assistance for emergency and other medically necessary care to insured and uninsured patients who meet income and asset limits. In general, patients at or below 250% of the federal poverty guidelines may qualify, and patients between 251% and 400% may get a sliding-scale reduction. Call 833-425-0404 (toll-free) for help applying.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The COMET is the public bus system for Richland and Lexington counties. It runs fixed routes throughout Richland County and DART, a curb-to-curb paratransit service for riders with disabilities who are ADA certified. Seniors 65 and older with a senior driver's license or state ID pay the discount fare — $1.00 per one-way ride instead of $2.00. Call the COMET call center at 803-255-7100.

Estimated service value: $150–$1,500 a year