Senior benefits in Spartanburg County, South Carolina

The Appalachian Council of Governments is the Area Agency on Aging for the six-county Appalachian Region, which includes Spartanburg County. It gives information and help to older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers. It runs the regional Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, the Family Caregiver Program, and the I-CARE Medicare counseling program (SHIP), and its nutrition program serves meals to people age 60 or older and their spouses. Call 864-242-9733, or toll-free 1-800-434-4036, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay home heating and cooling bills. In Spartanburg 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 Spartanburg County office at 864-707-5029 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

Spartanburg Medical Center, part of Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, has a Financial Assistance Program for uninsured patients and those with limited financial resources. Households with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level may qualify for help, and partial help may be available above that. Apply online in MyChart or by mail or email with proof of income and an asset questionnaire. Call Financial Services at 864-596-1001 or 800-281-5346 for questions, help with the forms, or to ask for a paper application.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Spartanburg Regional's Transportation Services is the designated public transit provider for Spartanburg County. It gives on-demand, curb-to-curb rides in wheelchair-accessible buses. Call 864-560-4118 on weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., or use the Ecolane app. Schedule by 10 a.m. the day before your trip; same-day rides may be possible but the arrival time is not guaranteed. Medicaid members book rides through Logisticare (now called Modivcare) at 866-910-7688 at least three days ahead.

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