Senior benefits in Chester County, South Carolina

Help for grandparents and other relatives age 55 or older in Chester County who are raising a child 18 or younger. The child must live with you, and you must be the only one responsible for the child's care and money needs, around the clock. It is part of the Catawba Family Caregiver Support Program, which can help with stress, emotional support, caregiver skills, community resources, supplies, and limited money help when you qualify. Call the Catawba Area Agency on Aging at 803-329-9670 or toll-free 1-800-662-8330.

The Catawba Area Agency on Aging serves Chester, Lancaster, Union and York counties, including Chester County. It helps adults 60 and over, adults with a physical disability, family members, and anyone looking for in-home services — caregiver support, Medicare counseling, long-term care ombudsman help for nursing home residents, and referrals to local resources. Help is free. Call 803-329-9670 or toll-free 1-800-662-8330.

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 Chester County, applications are taken by Carolina Community Actions, which serves Chester, Fairfield, Lancaster, Union and York counties. Households with an older or disabled member get priority. Call the Chester County office in Chester at 803-385-5205, or start an application online; a staff member will contact you for an interview.

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

Uninsured and insured patients at MUSC Health Chester Medical Center in Chester can apply for MUSC Health financial assistance for emergency and medically necessary care. MUSC Health's 2026 sliding scale shows a 100% discount for household income up to 300% of the federal poverty level. Fill out the financial assistance form and mail it with your documents, or call MUSC Health customer service at 800-598-0624 for help.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The Connector gives low-cost demand-response rides in Chester County for shopping, work, school, personal trips and non-emergency medical visits. Anyone 12 and older can ride, and Chester County seniors and veterans get discounted fares. Most routes run Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with trips to Rock Hill, Lancaster and Richburg. Trips to Columbia, and rides for people living more than 5 miles from the Chester County Courthouse, run on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Great Falls routes run Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Limited Saturday rides stay within Chester, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reserve at least 48 hours ahead by calling 803-385-3838.

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