How to Report Changes to SNAP in South Carolina

If you get SNAP (food stamp) benefits in South Carolina, you are required to tell the state when certain parts of your situation change. Reporting these changes on time helps keep your case accurate, prevents overpayments, and can sometimes even increase your benefits.

This guide explains, in plain language, how to report changes to SNAP in South Carolina, what you usually need, and what to expect. It is for general information only. HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government office, not an official SNAP website, and cannot take applications or reports for you. To make any official changes, you must go through South Carolina’s SNAP agency or your local county office.

SNAP in South Carolina: The Basics

In South Carolina, SNAP is managed by the South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS). Benefits are loaded onto an EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card, which you can use to buy eligible food items.

When you first apply, you give information about:

• Who lives in your household
• Your income and expenses
• Your citizenship or immigration status
• Where you live
• Your work or school situation

Once you’re approved, you must keep this information up to date. That’s where reporting changes comes in.

Why Reporting SNAP Changes Matters

Reporting changes helps you:

• Stay compliant with program rules
• Avoid overpayments (which you may have to pay back)
• Avoid accidental fraud investigations
• Get more benefits if your income drops or your family size increases
• Keep your case from being closed for missing or incorrect information

The state uses your updated information to recalculate your eligibility and monthly benefit amount.

Who Has to Report Changes?

Most people who receive SNAP in South Carolina must report certain changes. However, your reporting requirements can depend on:

• Whether your household is “simplified reporting” or “change reporting”
• Whether all adults are elderly or disabled
• Your income sources (earned vs. unearned income)
• Whether you also receive TANF or other benefits

Your approval or recertification notice usually explains which type of reporting applies to you. If you are unsure, you can:

• Call your local SCDSS office
• Call the state SNAP customer service number
• Review your most recent notice or caseworker letter

What Changes You Usually Need to Report

Some changes must be reported as soon as possible, while others may only need to be reported at your next recertification. South Carolina’s specific rules may vary, but the following changes are commonly reportable:

1. Income Changes

You may need to report when:

• Someone in your household starts or stops a job
• Hours or pay go up or down significantly
• You start or stop receiving unemployment, Social Security, or other benefits
• You begin receiving child support or the amount changes

For many SNAP households, you must report if your total gross monthly income goes over the limit that applies to your household size. That limit is usually listed in your approval notice.

2. Household Composition Changes

Report if:

• Someone moves in or out of your home
• You have a new baby
• A child turns 18 and their status changes
• A roommate who shares costs moves out

Who lives and eats together usually affects your household size and therefore your benefit amount.

3. Address or Housing Changes

Let the agency know if:

• You move to a new address
• Your rent or mortgage goes up or down
• Your utilities change (for example, new responsibility for heating or cooling)

These details can affect your deductions and your approved benefit amount.

4. Expense Changes

Some expenses that might matter include:

• Childcare costs (if needed so you can work or attend school)
• Medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members
• Child support payments you are legally required to pay

If these go up or down significantly, reporting may help adjust your benefits.

5. Work and Student Status

You may need to report when:

• You start or stop working
• Your work hours change, especially if under or over 20 hours per week
• You start or stop school, or change between full-time and part-time status
• You become an Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) or your exempt status changes

Work and student status can affect eligibility and work requirements.

6. Immigration or Citizenship Status

If there are changes to:

• Your immigration status
• Your work authorization
• Your citizenship status

you should report them to the agency.

When You Have to Report Changes

Deadlines can depend on your household’s reporting type and the kind of change. In South Carolina, many households must report certain changes within 10 days of the change, but your official notices will give the specific timeline that applies to you.

As a general guideline, report:

• Income going over your assigned limit: usually within 10 days
• Someone moving in or out: usually within 10 days
• Address changes: as soon as possible, so you don’t miss mail
• Other major changes: within the time frame listed on your approval or recertification notice

If you are unsure, it’s usually safer to report earlier rather than later.

How to Report SNAP Changes in South Carolina

You cannot report changes through HowToGetAssistance.org. To officially report changes, you must go through the South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) or your county DSS office.

Most South Carolina SNAP households can report changes in several ways:

1. Online (Through the Official Portal)

Many people in South Carolina can report some or all changes using the state’s official online benefits portal.

Typical steps:

1. Go to the official South Carolina benefits website.
2. Log into your account or create one if you don’t have it.
3. Go to your SNAP case section.
4. Look for an option like “Report a Change” or “Change Reporting”.
5. Enter your new information and submit.
6. Save or write down any confirmation number or reference.

Not all types of changes may be available to complete online, so you may still need to call or visit for specific issues.

2. By Phone

You can contact:

• The state SNAP customer service line, or
• Your county DSS office

When calling:

• Have your case number or EBT card number ready
• Be prepared to verify your identity
• Ask the representative how to submit any supporting documents (pay stubs, leases, etc.)

If you report a change by phone, you may still be asked to submit documentation within a certain time frame.

3. In Person at a Local DSS Office

You can usually report changes by visiting your local county Department of Social Services office.

Common steps:

1. Go during posted business hours.
2. Let the front desk know you want to report a change to your SNAP case.
3. Fill out any required change form or talk with a staff member.
4. Turn in copies of your documents (pay stubs, lease, bills, etc.).
5. Ask for a receipt or stamped copy for your records.

If you are unsure which office is yours, you can:

• Call the SCDSS main information line
• Check a local phone directory
• Ask a trusted community organization or 2-1-1 for directions

4. By Mail or Fax

Some changes may be reported by:

• Filling out a Change Report Form (or similar form)
• Mailing or faxing it to your county DSS office

If you mail documents:

• Use copies, not originals
• Consider using a method where you get proof of mailing
• Keep a copy of everything you send

If you fax:

• Include a cover sheet with your name and case number
• Keep a fax confirmation page as proof

Documents You May Need When Reporting Changes

The documents you need depend on the type of change. Here are some common examples:

Income Changes

• Pay stubs (usually from the last 30 days)
• Employer letter showing new hours, pay, or employment status
• Award letters for unemployment, Social Security, or pensions
• Self-employment records or profit/loss statements

Household or Address Changes

• Lease agreement or rental receipt
• Mortgage statement
• Utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet, etc.)
• Birth certificate or hospital record for a new child
• School enrollment papers if relevant

Expense Changes

• Childcare receipts or contracts
• Proof of paid child support (e.g., court documents, payment records)
• Medical bills, prescriptions, or insurance premium statements for elderly/disabled members

Quick Reference: Common SNAP Change Types in South Carolina

Exact rules and methods can vary. Check your approval notice or call your local DSS office for what applies to your case.

What Happens After You Report a Change?

After you report:

1. The agency reviews your information.
   A worker looks at your updated details and may contact you for more information.

2. You may be asked for more documents.
   If anything is unclear or missing, you may receive a letter requesting verification with a due date.

3. Your benefits may go up, down, or stay the same.

   • If your income drops or your household size increases, your benefits might increase.
   • If your income rises or your expenses decrease, your benefits might go down.
   • Some changes, like a small rent adjustment, might not affect your benefits.

4. You get a notice by mail (or portal).
   South Carolina typically sends an official notice explaining:

   • Whether your benefit amount changed
   • The effective date of the change
   • Your right to appeal if you disagree

Keep all letters and documents in a safe place.

If You Miss the Deadline or Forget to Report

If you do not report a required change on time:

• You could receive more SNAP benefits than allowed, and the agency may later require you to repay the extra amount.
• Your case could be flagged for review or investigation.
• In serious cases, not reporting changes on purpose can be treated as intentional program violation.

If you realize you forgot to report:

1. Contact your local DSS office or the SNAP customer service line as soon as you can.
2. Explain the situation honestly.
3. Ask what you can do to fix your case.

The sooner you address it, the easier it usually is to resolve.

If You Disagree with a Change to Your Benefits

If your benefits go down or your case is closed after you report a change and you disagree with the decision, you usually have the right to:

• Request a fair hearing or appeal through South Carolina DSS.

Steps typically include:

1. Read the notice carefully.
   • It should list the reason for the decision and a deadline to appeal.
2. Follow the instructions in the notice on how to request a hearing.
   • This may be by mail, phone, in person, or online, depending on the system.
3. Gather documents that support your case.
   • Pay stubs, leases, bills, letters from employers or landlords, etc.
4. Attend the hearing (in person, by phone, or virtually, as instructed).

If you want your current benefits to continue while the appeal is reviewed, you may need to request the hearing before a certain date listed in your notice. If you lose the appeal, you might have to repay the extra benefits.

How to Make Sure You’re Using an Official Channel

Because SNAP is a government program, it’s important to make sure you are dealing with real, official offices, not scams.

Use these tips:

• Look for “.gov” in website addresses when accessing South Carolina state resources.
• Call phone numbers listed on:
  • Official state websites
  • Letters you received from South Carolina DSS
• Be cautious if:
  • Anyone asks for payment to report a change or manage your SNAP case
  • A site or caller promises “guaranteed approvals” or faster benefits for a fee
  • You are asked for your EBT PIN (the state will not ask for your PIN over the phone or via email)

If you are unsure, you can:

• Call your local county DSS office directly
• Call 2-1-1 to be connected to community resources that can point you to the correct official SNAP contact information

HowToGetAssistance.org can provide general guidance, but it cannot check your case, accept forms, or change your benefits.

If You Need Extra Help Reporting Changes

If you find the process confusing or have trouble using a computer or phone, you might get help from:

• Community action agencies
• Legal aid organizations
• Food banks and pantries that offer benefit navigation
• Senior centers or disability advocacy groups
• Faith-based or nonprofit social service agencies

These organizations can often:

• Help you understand letters from DSS
• Help you prepare documents
• Assist you in contacting the local office or using the official portal

They do not usually control your benefits, but they can help you communicate with the official SNAP agency.

Staying on top of changes with SNAP in South Carolina mainly comes down to three things: know what to report, know when to report, and use official state channels to submit your information. Keeping your case updated can protect your benefits and help ensure you receive the correct amount your household is eligible for.