SNAP Benefits in South Carolina: How the Program Works and What to Expect

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in South Carolina helps eligible households buy food each month. It is sometimes still called “food stamps,” but benefits are now issued on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card that works like a debit card at participating stores.

This guide explains how SNAP works in South Carolina, who may qualify, how to apply through official state channels, and what to expect at each step. HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency and cannot take applications or check your case. Instead, this article is meant to help you prepare before you contact your local SNAP office or the state’s official benefits portal.

How SNAP Works in South Carolina

In South Carolina, SNAP is administered by the South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS).

If approved:

• You receive a monthly benefit amount loaded onto a South Carolina EBT card.
• You can use your EBT card to buy eligible food items at authorized grocery stores, some farmers markets, and certain online retailers.
• You cannot use SNAP for non-food items, alcohol, tobacco, hot prepared foods (with limited exceptions), or household supplies.

SNAP is designed to supplement your food budget, not fully cover it. The amount you receive depends on your household size, income, and certain expenses.

Who Typically Qualifies for SNAP in South Carolina

Eligibility rules are set by federal law but administered at the state level. South Carolina follows these general guidelines.

Basic Eligibility Factors

South Carolina SNAP typically looks at:

• Household size (everyone who purchases and prepares food together)
• Income (earned and unearned)
• Citizenship or immigration status
• Residency (you must live in South Carolina)
• Student status (for adults enrolled in college)
• Resources/assets (in some situations)

Income Guidelines (General Overview)

Most households must meet gross and net income limits, which are based on the federal poverty level. The exact dollar amounts can change each year.

In general:

• Gross income = total income before taxes and deductions.
• Net income = gross income minus certain allowed deductions (such as a standard deduction, some shelter costs, and, in many cases, dependent-care or medical expenses for seniors/people with disabilities).

To get the current income limits, you can:

• Contact the South Carolina Department of Social Services.
• Check the state’s official benefits website.
• Call the SNAP customer service line listed on official South Carolina materials.

Who Is Usually Included in the SNAP Household

Typically, a SNAP “household” includes:

• Spouses living together.
• Parents and their children under 22 who live together.
• Anyone else who lives together and buys/prepares food together.

People living at the same address but buying and cooking food separately may be counted as separate SNAP households, depending on the situation.

Citizenship and Immigration

In South Carolina:

• U.S. citizens can usually apply if they meet income and other rules.
• Certain qualified non-citizens (for example, some lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees) may also be eligible.
• Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for SNAP themselves, but they can apply on behalf of eligible household members, such as U.S.-born children.

When non-citizens live in the household, South Carolina typically only counts the income and eligibility of eligible members when figuring out the benefit, using federal rules.

Work Requirements

Some adults must meet work requirements to receive SNAP, especially:

• Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) – typically adults aged 18–52 (age range can change) with no dependents in the household.

Requirements may include:

• Working a certain number of hours per week,
• Participating in an approved employment and training program,
• Or meeting another type of work-related activity.

There are exemptions, especially for:

• People with disabilities,
• Seniors,
• Pregnant individuals,
• Some caregivers of young children.

Because work rules can change, it is a good idea to ask your caseworker or local office how these rules apply in your county.

What You Can Buy with SNAP in South Carolina

You can use your South Carolina EBT card to purchase most food items for home preparation, including:

• Fruits, vegetables, and dairy
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Bread, cereal, and grains
• Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages
• Seeds and plants that produce food for the household

You generally cannot use SNAP to buy:

• Alcohol or tobacco products
• Pet food
• Vitamins and medicines
• Cleaning supplies, paper goods, or toiletries
• Hot foods ready to eat (with limited exceptions if the state participates in certain programs)

If you are unsure whether an item qualifies, many stores label SNAP-eligible items at the shelf, and you can always ask at the checkout or contact the EBT customer service number on the back of your card.

Documents to Gather Before You Apply

Having documents ready can make your SNAP application in South Carolina smoother and faster. Commonly requested items include:

Identity and residency:

• Photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport, or other official ID)
• Proof of South Carolina address (lease, utility bill, or official mail)

Household information:

• Social Security numbers (or proof of application) for each applying member, if required
• Birth certificates or other proof of age for some situations
• Proof of immigration status for non-citizen applicants

Income and expenses:

• Recent pay stubs or a letter from your employer
• Proof of self-employment income, if applicable
• Benefits letters for Social Security, unemployment, SSI, or pensions
• Proof of child support paid or received
• Rent or mortgage statements
• Utility bills (electric, gas, water, etc.)
• Childcare expenses if someone in the household works or attends training/school
• For seniors or people with disabilities: medical expense receipts or bills (if the program allows deductions for these)

Not every household will need every document, but these are common. If you are missing something, your local county DSS office can tell you what alternatives they will accept.

How to Apply for SNAP in South Carolina

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot accept applications or check case status. To apply, you must use official South Carolina channels.

In South Carolina, you can typically apply in three ways:

1. Online Application

South Carolina offers an official online benefits portal where you can:

• Create an account,
• Complete and submit a SNAP application,
• Upload documents electronically,
• Check messages from your caseworker.

To find the correct site:

• Look for information through the South Carolina Department of Social Services website.
• Make sure the web address is a .gov domain or clearly identified as an official SCDSS portal.

2. In-Person Application

You may apply at your local county Department of Social Services (DSS) office. Common steps:

1. Visit the lobby and request a SNAP application form.
2. Complete it there or take it home and return it.
3. Turn it in to the front desk or designated intake area.

If you have trouble filling out the form, you can usually ask staff for help or bring someone you trust to assist you. Some offices may also allow you to drop off an application without an appointment.

3. Mail or Fax

Many counties allow you to:

• Print or pick up a paper application,
• Fill it out,
• Mail or fax it to your county DSS office.

The mailing address and fax number are usually listed on the application or on official state materials.

Quick Comparison: Ways to Apply for SNAP in South Carolina

After You Apply: What Happens Next

Once your application is received, South Carolina DSS usually follows a standard process.

1. Application Date Is Set

Your filing date (the date your benefits could start if approved) is usually the day your signed application is received by the agency, even if your file is not yet complete. Applying as soon as possible can be important.

2. Interview

Most applicants must complete a SNAP interview, typically:

• By phone, or
• In some cases, in-person at your local office.

During the interview, the worker may:

• Verify information from your application,
• Ask about your income, expenses, and household members,
• Explain your rights and responsibilities,
• Tell you what additional documents are needed.

If you miss your scheduled interview, your application may be delayed or denied, so it is important to:

• Answer calls from unknown numbers during this time,
• Check any voicemail from DSS,
• Contact your local office if you cannot make the appointment.

3. Verification and Decision

The agency reviews your documents and may request more information. Common verifications include:

• Pay stubs or employer letters,
• Rent, mortgage, and utility statements,
• Proof of identity and Social Security numbers.

If information is missing, you will usually receive a notice with a deadline to submit it. If you do not respond in time, your application can be denied for “failure to provide verification.”

When a decision is made, you receive an official notice stating:

• Whether you were approved or denied,
• Your monthly benefit amount, if approved,
• Your certification period (how long your benefits will last before review),
• Any steps you need to take next.

Emergency or Expedited SNAP in South Carolina

Some households with very low income and resources may qualify for expedited (emergency) SNAP, which is processed more quickly.

You may be screened for expedited service if:

• Your gross income and resources are extremely low, or
• Your housing costs (rent/mortgage and utilities) are very high compared to your income.

If the state determines you qualify for expedited processing, they will generally try to:

• Complete your interview faster, and
• Issue benefits in a shorter time frame, if you are eligible.

Ask your local DSS office or the SNAP hotline if you think you may qualify for expedited service.

Using Your South Carolina EBT Card

If approved, you will receive a South Carolina EBT card by mail or at the local office, depending on local procedures.

Typically, you will need to:

1. Activate the card using the phone number on the back.
2. Choose a Personal Identification Number (PIN).
3. Use the card at checkout by:
   • Swiping or inserting the card,
   • Entering your PIN,
   • Paying for SNAP-eligible items.

You can usually:

• Check your balance by calling the EBT customer service number,
• Looking at your last receipt, or
• Using any official state-approved balance check method.

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact the EBT customer service line immediately to report it and request a replacement.

Keeping Your SNAP Benefits: Recertification and Reporting

SNAP in South Carolina is not permanent. You are assigned a certification period, often several months long.

Recertification (Renewal)

Before your certification period ends, you will need to renew (recertify) your benefits. This usually involves:

• Completing a recertification form,
• Attending an interview (phone or in-person),
• Updating information about your income, expenses, and household members.

The state typically sends a notice before your certification period expires. Missing the recertification deadline can cause your benefits to stop, so it is important to:

• Watch your mail,
• Respond quickly,
• Ask your local office if you are unsure about deadlines.

Changes You Must Report

You are usually required to report certain changes within a specific time frame. Common reportable changes include:

• Change in household size (someone moves in or out, a baby is born),
• Significant income changes (starting or losing a job, major increase in hours),
• Change in address or shelter costs,
• Changes in work hours for certain adults subject to work rules.

Your approval notice or worker can explain exactly which changes you must report and how quickly.

Common Reasons SNAP Applications Are Delayed or Denied

Understanding common issues can help you avoid them.

Typical reasons for delay or denial in South Carolina include:

• Missing documents – not sending in proof of income, identity, or expenses.
• Missed interview – not answering the phone or not rescheduling if you cannot attend.
• Incomplete application – leaving out key information about household members or income.
• Income over the limit – household earnings that exceed program guidelines.
• Noncompliance with work requirements – for those who are required to meet ABAWD or other work rules.

If you receive a denial notice, it should explain:

• The specific reason you were denied,
• The date of the decision,
• Information about your appeal rights.

How Appeals and Fair Hearings Usually Work in South Carolina

If you disagree with a SNAP decision—such as a denial, benefit reduction, or overpayment—you generally have the right to request a fair hearing.

Steps often include:

1. Read your notice carefully. It should list your deadline to request an appeal (often within a set number of days).
2. Submit a hearing request:
   • In writing to your local DSS office,
   • Or by following the appeal instructions on the notice.
3. At the hearing:
   • An impartial hearing officer reviews your case,
   • You can explain your situation, present documents, and bring witnesses or an advocate.

You may be allowed to continue receiving benefits while the appeal is pending in some situations, but if you lose, you might have to repay the extra benefits. The notice or a DSS worker can explain how this works in your case.

If you need help with an appeal, you can look for:

• Legal aid organizations in South Carolina,
• Local nonprofits or advocacy groups that assist with public benefits.

If You Do Not Qualify for SNAP: Other Food Resources in South Carolina

If you do not qualify for SNAP—or your benefits are very low—you still may have options. While HowToGetAssistance.org is not a provider, many communities in South Carolina offer:

• Food pantries and food banks – often run by nonprofit or faith-based organizations.
• Community meal programs – free or low-cost meals served at community centers or churches.
• WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) – for pregnant/postpartum individuals, infants, and young children who meet income and nutritional risk criteria.
• School meal programs – free or reduced-price breakfasts and lunches for eligible students.
• Senior nutrition programs – home-delivered meals or congregate meals at senior centers.

To locate these resources:

• Call 211, a general information and referral line in many areas.
• Contact your county DSS office and ask about local food assistance.
• Ask local community centers, churches, or nonprofits about food programs.

How to Make Sure You Are Using Official SNAP Channels

Because SNAP benefits are valuable, scams do exist. To protect yourself when dealing with SNAP in South Carolina:

• Do not pay anyone to apply for SNAP on your behalf. Applying is free through official channels.
• Check that any website you use:
  • Clearly identifies the South Carolina Department of Social Services,
  • Uses a secure connection and, typically, an official .gov domain.
• Be cautious if:
  • Someone asks for your EBT card number or PIN by text, email, or social media,
  • You receive messages promising “guaranteed approval” for a fee,
  • A site says you are applying “through” HowToGetAssistance.org or another unofficial guide site.

If you are not sure whether you are dealing with the real agency:

• Call the South Carolina DSS main number listed in official government directories,
• Or visit your local county DSS office in person to confirm.

By understanding how SNAP works in South Carolina—who may qualify, how to apply, which documents to gather, and how to avoid common pitfalls—you can approach the official application process more confidently. For the most up-to-date forms, income limits, and step-by-step instructions, contact your local county Department of Social Services or the state’s official SNAP portal directly.