Senior benefits in Edgefield County, South Carolina

The Upper Savannah Council of Governments' Area Agency on Aging is named by the South Carolina Department on Aging to plan and coordinate services for older adults in Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick and Saluda counties, including Edgefield County. It is also an Aging and Disability Resource Center for seniors and people with disabilities. Regional services include group dining, home-delivered meals, transportation, home care, respite care, legal help, Medicare counseling (I-CARE), a long-term care ombudsman, and a Family Caregiver Support Program. Most services require a yearly assessment. Call the Information and Referral line at 864-941-8077 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 Edgefield 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 Edgefield County office at 803-637-6161 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

Edgefield County Healthcare in Edgefield is the county's hospital, with a 24-hour emergency department. It is an affiliate of Self Regional Healthcare. Call 803-637-3174 to ask about help paying a hospital bill. Edgefield Medical Center, the primary care practice on the hospital campus, says no one will be denied services because they cannot pay and offers a sliding fee based on family size and income.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year