Does South Carolina Medicaid pay for assisted living?
Yes, for the care part. In South Carolina, Community Choices Waiver can pay for care in assisted living. Rent and meals are generally paid by the resident.
South Carolina · checked September 2026
Senior care help in South Carolina
How South Carolina helps pay for long-term care, who to call when you need help or something's wrong, and how to check a facility before you sign.
The first question
Is there public help paying for assisted living in South Carolina?
Yes, for the care. Community Choices Waiver and Optional State Supplementation (OSS) help pay for care in assisted living.
Paying for senior care in South Carolina
South Carolina's Medicaid rules for long-term care, and the programs that pay for care outside a nursing home.
Monthly income limit
$2,982
2026
300% of the SSI Federal Benefit Rate, effective January 1, 2026, for people in nursing facilities or on home and community-based waivers. Spousal allocation $4,066.50 a month. If income is over the limit, ask the Medicaid office what options apply.
Asset limit (single person)
Ask the state Medicaid office
SCDHHS eligibility page does not state the resource limit for nursing home or waiver Medicaid.
If income is over the limit
We couldn't confirm whether this state uses a Miller trust or a spend-down. Ask the Medicaid office or an elder law attorney.
Apply for Healthy Connections Medicaid
South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS)
Community Choices Waiver
Can pay in assisted livingMedicaid help for people 65+ (and adults 18 to 64 with physical disabilities) who need nursing-home-level care but want to stay at home or in a community residential care facility. Services include personal care, attendant care, adult day health, respite, home-delivered meals and Residential Personal Care II, which is care provided in a residential care facility. Medicaid does not pay rent or meals.
Waitlist: About 21,000 people were served as of July 2026. Ask whether there's a waitlist when you call.
Optional State Supplementation (OSS)
Can pay in assisted livingA state payment that helps low-income people pay to live in a licensed community residential care facility (South Carolina's version of assisted living). In 2026, net income must be no more than $1,804 a month and resources no more than $2,000.
PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly)
For people 55+ who need nursing-home-level care and live in a PACE service area. One team provides all medical care and support services so the person can keep living in the community.
State supplement to SSI
Optional State Supplementation (OSS) helps pay for care in a licensed community residential care facility for people with net income up to $1,804 a month and resources up to $2,000 (2026). Ask for the current payment amount when you apply.
PACE (all-inclusive care for 55+)
PACE provides all medical and long-term care for people 55+ who need nursing-home-level care but can live in the community. Programs in South Carolina:
- BoldAge PACE, Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties 855-801-2653
- Prisma Health SeniorCare PACE-Midlands, Richland and Lexington counties 803-931-8175
- Prisma Health SeniorCare PACE-Upstate, Greenville, Pickens and Anderson counties 864-522-1950
- The Orangeburg Senior Helping Center, Orangeburg, Calhoun and Bamberg counties 803-747-0012
Who to call in South Carolina
Free, and on your side. Start with the aging office if you don't know where to begin.
South Carolina Department on Aging (SCDOA)
Start hereThe state's aging office and its local agencies explain your options, screen for programs and help with applications.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (SC Department on Aging)
A free, independent advocate for residents of nursing homes and assisted living. Call about any problem with care, rights, billing or a discharge.
Report abuse, neglect or exploitation
Adult protective servicesYou don't need proof to report. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
24/7
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), SC Department on Aging
Unbiased Medicare help from counselors who don't sell anything: plans, bills, appeals, and programs that lower costs.
Senior Medicare Patrol
Help spotting and reporting Medicare fraud, billing errors and scams.
How to check a South Carolina assisted living or nursing home
In South Carolina, assisted living is licensed as: Community Residential Care Facility (CRCF). Read inspection reports before you sign anything.
South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH), Healthcare Quality
Confirm a community's license here, and ask the agency how to see its inspection reports.
File a complaint
Nursing homes
Medicare rates every nursing home on staffing, inspections and quality, with full inspection reports.
South Carolina veterans homes and benefits
State veterans homes are often far cheaper than private care for eligible veterans and, in many states, their spouses.
South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs (SCDVA)
Free legal help and paperwork in South Carolina
Legal Assistance for Older Adults (SC Department on Aging, through local Area Agencies on Aging)
Free legal help for older adults on issues like benefits, housing, powers of attorney and elder abuse.
South Carolina help for caregivers and people with dementia
Can a family member be paid to provide care?
The Community Choices waiver includes attendant care and individual companion care. Ask Community Long Term Care at 1-888-971-1637 whether a family member can be hired and paid.
Family Caregiver Support Program
Help for family members caring for someone 60+ or someone of any age with dementia: information, counseling, support groups, training and respite breaks. Run through local Area Agencies on Aging.
Alzheimer's Resource Coordination Center (ARCC)
The state's dementia office. It funds local dementia respite and education programs through grants and can point families to services.
More help in South Carolina
Vulnerable Adult Guardian ad Litem (VAGAL)
A Department on Aging program that provides court advocates for vulnerable adults in protective proceedings.
South Carolina senior care questions
Who do I call with a complaint about an assisted living or nursing home in South Carolina?
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (SC Department on Aging): 1-800-868-9095. It's free and independent.
National help that works in South Carolina too
Senior living in South Carolina cities
Senior care guides for other states
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Researched from 30 sources, official pages first. Last checked .