What government services provide money for senior housing?

Several government programs offer financial assistance for senior housing in various countries, focusing on the United States for a broad overview: Medicaid: Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that can cover the costs of nursing home care for those who meet eligibility criteria, including income and asset limits. Some states also offer Medicaid waivers that help pay for home and community-based services to prevent or delay nursing home placement. Medicare: Medicare, primarily a health insurance program for people aged 65 and over, does not cover long-term housing costs. However, it can cover short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility under specific conditions following a hospital stay. Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program: This program provides housing for low-income seniors. It offers rental assistance and access to supportive services, such as cleaning, cooking, and transportation. Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: While not a direct subsidy, LIHTC encourages developers to create affordable housing. Seniors with low incomes can find reduced-rent apartments through this program. State and Local Programs: Many states, counties, and cities offer their own programs to assist seniors with housing costs. These can include property tax relief programs, rental assistance programs, and programs that offer affordable senior housing options. Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA offers several programs for veterans, including the Aid and Attendance benefit, which provides monthly payments to veterans who require the aid of another person, or are housebound, to help cover the cost of care in homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Social Security: While Social Security primarily provides retirement income, for many seniors, these benefits are a crucial part of their budget, including housing costs.

How do you pick the homes you recommend?

Before recommending homes, we conduct a thorough evaluation on crucial factors that define a senior home such as the quality of care they provide, the reputation of the organization, and a comprehensive review of community testimonials as well. Every detail is assessed to assure that seniors are offered not just senior care options, but trustworthy homes where they can experience the care that they deserve.

Do you help families that need Medicaid?

Yes. Assisting families who need Medicaid is important to us as it plays a crucial role in offering financial support to seniors confronting economic challenges. We would like to keep essential healthcare services accessible to all community members, irrespective of one’s financial circumstances.

How much does this service cost?

We extend our services at no cost, ensuring that families and seniors can benefit from tailored assistance in their search for care and home options. Our ability to offer personalized guidance without charge to families and seniors is made possible through the support and funding from the communities with which we team up.

What services do you offer?

Finding and ranking the best assisted living facilities Finding and ranking the best nursing homes Finding and ranking the best memory care facilities Our concierge service helps seniors move into the perfect home for them Helping seniors use medicare, medicaid, and other government programs to pay for their homes Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud Autobiography & Family History Writing + Research Senior-focused concierge medicine Senior-focused nutritionist Senior-focused personal training Memory care specialists Custom wheelchairs at all price points. Custom hearing aids Cosmetic skincare + dermatology Companionship: We offer in-person and virtual companionship services. Someone engaging to hang out with or talk to on video chat. Senior housing concierge. Our service finds the best senior living options based on your needs, income, and personality.

Virtual Tours & Videos

Check out our photo album Check out our virtual tours Check out our home videos

Resident interviews at our senior living facilities

Check out our resident interviews

Rice Estate | Columbia, SC | Photos & Videos

Overview of Rice Estate

Rice Estate is a thriving community in Columbia that offers a warm and inviting atmosphere for its residents. As a nonprofit ministry, they provide a range of retirement and healthcare options that cater to seniors’ varying needs, including independent living, assisted living, memory support, rehabilitation, and long-term care. The custom rehabilitation program at Rice Estate is tailored to meet each resident’s individual needs, and their highly skilled team of professionals creates long-lasting relationships with residents.
The facility also understands the importance of holistic wellness, and they strive to enhance residents’ overall well-being by offering unique programs that stimulate the mind, body, and spirit. Their state-of-the-art therapy and equipment help bridge the gap between hospital stays or rehabilitation and home, reducing the likelihood of rehospitalization. With an array of engaging activities and exceptional healthcare options, Rice Estate is truly one of the leading providers of senior care in Columbia.

+1 803-691-5720

What families are saying

Quality of care and staff professionalism

The staff at Rice Estates, including specific individuals like Nikki Ray and Leslie, are consistently praised for their dedication, helpfulness, and the high level of care they provide, which contributes significantly to the positive experience of residents and their families.

Care & staff

Overall quality of life and resident wellbeing

The facilities at Rice Estates are frequently described as modern, clean, and well-maintained, with particular emphasis on the quality of the dining experience and the provision of tailored meal requests, contributing to residents' well-being and satisfaction.

Quality of life Dining Cleanliness

Comparison Chart

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Rice Estate

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SNF

Life Care Center of Columbia

SNF

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SNF

PruittHealth Columbia

SNF

Rice Estate

Type of care: SNF AL

Pets Allowed: No

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Columbia

Type of care: SNF AL

Pets Allowed: No

Life Care Center of Columbia

Type of care: SNF AL

Pets Allowed: No

Promedica Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Type of care: SNF AL

Pets Allowed: No

PruittHealth Columbia

Type of care: SNF AL

Pets Allowed: No

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Claim What’s Yours: Financial Aid for South Carolina Seniors

Program

State Program Name

Eligibility

Benefits

Community Long Term Care (CLTC)

SC Medicaid CLTC

General: Age 65+ or disabled, South Carolina resident, Medicaid-eligible, nursing home-level care need.
Income Limits (2025): ~$2,829/month (300% FBR, individual).
Asset Limits: $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).
SC Specifics: High rural demand; waitlists possible.

Services: Personal care (5-7 hours/day), respite (240 hours/year), adult day care ($60/day), home modifications ($1,500 avg.).

South Carolina Respite Care Program

SC NFCSP Respite

General: Caregiver of someone 60+ (or with dementia), South Carolina resident.
Income Limits: No strict limit; prioritizes low-income.
Asset Limits: Not applicable.
SC Specifics: Limited slots; rural/urban balance.

Services: In-home respite (4-6 hours/day), adult day care (~$60/day), short-term facility care (up to 5 days).

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

South Carolina Medicare Savings Program

General: Age 65+ or disabled, SC resident, Medicare Part A/B.
Income Limits (2025): ~$2,510/month (QMB), ~$3,380/month (SLMB), ~$3,598/month (QI)—individual.
Asset Limits: $9,430 (individual), $14,130 (couple).
SC Specifics: Three tiers; includes Extra Help for Part D; no waitlist.

Services: Covers Part B premiums ($174.70/month), deductibles ($240/year), copays (~20%).

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

South Carolina LIHEAP

Official government program page

General: Age 60+ prioritized, SC resident, low-income household.
Income Limits (2025): ~$3,970/month (individual, 185% FPL).
Asset Limits: Not assessed; income-focused.
SC Specifics: Covers gas, electric, oil; emergency aid via ECAP (~$500 max).

Services: Heating/cooling aid (~$300-$1,000/season), emergency aid, weatherization.

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

South Carolina SCSEP

Official government program page

General: Age 55+, unemployed, low-income, SC resident.
Income Limits (2025): ~$1,983/month (125% FPL).
Asset Limits: Not specified; income-focused.
SC Specifics: Priority for veterans, rural residents; Goodwill/AARP partnership.

Services: Paid training (~20 hours/week at ~$7.25/hour), job placement.

VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Benefits

South Carolina VA Aid and Attendance/Housebound

General: Age 65+ or disabled veteran/spouse, SC resident, wartime service, need for ADL help (A&A) or homebound.
Income Limits (2025): Net income < ~$1,984/month (veteran with dependent, A&A); pension offsets income.
Asset Limits: ~$155,356 (net worth limit).
SC Specifics: High veteran population; supports rural/urban care needs.

Services: Cash (~$1,433-$2,642/month veteran, ~$951-$1,318 spouse) for care costs (e.g., in-home, assisted living).

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

South Carolina SFMNP

Official government program page

General: Age 60+, SC resident, low-income.
Income Limits (2025): ~$2,322/month (individual, 185% FPL).
Asset Limits: Not assessed.
SC Specifics: Vouchers (~$50/season); serves ~20,000 annually via 10 AAAs.

Services: Vouchers (~$50/season) for fresh produce at approved markets.

Homestead Exemption Program

South Carolina Homestead Exemption

Official government program page

General: Age 65+ (or disabled/blind), SC resident 1+ year, homeowner.
Income Limits (2025): None; tax-based eligibility.
Asset Limits: Not assessed; home-focused.
SC Specifics: Saves ~$500-$1,000/year avg.; applies to primary residence.

Services: Property tax exemption (~$50,000 value, ~$500-$1,000/year savings).

Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP)

South Carolina ESAP (SNAP for Seniors)

Official government program page

General: Age 60+, SC resident, no earned income, not on SCCAP.
Income Limits (2025): ~$1,732/month (133% FPL, individual).
Asset Limits: $4,250 (individual, higher than standard SNAP).
SC Specifics: Simplified process; serves ~50,000 seniors annually.

Services: EBT card for food (~$100-$300/month based on income).

Claim What’s Yours Financial Aid for South Carolina Seniors

SC Medicaid CLTC

Community Long Term Care (CLTC)

Requirements:

General:
Age 65+ or disabled, South Carolina resident, Medicaid-eligible, nursing home-level care need.
Income Limits (2025):
~$2,829/month (300% FBR, individual).
Asset Limits:
$2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).
SC Specifics:
High rural demand; waitlists possible.

Benefits without Contact:

Services: Personal care (5-7 hours/day), respite (240 hours/year), adult day care ($60/day), home modifications ($1,500 avg.).

SC NFCSP Respite

South Carolina Respite Care Program

Requirements:

General:
Caregiver of someone 60+ (or with dementia), South Carolina resident.
Income Limits:
No strict limit; prioritizes low-income.
Asset Limits:
Not applicable.
SC Specifics:
Limited slots; rural/urban balance.

Benefits without Contact:

Services: In-home respite (4-6 hours/day), adult day care (~$60/day), short-term facility care (up to 5 days).

South Carolina Medicare Savings Program

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

Requirements:

General:
Age 65+ or disabled, SC resident, Medicare Part A/B.
Income Limits (2025):
~$2,510/month (QMB), ~$3,380/month (SLMB), ~$3,598/month (QI)—individual.
Asset Limits:
$9,430 (individual), $14,130 (couple).
SC Specifics:
Three tiers; includes Extra Help for Part D; no waitlist.

Benefits without Contact:

Services: Covers Part B premiums ($174.70/month), deductibles ($240/year), copays (~20%).

South Carolina LIHEAP

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Requirements:

General:
Age 60+ prioritized, SC resident, low-income household.
Income Limits (2025):
~$3,970/month (individual, 185% FPL).
Asset Limits:
Not assessed; income-focused.
SC Specifics:
Covers gas, electric, oil; emergency aid via ECAP (~$500 max).

Benefits without Contact:

Services: Heating/cooling aid (~$300-$1,000/season), emergency aid, weatherization.

Official Program Page

South Carolina SCSEP

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

Requirements:

General:
Age 55+, unemployed, low-income, SC resident.
Income Limits (2025):
~$1,983/month (125% FPL).
Asset Limits:
Not specified; income-focused.
SC Specifics:
Priority for veterans, rural residents; Goodwill/AARP partnership.

Benefits without Contact:

Services: Paid training (~20 hours/week at ~$7.25/hour), job placement.

Official Program Page

South Carolina VA Aid and Attendance/Housebound

VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Benefits

Requirements:

General:
Age 65+ or disabled veteran/spouse, SC resident, wartime service, need for ADL help (A&A) or homebound.
Income Limits (2025):
Net income < ~$1,984/month (veteran with dependent, A&A); pension offsets income.
Asset Limits:
~$155,356 (net worth limit).
SC Specifics:
High veteran population; supports rural/urban care needs.

Benefits without Contact:

Services: Cash (~$1,433-$2,642/month veteran, ~$951-$1,318 spouse) for care costs (e.g., in-home, assisted living).

South Carolina SFMNP

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

Requirements:

General:
Age 60+, SC resident, low-income.
Income Limits (2025):
~$2,322/month (individual, 185% FPL).
Asset Limits:
Not assessed.
SC Specifics:
Vouchers (~$50/season); serves ~20,000 annually via 10 AAAs.

Benefits without Contact:

Services: Vouchers (~$50/season) for fresh produce at approved markets.

Official Program Page

South Carolina Homestead Exemption

Homestead Exemption Program

Requirements:

General:
Age 65+ (or disabled/blind), SC resident 1+ year, homeowner.
Income Limits (2025):
None; tax-based eligibility.
Asset Limits:
Not assessed; home-focused.
SC Specifics:
Saves ~$500-$1,000/year avg.; applies to primary residence.

Benefits without Contact:

Services: Property tax exemption (~$50,000 value, ~$500-$1,000/year savings).

Official Program Page

South Carolina ESAP (SNAP for Seniors)

Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP)

Requirements:

General:
Age 60+, SC resident, no earned income, not on SCCAP.
Income Limits (2025):
~$1,732/month (133% FPL, individual).
Asset Limits:
$4,250 (individual, higher than standard SNAP).
SC Specifics:
Simplified process; serves ~50,000 seniors annually.

Benefits without Contact:

Services: EBT card for food (~$100-$300/month based on income).

Official Program Page

Who we are

Your Senior Care Partner, Every Step of the Way

We help families find affordable senior communities and unlock same day discounts, Medicaid, and Medicare options tailored to your needs.

Rice Estate

Rice Estate

What families are saying

Quality of care and staff professionalism

Overall quality of life and resident wellbeing

Comparison Chart

Guides for Better Senior Living

Eldertainment

Claim What’s Yours: Financial Aid for South Carolina Seniors

Claim What’s Yours Financial Aid for South Carolina Seniors

Community Long Term Care (CLTC)

Requirements:

Benefits without Contact:

South Carolina Respite Care Program

Requirements:

Benefits without Contact:

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

Requirements:

Benefits without Contact:

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Requirements:

Benefits without Contact:

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

Requirements:

Benefits without Contact:

VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Benefits

Requirements:

Benefits without Contact:

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

Requirements:

Benefits without Contact:

Homestead Exemption Program

Requirements:

Benefits without Contact:

Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP)

Requirements:

Benefits without Contact:

Contact Us

Your Senior Care Partner, Every Step of the Way

Touring Checklist for Senior Living

Location

Community Spaces and Overall Environment

Services

Staffing

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Finances

Other Notes

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