Department on Aging warns federal delays, state shortfall are straining senior services

COLUMBIA — Officials from the South Carolina Department on Aging told the Legislative Oversight subcommittee at a reconvened hearing that delayed federal payments and lower federal allocations this year have left local area agencies on aging (AAA) struggling to provide meals and other services to older residents.

Connie (Department of Aging staff) outlined the funding flow for Older Americans Act dollars and said the state agency retains 5% for administration, the 10 AAAs retain 10% for their administration, and the remaining 90% is contracted for services. "In total this year between federal and state funds, we've allocated $56,000,000 to our aging network for services," Connie said.

Committee members pressed officials on unmet need and waiting lists. The department described a new, tiered waiting-list system that began July 1, 2024, designed to prioritize urgent cases. "If someone has a catastrophic accident or something happens and they are in need of services, they will be in that emergency level," Connie said, describing how urgent cases move to the head of the line. She added that seniors already receiving a service are not removed to make room for others: "They will…