How to Renew or Recertify SNAP in South Carolina

If you receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits in South Carolina, you must renew (recertify) your case regularly to keep getting benefits. This process confirms that you are still eligible and updates your information with the state.

This guide explains how SNAP recertification typically works in South Carolina, what to expect, and how to complete the process through official state channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site, not a government agency and not a place where you can apply or renew benefits.

What SNAP Recertification Means in South Carolina

SNAP recertification (also called renewal or redetermination) is when the state:

• Reviews your household information
• Checks your income and expenses
• Confirms your ongoing eligibility for SNAP

If you do not complete recertification by the deadline, your SNAP benefits will stop, even if you would still qualify.

In South Carolina, SNAP is administered by the South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS). All official recertification steps go through this agency, either online, by mail, by phone, or in person at your county DSS office.

When You Need to Renew SNAP in South Carolina

Your SNAP case is approved for a set period, called a certification period. Near the end of that period, you must recertify.

Typical certification periods

Most households in South Carolina have certification periods such as:

• 6 months
• 12 months
• Sometimes 24 months for certain households (for example, seniors or people with disabilities with stable income)

Your approval notice and your EBT paperwork usually show your certification end date. The state may also send you a renewal notice and recertification form before your period expires.

Watch for your recertification notice

You will usually receive a recertification packet by:

• Mail, and/or
• A message in your online account (if you use the official state benefits portal)

The notice generally includes:

• Your recertification due date
• Instructions on how to renew
• A list of documents to provide
• Whether an interview is required

If you are not sure when your certification ends, you can:

• Call the SCDSS customer service line or your local county DSS office
• Log into the official South Carolina online benefits portal (if you already created an account)

Ways to Renew SNAP in South Carolina

Most South Carolina households can recertify SNAP using one of these methods:

Not all steps can always be completed by phone; usually you must still sign forms and submit documents.

Always use official state channels. If you are unsure whether a website or phone number is official, you can confirm it by:

• Calling your county DSS office directly using a number listed in government directories
• Looking up contact details through the official South Carolina government website

Step-by-Step: How to Renew Your SNAP Benefits

1. Mark your recertification deadline

Your renewal notice will list a due date. This is usually before your current certification period ends.

• Aim to submit your recertification at least 10 days before the end of your certification period when possible.
• Submitting early can help prevent a gap in benefits.

If you missed the notice or lost it, contact SCDSS or your local office and ask when your recertification is due.

2. Gather the documents you may need

South Carolina typically requires proof of the information you report. Having documents ready can speed up your renewal.

Common documents include:

Identity & household:

• Photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, military ID)
• Social Security numbers (or proof of application) for household members applying for SNAP
• Birth certificates or other proof of age for some household members (especially children or seniors, when requested)

Income:

• Recent pay stubs (often last 30 days, sometimes last 4 weeks)
• Self-employment records (invoices, profit/loss statements, business ledgers)
• Unemployment benefit letters
• Social Security or SSI award letters
• Pension or retirement income statements
• Child support or alimony received (court orders and payment records)

Expenses (these can help you qualify for higher benefits):

• Rent or mortgage statements
• Property tax and homeowner’s insurance (if you own your home)
• Utility bills (electric, gas, water, sewer, trash; heating/cooling especially important)
• Child care or adult care costs (receipts, provider statements)
• Child support paid out (orders and proof of payment)
• Medical expenses (for elderly or disabled household members), such as:
  • Health insurance premiums
  • Prescription receipts
  • Co-pays and bills

Immigration status (if applicable):

• Lawful immigration documents for non-citizens applying for SNAP

Not every household will be asked for every document, but these are common. If your situation changed since your last approval, be prepared to prove those changes.

3. Complete the recertification application

You typically must fill out a SNAP recertification form or a combined application/renewal form provided by SCDSS.

Renewing SNAP online

To do this online, you would:

1. Go to the official South Carolina online benefits portal (the same place you might have applied originally).
2. Log in with your existing account or create one if needed.
3. Find your SNAP case and select the option to renew/recertify.
4. Review and update:
   • Household members
   • Income and job information
   • Housing and utility costs
   • Other deductions (child care, medical, child support)
5. Upload documents if the portal allows file uploads.
6. Carefully review your answers and submit electronically.

Online renewal can be faster and lets you track messages from the agency more easily.

Renewing SNAP by mail, fax, or in person

If you received a paper recertification packet, you can:

1. Complete the form by hand:
   • Answer every question that applies
   • If something doesn’t apply, write “N/A” or follow any instructions on the form
2. Sign and date where required.
3. Attach copies (not originals, if possible) of your supporting documents.
4. Return the packet by:
   • Mail to your county DSS office
   • Fax using the fax number for your county office (if allowed)
   • Dropping it off in person at your local DSS office, sometimes through a lobby drop box

Always keep copies of everything you submit, and if you mail it, try to use a mailing option that provides proof of delivery when possible.

4. Complete your SNAP interview (if required)

South Carolina usually requires a recertification interview, but in some cases it may be waived or done by phone.

• The notice or the portal will usually tell you if an interview is required.
• Interviews are often done by phone, but you may be able to request in-person if you prefer or need extra help.
• During the interview, a worker may:
  • Review your application answers
  • Ask for clarification about your income, expenses, or household
  • Request additional documents if something is missing

If you miss a scheduled interview:

• Contact your county DSS office as soon as possible to reschedule.
• If your interview is not completed by the deadline, your benefits may end at the end of the current certification period.

5. Watch for requests for more information

After you submit your renewal, SCDSS may send you a notice asking for:

• Missing documents
• Clarification about household changes
• Verification of income or expenses

These notices usually come:

• By mail
• Through the online portal
• Occasionally by phone call from a caseworker

There is usually a deadline listed. If you do not respond by that date, your recertification can be denied or closed.

Tip: Check your mail and online account regularly during the recertification period.

6. Receive your recertification decision

Once the state finishes your review, you will receive a notice of decision that states:

• Whether you are approved or denied
• Your new certification period dates
• Your monthly SNAP benefit amount
• Any appeal rights if you disagree

If your renewal is processed before your old certification period ends and you are approved, your EBT card should continue to receive benefits on the usual schedule.

If your case closes because you missed your renewal, you may need to reapply as a new applicant, which can cause a gap in benefits.

Common Reasons SNAP Renewals Are Delayed or Denied

Understanding common problems can help you avoid interruptions in your food assistance.

Frequent issues:

• Missing the recertification deadline

  • If you submit late, your case can close and you may have to start a new application.

• Not completing the interview

  • If an interview is required and you do not attend or respond, your recertification may be denied.

• Missing documents or verifications

  • If you do not send requested proofs of income, rent, utilities, or other required items, your renewal can be delayed or denied.

• Unreported changes

  • Big changes in income, household size, or address that are not clearly reported can lead to incorrect decisions.

• Income now too high for eligibility

  • If your household income is above SNAP limits, the agency may deny renewal.

If you receive a denial or closure notice, read it carefully. It will usually describe:

• The reason for the decision
• Whether you can submit missing items to fix it
• How to appeal if you think the decision is wrong

What to Do if Your SNAP Renewal Is Denied or Closed

If your SNAP recertification in South Carolina is denied or your case is closed and you disagree, you generally have two main options:

1. Request a fair hearing (appeal)

You usually have the right to request a fair hearing through SCDSS.

• Look at your decision notice; it should tell you:
  • How many days you have to request a hearing
  • How to submit your request (often by mail, fax, or in person)
• In a hearing, you can:
  • Explain why you think the decision was incorrect
  • Provide additional documents or evidence

If you request a hearing quickly enough, you may be able to keep getting benefits while the hearing is pending, but that depends on timing and rules stated in your notice. If your appeal is not successful, you may be responsible for overpaid benefits, so read the notice carefully or ask the agency to explain your options.

2. Reapply for SNAP

If your case is closed due to:

• Missing the deadline
• Not completing the interview
• Not sending documents on time

You may need to submit a new application through the official channels (online, by mail, or in person). That process is similar to when you first applied, and there may be a waiting period before benefits start again.

If You No Longer Qualify for SNAP

If your income or situation has changed so much that you no longer qualify for SNAP, there may still be resources that can help with food and basic needs.

Consider contacting:

• Local food pantries or food banks

  • These are often run by community organizations, religious groups, or nonprofits.

• Community meal programs

  • Some churches, community centers, and shelters provide free or low-cost meals.

• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

  • For pregnant/postpartum individuals and children under 5 who meet income and nutrition guidelines.

• School meal programs

  • Children may qualify for free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch during the school year and sometimes summer feeding programs.

• 211 (United Way’s helpline)

  • Dial 211 to ask about local food assistance, rent or utility help, or other support programs in South Carolina.

These are separate from SNAP and have their own eligibility rules.

How to Tell If You Are Using an Official SNAP Channel in South Carolina

Because SNAP is a government program, you should be careful to work only with official offices and portals.

Here are ways to confirm you’re in the right place:

• The website clearly identifies the South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) or another official state agency.
• Web addresses often use “.gov” or are clearly linked from the main South Carolina state government website.
• Phone numbers and office addresses match what is posted on:
  • Your SNAP paperwork
  • Official state materials
  • Government directories

⚠️ Be cautious if:

• A site or person asks for money to “guarantee” approval, speed up your case, or help you get more benefits.
• You are asked to share your EBT card number, PIN, or banking information on an unfamiliar website or via text or social media.
• Messages come from random email addresses or social media accounts claiming to be SNAP without clear identification.

If you are ever unsure, contact your local county DSS office using a phone number from an official government source and ask them to confirm.

Quick Checklist: Renewing SNAP in South Carolina

Use this as a simple guide before your recertification date:

1. Find your deadline

   • Look at your recertification notice or call your county DSS office.

2. Gather documents

   • ID, income proofs, rent/mortgage, utilities, child care costs, medical expenses (if applicable).

3. Choose your renewal method

   • Online via the official benefits portal
   • Mail/fax your completed packet
   • In person at your county DSS office

4. Complete and sign the recertification form

   • Answer all questions honestly and fully.

5. Submit early

   • Try to send your renewal before the due date to avoid gaps in benefits.

6. Attend your interview (if required)

   • Answer calls from SCDSS and keep any scheduled appointments.

7. Respond to requests for more information

   • Send any extra documents by the printed deadline.

8. Review your decision notice

   • Check your new benefit amount, certification period, and appeal rights.

If you still have questions about your specific SNAP case, the best next step is to contact the South Carolina Department of Social Services or your local county DSS office directly, as they have access to your records and can give you case-specific guidance.