Senior benefits in Dorchester County, South Carolina

Trident Area Agency on Aging is the state-designated Area Agency on Aging for Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties, including Dorchester County, and serves as the area's Aging and Disability Resource Center. It arranges home-delivered meals, home care, group dining, rides to programs, health promotion, and legal services, plus Medicare counseling, family caregiver support, and long-term care ombudsman help. Call 843-554-2275 or toll-free 1-800-894-0415.

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

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income households with home heating and cooling costs. In South Carolina it is run by the Office of Economic Opportunity through local Community Action Agencies. Palmetto Community Action Partnership takes LIHEAP applications for Dorchester County at its St. George office at 201 Johnston Street. Call 843-636-9090 to ask about applying. Help depends on available funding.

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

HCA Healthcare Summerville Hospital in Summerville offers financial assistance for emergency or medically necessary care. HCA's policy says patients with household income from 0 to 200% of the federal poverty level usually get a 100% charity discount, and patients with balances over $1,500 and income between 201% and 400% may get their bill reduced. Contact the hospital at 843-832-5000 to ask how to apply.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

TriCounty Link runs bus service for rural residents of Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties, including Dorchester County, with rides to jobs, medical care, schools, and shopping. Seniors can ride at a discounted fare by showing a Medicare card or ID. Riders with disabilities can apply for ADA deviated-route service, which picks up within three-quarters of a mile of a route when booked at least 24 hours ahead. Call customer service at 843-899-4096.

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