There are various initiatives in South Carolina that help seniors pay less for education. The Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver program is the most well-liked one. Residents of South Carolina who are 60 years of age or older are qualified to enroll in state-funded schools and universities without paying tuition under this program. However, neither fees nor textbooks are covered by this waiver.
In order to be eligible for the Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver, candidates must have lived in South Carolina legally for at least a year. Additionally, candidates must be retired and earn no more than $15,000 a year in gross income. Social Security beneficiaries over the age of 65 are automatically qualified for the waiver.
In South Carolina, a number of variables determine one’s legal residence. The location that a person believes to be their primary residence is the most crucial element. A person is regarded as a legal resident of South Carolina if they stay there for more than 183 days in a calendar year. Voter registration, property ownership, and driver’s license registration are further elements that determine legal residency.
Seniors in South Carolina may present proof of primary residence in the form of a utility bill, lease, or property tax bill. The supporting papers must be current—within the last 90 days—and include the senior’s name and address.
If a senior citizen’s gross income is less than the state’s filing threshold, they are exempt from submitting a South Carolina tax return. For single taxpayers under 65 in the tax year 2020, the threshold is $12,400. Under 65-year-old married couples can file jointly for up to $24,800.
Overall, South Carolina has a number of initiatives that help seniors afford college. For seniors who desire to continue their education without accruing further debt, the Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver is a great choice. Seniors who are legitimate residents of South Carolina can also benefit from various initiatives and advantages that contribute to the state’s status as a great location to retire.