Columbia
Ask about Columbia
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for Columbia and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in Columbia
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
Utilities · City office
City of Columbia Customer Care Center
3000 Harden Street, Columbia, SC 29203
Help here
- Utility bills and customer helpGet help with water and sewer bills, ask questions, or report a concern to the City.Read more
- Water and sewer bill assistanceEligible City water customers can apply for help paying a past-due water or sewer bill.Apply online
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on communitydevelopment.columbiasc.gov
Human services · City office
City of Columbia Homeless Services
1800 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Help here
- Shelter and homelessness supportGet help connecting with shelter and support if you are experiencing homelessness in Columbia.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on columbiasc.gov
Housing authority · City office
Columbia Housing
1917 Harden Street, Columbia, SC 29204
Help here
- Subsidized housingAsk about affordable housing and housing programs for eligible residents.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on columbiahousing.org
Parks and recreation · City office
City of Columbia Parks and Recreation
1111 Recreation Drive, Columbia, SC 29201
Help here
- Parks, recreation and senior programsFind recreation programs, activities for older adults, and community centers operated by the City.Apply onlineRead more
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on parksandrec.columbiasc.gov
Library · Regional office
Richland Library Main
1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Help here
- Library services and programsUse library materials, learning spaces, career resources, and public programs in Columbia.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on richlandlibrary.com
Jobs and training · State office
SC Works Columbia
700 Taylor Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Help here
- Job search and workforce servicesGet job search help, career guidance, referrals, and information about training.Apply onlineRead more
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on scworks.org
State office · State office
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, Columbia Shop Road
1630 Shop Road, Columbia, SC 29201
Help here
- Driver licensingApply for or renew a South Carolina driver's license and complete other listed licensing transactions.Apply online
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on dmv.sc.gov
City of Columbia, South Carolina website
Checked on October 8, 2026
Offices for all of Richland County
Columbia is in Richland County. These county and state offices serve people there too.
Community action · County office
Richland County Government and Community Services
2020 Hampton St., Columbia, SC 29204
Help here
- Help finding county and community resourcesStaff can help residents find the right county or community resource.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on richlandcountysc.gov
Public health · State office
Richland County Health Department
2000 Hampton St., Columbia, SC 29204
Help here
- Public health clinic servicesResidents can get immunizations, family planning, testing, and other public health services.
- WICWIC helps eligible families get food and nutrition support for pregnant people, infants, and young children.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on dph.sc.gov
Housing authority · Regional office
Columbia Housing
1917 Harden St., Columbia, SC 29204
Help here
- Affordable housing and rental assistanceResidents can apply for affordable housing and rental assistance programs serving Richland County.Apply online
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on columbiahousingsc.org
Veterans · County office
Richland County Veterans Affairs
1400 Pickens St., Suite 200, Columbia, SC 29201
Help here
- Veterans benefits helpStaff help veterans and their families understand and apply for federal, state, and county benefits.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on richlandcountysc.gov
Emergency help · County office
Richland County Emergency Services
1410 Laurens St., Columbia, SC 29204
Help here
- Emergency management and preparednessResidents can get information about preparing for emergencies and recovering after a disaster.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on richlandcountysc.gov
Library · Regional office
Richland Library
1431 Assembly St., Columbia, SC 29201
Help here
- Library resources and learningResidents can use library collections, public computers, learning resources, and programs.
- Social work supportLibrary social workers connect residents with help for food, housing, health care, and other needs.Read more
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on richlandlibrary.com
South Carolina programs by kind of help
These are run by South Carolina and work the same everywhere in the state. Each page lists the programs and how to apply.
- FoodFood benefits, WIC, school meals and food banks.
- HousingRent help, shelter, and help with heat and power bills.
- GoodsClothing, diapers, furniture, a phone and other things for home.
- TransitBus fares, rides and getting to appointments.
- HealthHealth coverage, Medicare, mental health care and help with drug costs.
- MoneyCash help, disability, retirement and veterans payments, and tax help.
- CareChild care, help for older adults and disability support.
- EducationHelp paying for college and training, and free preschool.
- WorkJobs, unemployment, and the IDs and papers you need for work.
- LegalFree legal help, and help staying safe.
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help anyone can use
These come from the federal government, so they work the same in every state.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security retirement benefits
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Medicare
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.
Call 1-800-633-4227 - Extra Help with Medicare drug costs
Social Security Administration. Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - VA health care
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.
Call 1-877-222-8387 - VA disability compensation and benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.
Call 1-800-827-1000 - FAFSA, the federal student aid form
U.S. Department of Education. One free form that opens federal grants, work-study and loans for college or trade school. Many states and schools use it for their own aid too.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Federal Pell Grant
U.S. Department of Education. Money for college or trade school that usually does not have to be paid back, for students with financial need.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - HealthCare.gov
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.
Call 1-800-318-2596 - Lifeline phone and internet discount
Federal Communications Commission. A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.
Call 1-800-234-9473 - Head Start and Early Head Start
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.
Call 1-866-763-6481 - IRS Free File
Internal Revenue Service. File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.
- VITA and TCE free tax help
Internal Revenue Service. IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.
Call 1-800-906-9887 - Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Internal Revenue Service. A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.
Call 1-800-829-1040 - Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.
- Replace a Social Security card
Social Security Administration. Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - FEMA disaster assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency. Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.
Call 1-800-621-3362
Checked on October 9, 2026
Talk to a person
- United Way 2-1-1 (Midlands)
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988