Senior benefits in Union County, South Carolina

Help for grandparents and other relatives age 55 or older in Union 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 Union 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 Union 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 Union County office in Union at 864-427-0336, or start an application online; a staff member will contact you for an interview.

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

Patients at Union Medical Center, a Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System hospital in Union, can apply for free or discounted care through Spartanburg Regional's Financial Assistance Program if they have no health insurance or limited financial resources. Households with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines may qualify, and partial help is possible above that. Apply online in MyChart, or by mail or email with proof of income and an asset questionnaire. Call Financial Services at 864-596-1001 or toll-free 800-281-5346 for help with the forms. A written decision usually comes within 30 days.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Union County and The Connector (formerly the Chester Connector) run public transportation for Union County residents going to medical appointments, the grocery store, the pharmacy, the bank, work or school. Rides run Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., within 5 miles of the Union County Courthouse, with extra options for Carlisle, Jonesville and Lockhart. The fare is $1.00 per trip or $2.00 round trip. Call 864-762-7972 at least 48 hours ahead.

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