Last updated: April 2026

State Home Care Subsidy in North Charleston, South Carolina

Program: South Carolina State Home Care Subsidy
Status: Contact agency

What is State Home Care Subsidy?

State home care subsidy programs provide direct financial assistance to pay for in-home personal care services for elderly residents who don't qualify for Medicaid or whose Medicaid benefits have been exhausted. These state-funded programs vary significantly by state - some offer direct cash payments while others contract with home care agencies. Income and asset thresholds are often higher than Medicaid, making these programs accessible to middle-income families who have been turned away by Medicaid.

In South Carolina, this program is known as South Carolina State Home Care Subsidy. Contact your state agency for details about State Home Care Subsidy in South Carolina.

Eligibility Requirements in South Carolina

Requirement South Carolina Standard (2026)
Age 65 or older (or disabled)
Income (single person) $2,742/month
Income (married couple) $5,484/month
Asset limit Typically $2,000 individual; home often exempt
Residency Must be a South Carolina resident
Level of care Must need assistance with activities of daily living
Don't assume you don't qualify. Many families don't apply because they think their income is too high. A free assessment can determine if you qualify for any portion of these benefits. Take the free quiz →

How to Apply in North Charleston, South Carolina

  1. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn about available programs
  2. Contact South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services at (803) 898-2504 for state-level program information
  3. Request a needs assessment to determine the level of care required
  4. Complete the program application with income and asset documentation
  5. Be placed on a waiting list if funding is limited (some programs have waiting lists)

Your local Area Agency on Aging - the Trident Area Agency on Aging at (843) 554-2275 - can also help you navigate the application process at no charge.

Get Your Application Checklist →

Frequently Asked Questions About State Home Care Subsidy in North Charleston

  • What is the income limit for home care subsidies in South Carolina?
    Income limits for state home care subsidy programs in South Carolina are typically higher than Medicaid limits. Contact South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services at (803) 898-2504 for current program-specific income guidelines.
  • How much does the state home care subsidy pay in South Carolina?
    Benefit amounts vary by program and level of care needed. Programs may cover a set number of hours per week, pay a caregiver a set hourly rate, or provide a monthly cash benefit. Contact South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services for current rates.
  • Can I hire a family member as a paid caregiver through state programs?
    Many state programs allow consumer-directed care where eligible individuals can hire family members (except spouses in most cases) as paid caregivers. Contact South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services for specific rules in South Carolina.
  • What's the difference between Medicaid HCBS and state home care programs?
    Medicaid HCBS waivers are federally funded and have stricter income/asset limits. State home care programs are state-funded and often have higher income limits, but may provide fewer hours of care and may have waiting lists.
  • What if my income is too high for Medicaid in South Carolina?
    If your income exceeds Medicaid limits, you may still qualify for state-funded home care programs. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services at (803) 898-2504 to explore options available to middle-income seniors in South Carolina.

Other Subsidies Available in North Charleston

Home Care Subsidy in Other South Carolina Cities

Need Help With the Application?

Download our free application checklist for South Carolina State Home Care Subsidy, or let our Grant Concierge handle the paperwork for you.