Senior benefits in Newberry County, South Carolina

The Central Midlands Council of Governments is the Area Agency on Aging for Fairfield, Lexington, Newberry and Richland counties, including Newberry County. It plans and coordinates services that help seniors and people with disabilities stay in their homes — home-delivered meals, homemaker and personal care (after an assessment), family caregiver respite, Medicare counseling (SHIP), long-term care ombudsman help, legal referrals, and free advance directive forms. Call the information and referral specialist at 803-376-5390.

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

South Carolina's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay heating and cooling bills and helps with energy emergencies such as a shutoff notice. In Newberry County, applications are taken by GLEAMNS Human Resources Commission at its Newberry office, 1303 Main Street. Older adults and people with disabilities get priority. Call 803-597-5300 or 803-722-3214.

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

Newberry Health (Newberry County Memorial Hospital) offers financial assistance for emergency and medically necessary care to people with household income within 250% of the federal poverty level. Submit a complete financial assistance application with the required documents. To get an application or help filling it out, call 803-405-7669 or email assistanceinfo@newberryhealth.org.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The Newberry County Council on Aging offers fare-based public transportation and rides to its three senior centers. Local trips in Newberry County cost $2.00 round trip, and a ride to the senior center in Newberry is $0.25 round trip. Longer trips to places like Columbia cost more. Call 803-276-8266 at least 3 days before your appointment. Medicaid members book medical rides through the state's Medicaid transportation broker instead.

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