Senior benefits in Lee County, South Carolina

The Santee-Lynches Regional Council of Governments runs the Area Agency on Aging for Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee and Sumter counties, including Lee County. Services include family caregiver support (respite, education and supplies for people caring for someone 60 or older or someone with dementia), information and referral, Medicare insurance counseling, legal assistance referrals, and long-term care ombudsman help. Call the Area Agency on Aging office in Sumter at 803-774-1980.

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 Lee County, applications are taken by Wateree Community Actions, which serves Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee, Richland and Sumter counties. Call the appointment line at 803-626-1696, or the Lee County office in Bishopville at 803-484-5401. Offices are open 9 AM to 5 PM, closed 1 to 2 PM for lunch.

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

Lee County has no hospital; the nearest is Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital in Sumter. Prisma Health offers financial assistance for emergency and other medically necessary care to insured and uninsured patients who meet income and asset limits. In general, patients at or below 250% of the federal poverty guidelines may qualify, and patients between 251% and 400% may get a sliding-scale reduction. Call 833-425-0404 (toll-free) for help applying.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Santee Wateree Regional Transportation Authority (SWRTA) runs Lee County Transit fixed routes in and around Bishopville and a reservation-based demand-response service throughout Lee County for medical visits, shopping, work and other trips. SWRTA's fare page says Bishopville Lee County Transit services are free. Demand-response trips must be booked 48 hours ahead. Call 803-775-9347.

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