Senior benefits in Calhoun County, South Carolina

The Lower Savannah Council of Governments is the Area Agency on Aging for Calhoun County and the rest of the region (Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun and Orangeburg counties). It oversees home-delivered meals, group dining, home living support, transportation and wellness services for older adults. Its Aging, Disability, and Transportation Resource Center helps with benefits, Medicare counseling, family caregiving, long-term care questions and ride options. Call 803-649-7981 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 Calhoun County, LIHEAP applications are taken by the Orangeburg-Calhoun-Allendale-Bamberg Community Action Agency. Contact the Calhoun office on Old Belleville Road in St. Matthews at 803-813-1514 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

Calhoun County has no hospital. MUSC Health Orangeburg is the nearest hospital, and it runs primary care practices in Calhoun County. MUSC Health offers financial assistance based on household size and income, using the federal poverty guidelines; its 2026 sliding scale covers household income up to 300% of the poverty level. Applications are reviewed by the MUSC Health billing office. For questions, call customer service at 800-598-0624 (or 843-792-2311), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Cross County Connection is open to residents of Orangeburg and Calhoun counties. Its St. Matthews Connector serves downtown St. Matthews and connects with the Downtown Circulator in the City of Orangeburg, reaching government offices, health providers, the regional medical center and shopping. To schedule a ride, call 803-531-1302.

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