Finding the right benefits and assistance programs doesn’t have to be confusing. South Carolina offers a variety of valuable resources designed to help older adults maintain their independence, improve their quality of life, and reduce everyday expenses.
In this edition, we’ll highlight programs that may help with healthcare costs, prescription assistance, nutrition, transportation, caregiver support, veterans’ services, property tax relief, and much more. Be sure to explore these opportunities—you may qualify for benefits you never knew were available.
AGE 85 Exempt from the additional 1% sales tax (Code 12-36-2620). Senior citizens must ask for exemption at time of purchase and may be required to show proof of age. A card identifying the bearer as eligible for the exemption from the additional 1% sales tax may be obtained by calling the S.C. Department of Revenue at 803-898-5405.
AGE 70 Choice to serve or not to serve on federal court jury duty.
AGE 65 Apply for Social Security whether planning to retire or not (may apply 3 months prior to Social Security retirement age). Apply for Medicare (automatically eligible if qualify for Social Security benefits).
Part A – hospital insurance – free.
Part B – other medical services, which require a monthly premium. There is a penalty for late enrollment. Medicare pays 80% of allowable charges after deductible. Individual must pay remaining 20% and any other
additional charges.
Part D – Prescription drug benefit, effective January 2006. May be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments depending on resources and income. If you are eligible for SSI, you automatically receive
Medicaid.
Homestead Tax Exemption – The first $50,000 of the fair market value of a primary legal residence owned by a state resident of at least one calendar year is exempt from municipal, county, school, and special
assessment real property taxes. Exemptions are provided to surviving spouses and anyone who is legally blind or has a permanent disability, regardless of age. Apply at the county auditor’s office. (SC Code Section 12-37-250)
Income Tax – South Carolina will allow a $15,000 deduction from any taxable income for taxpayers 65 years of age and older. Taxpayers under age 65 may exclude from taxes $3,000 of their qualified retirement income annually (SC Code Section 12-6-1140). At age 65, the deduction may be applied to any income up to $15,000.
Choice to serve or not to serve on city, county or state jury duty. (Code 14-7-840)
Discounted Palmetto Passport admission to state park facilities.
Hunting and Fishing Licenses – State residents at age 64 may buy $9 senior lifetime licenses that include hunting and fishing privileges, effective July 1, 2005. Call (803) 734-3838.
Vehicle Discount – biennial registration fee for private passenger-carrying vehicles discounted to $20. The annual registration fee for any property carrying vehicle with a gross weight of 5000 pounds or less is $30 biennially.(Code 56-3-620) Free Eye Care – call 1-800-222-EYES (3937) to receive referral to local ophthalmologist who will provide needed medical eye care at no cost to qualifying individuals. Must be US citizen. Does not cover hospital charges, drugs or eyeglasses – Weekdays 11 am to 7 pm. AGE 62 Apply for Social Security if plan to retire. Apply no later than last day of month you want benefits to begin. Special discounts may be given on eyeglasses, lenses, or any accessories. (Code 40-37-240)
AGE 60 Free tuition at all state supported educational institutions that include state universities, colleges, and technical schools (subject to space restrictions and usual entrance requirements). To be eligible you cannot receive compensation as a full-time employee. (Code 59-111-320) May retire from the S.C. State Retirement System at age 60 or after 28 years of creditable service. (Code 9-1-1510) Eligible for services
through the Aging Network (contact your local Council on Aging).
AGE 55 Automobile insurance credit is mandated for persons who are 55 years of age or older and have successfully completed a driver training course approved by the Department of Public Safety. Contact local 55 Alive program through AARP. Call 1-888-227-7669.
NO AGE RESTRICTIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING: Social Security Social Security income is not taxed on your South Carolina income tax return. Retirement Income Prior to reaching age 65, taxpayers may exclude annually $3,000 of their retirement before calculating their taxable income (SC Code 12-6-1140). Once taxpayers reach age 65, they may exclude $15,000 of income from any source, including qualified retirement plans, IRAs, government pension plans, Keogh plans and private sector pensions. Total deductions cannot exceed $15,000. (The $15,000 total deduction may also be claimed on any source of income, not just retirement income.) Child and Dependent
Care Credit – Families caring for an elderly relative in their home who must hire caregivers in order to work may deduct up to 7% of the amount claimed on their federal income tax against their state income tax. (SC Code Section 12-6-3380)
Nursing Home Credit South Carolina allows a nonrefundable state income tax credit of 20%, not to exceed $300, to individuals who pay for nursing facility level of care, certified by a licensed physician, for themselves or another individual, to an institution providing nursing facility level of care or a provider of in-home or community care. (SC Code Section 12-6-3390)
Please check the S.C. Department of Revenue website, www.dor.sc.gov, for changes in the state’s tax laws each year. You can also call the Department of Revenue main number at 803-898-5000 or toll free at 1-844-898-8542.
We also recommend that you contact a tax professional if you are in doubt about a tax issue or procedure.