State & City Resources
Columbia, South Carolina: Disability Resources
On This Page
Columbia residents can use Richland County DSS, Central Midlands aging services, and The COMET’s DART service for different needs. A Columbia-area address may be in a neighboring county, so confirm county and transit coverage before submitting an application.
Richland County DSS
The Richland County DSS directory lists its Columbia office, SNAP and TANF application and case-management links, and channels for submitting verification. The page specifically asks applicants to include their SNAP or TANF case number with verification information. Use the current instructions to match records to your case, and confirm the correct office if you live outside Richland County.
Central Midlands Area Agency on Aging
Central Midlands AAA serves Fairfield, Lexington, Newberry, and Richland counties. It offers information and referrals, Medicare counseling, caregiver respite assistance, and assessments for services such as meals, personal care, and transportation. Tell staff whether you are seeking help for yourself or supporting another person, and ask which assessment or referral is needed.
The COMET’s DART Service
DART is for eligible people whose disability prevents boarding a regular COMET bus or reaching a stop. Complete the ADA certification application and check the service map for your trip. The service accepts advance reservations and describes personal-care-attendant arrangements. It does not restrict the purpose of eligible trips, but certification and geographic coverage still apply.
Before You Contact a Program
- Identify the county and include an existing case number when sending DSS verification.
- Explain current caregiving arrangements and the daily tasks requiring support.
- For DART, check both endpoints and ask about booking and assistance requirements.
Keep Federal Benefits Separate
Local benefits, aging services, and transportation certification have separate intake steps from SSA benefits. SSA’s Disability page[1] explains SSDI; SSA’s SSI overview[2] explains SSI. Apply for federal benefits through SSA. Starting a local service application does not file an SSDI or SSI claim.
Return to South Carolina resources or browse the state resource directory.
This guide provides general information, not legal or medical advice. Disability Benefit Guide USA is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration or the organizations listed. A listing is not an endorsement or a promise of services.
Official Sources and References
These SSA.gov links support the explanations above. Official applications, account services, and agency forms are completed through SSA.
- SSA’s Disability page — SSA.gov
- SSA’s SSI overview — SSA.gov