Senior benefits in Lancaster County, South Carolina

Help for grandparents and other relatives age 55 or older in Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster County office in Lancaster at 803-285-2034, 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 Lancaster Medical Center in Lancaster 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 Lancaster Area Ride Service (LARS), run by the Lancaster County Council on Aging, gives rides to Lancaster County residents of any age. It picks up only in Lancaster County; trips outside the county are for medical treatment only. Fares are charged each way by distance: $1 for 1–10 miles, $2 for 11–20 miles, $3 for 21–45 miles, and $10 for 45+ miles. Call 803-285-6956 three business days ahead to reserve a ride.

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