SNAP in South Carolina: Who Qualifies and How Eligibility Works

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), sometimes called “food stamps,” helps qualifying households in South Carolina buy groceries. It is run at the state level by the South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS), but it follows federal rules.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains who typically qualifies for SNAP in South Carolina, what factors matter most, and what you can do next through official state channels. This site is informational only and is not a government office, application site, or benefits portal.

What Is SNAP in South Carolina?

SNAP provides monthly benefits on an EBT card (similar to a debit card) that you can use to buy eligible food items at most grocery stores and some farmers markets.

Key points:

• Cash is not given directly; benefits are loaded on an EBT card.
• Benefits are meant to supplement your food budget, not cover every expense.
• The program is federal, but South Carolina sets the exact income limits and processes applications through SCDSS.

To find out if you qualify, South Carolina will look closely at your household, income, expenses, and immigration/citizenship status, among other factors.

Who Typically Qualifies for SNAP in South Carolina?

In general, you may qualify for SNAP in South Carolina if:

• You live in South Carolina, and
• Your household income is under the state’s SNAP limits, and
• You meet citizenship or immigration rules, and
• You follow work requirements (for some adults), and
• Your household’s resources and expenses fit within program guidelines.

SNAP eligibility is based on the household, not just one person.

What Counts as a “Household”?

For SNAP, a household usually means people who:

• Live together, and
• Buy and prepare most of their food together

This might include:

• A single person living alone
• A family (parents, kids, other relatives) eating from the same kitchen
• Unrelated roommates who share groceries and cook together

Roommates who buy and cook food separately may be considered separate households, even if they live at the same address.

When you apply, the state typically asks about everyone living in your home, then decides which people are counted in your SNAP household.

Core Eligibility Factors for SNAP in South Carolina

1. Residency

You must:

• Live in South Carolina
• Plan to stay in the state (you do not have to be a permanent resident in a legal sense, but you do have to actually live there)

You can only get SNAP in one state at a time. If you moved from another state, you may need to close your old case before a new one can be approved.

2. Citizenship and Immigration Status

SNAP has specific rules about citizenship and immigration:

• U.S. citizens may qualify if they meet all other requirements.
• Some lawfully present non-citizens may qualify, such as certain lawful permanent residents (green card holders) after a waiting period, refugees, asylees, and some other protected groups.
• Undocumented immigrants are not eligible, but:
  • Their U.S. citizen or eligible children may still qualify.
  • The state may ask basic questions about all household members, but only counts eligible members for benefits.

If some people in the home are not eligible (for example, a parent who is undocumented but has U.S. citizen children), the eligible members can still receive SNAP based on their household situation.

3. Income Limits

SNAP looks at your household income from all sources, such as:

• Wages
• Self-employment income
• Unemployment benefits
• Social Security or SSI (though SSI rules can be complex)
• Pensions or retirement income
• Child support received

South Carolina sets monthly income limits based on household size. These limits can change yearly.

Typical income tests:

• Gross income test: Your total income before taxes and deductions must be under a set limit.
• Net income test: After certain allowed deductions (like some shelter costs, dependent care, and standard allowances), your adjusted income must be under another limit.

Some households are “categorically eligible” (or broadly eligible) if they already receive certain other benefits and may have slightly different asset or income rules. The state explains this when you apply.

📝 Tip: Because income rules can be complex and change regularly, it is usually best to:

• Use the screening tool on South Carolina’s official benefits or DSS website, or
• Call your local DSS office to ask about current income limits.

4. Assets and Resources

SNAP often considers countable resources, such as:

• Money in checking or savings accounts
• Some investment accounts
• Some property other than your main home

Many households that contain someone who is:

• Elderly (age 60 or older), or
• Has a disability

may have different or higher asset limits.

Household items, your primary home, and most personal belongings are usually not counted as resources.

South Carolina decides which resources to count and what limit applies based on your situation.

5. Work Requirements and Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs)

Some adults must meet work-related rules to receive SNAP.

General Work Rules

In many cases, you may need to:

• Register for work (this can happen automatically through your application)
• Accept suitable job offers
• Not voluntarily quit a job or reduce hours without good cause

Certain people may be exempt, such as:

• Children
• Many older adults
• People with certain disabilities
• Some caregivers of young children or people with disabilities

ABAWD Rules

If you are an able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD), additional rules may apply. Typically, this means:

• Age range roughly 18–52 or 54 (depending on current federal phase-in; check with your local office for the exact age range South Carolina is using),
• No dependents living with you, and
• Not exempt due to disability or other reasons.

ABAWDs generally must work, participate in a work program, or meet another allowable activity requirement for a minimum number of hours per month to keep receiving SNAP beyond a limited time frame.

Because ABAWD rules can change, it is important to:

• Ask your caseworker, or
• Call your local DSS office to confirm current requirements.

6. Special Rules for Seniors and People with Disabilities

Households that include an elderly person (60+) or a person with a qualifying disability may have:

• Higher income or resource thresholds, or
• Different deduction rules, especially for:
  • Medical expenses over a certain amount
  • Shelter and utility costs

These households may qualify even if their gross income is slightly higher, because the net income after deductions may fall within the limit.

You may need to provide proof of disability, such as:

• Social Security Disability or SSI award letters
• VA disability documentation
• Other official proof

Typical Documents You May Need

When you apply for SNAP in South Carolina, you will usually be asked to provide verification documents. Having these ready can speed up your case.

Common documents include:

• Identity

  • Driver’s license or state ID
  • Passport
  • Birth certificate (especially for children)

• Residency in South Carolina

  • Lease or rental agreement
  • Utility bill with your name and address
  • Official mail from a government agency

• Citizenship/Immigration (for those applying for benefits)

  • Birth certificate, U.S. passport
  • Naturalization papers
  • Permanent resident card or other immigration documents

• Income

  • Recent pay stubs
  • Self-employment records or profit/loss statements
  • Unemployment benefit letters
  • Social Security/SSI award letters
  • Child support statements

• Expenses

  • Rent or mortgage statements
  • Utility bills (electric, gas, water, etc.)
  • Child care or dependent care receipts
  • Medical bills and receipts (for elderly/disabled households)

Your local DSS office may ask for additional documents based on your situation.

Quick Reference: Key Eligibility Factors in South Carolina

Use this as a starting point and confirm details with South Carolina DSS or the official benefits portal.

How to Apply for SNAP in South Carolina (Through Official Channels)

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot accept applications. To apply for SNAP in South Carolina, you must use official state channels, which typically include:

1. Online

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

• Create an account
• Complete a SNAP application
• Submit documents (sometimes uploaded as images or PDFs)
• Check messages from your caseworker

To find it:

• Search online for “South Carolina DSS apply for SNAP” or
• Visit the main South Carolina Department of Social Services website and navigate to SNAP or public assistance.

2. In Person

You can usually:

• Visit your local county DSS office
• Ask for a paper SNAP application
• Get help filling it out if needed
• Turn in required documents

To locate your office:

• Look up “South Carolina DSS county offices” online, or
• Call the statewide DSS customer service line for directions.

3. By Mail or Fax

South Carolina generally allows you to:

• Download or pick up a paper SNAP application
• Fill it out and mail or fax it to the address/fax number provided on the form

Check the most current mailing and fax information on the official SCDSS site or by calling your local office.

What Happens After You Apply?

After you submit your application through official channels, the process typically includes:

1. Application Review

• The DSS office checks your form for completeness.
• If something is missing, they may send you a request for information with a due date.

2. Interview

Most SNAP applicants must complete an eligibility interview, usually:

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

During the interview, a caseworker may:

• Review your household information
• Ask about your income and expenses
• Clarify unclear answers on your application
• Tell you what additional documents you need

If you miss a scheduled interview, your application can be delayed or denied, so it is important to reschedule promptly if needed.

3. Verification

You may be asked to submit proof of the details you reported, such as:

• Pay stubs
• Rent or mortgage payments
• Utility bills
• Medical expenses (for certain households)

If these are not submitted by the deadline, your case can be denied for lack of verification, even if you might otherwise qualify.

4. Decision and Notice

Once the state has enough information, they will:

• Decide whether you are approved or denied
• Send you a written notice explaining:
  • Whether you qualify
  • Your benefit amount
  • When you will receive benefits
  • If denied, the reason and information about appeal rights

If approved, you will receive an EBT card by mail (or instructions about using your existing card).

Common Reasons SNAP Applications Are Delayed or Denied

People in South Carolina often run into these issues:

• Missing documents or late verification
• Incomplete application (unanswered required questions)
• Missed interview with no follow-up
• Income above the current limit
• Not meeting work or ABAWD requirements, when applicable
• Duplicate benefits (trying to receive SNAP in more than one state at the same time)

If you receive a denial or delay notice, read it carefully. It often explains whether you can fix a problem (such as by turning in missing papers) or whether you must submit a new application later.

If You Are Denied: Appeals and Fair Hearings

If your SNAP application in South Carolina is denied or your benefits are reduced or stopped, you usually have the right to:

• Request an appeal or fair hearing

Typical steps:

1. Check the Notice

   • The notice usually explains why you were denied or your benefits changed.
   • It should list a deadline for requesting a hearing.

2. Submit Appeal Request

   • You can often send a written request to the local DSS office or follow instructions provided in the notice.
   • Some people may be able to start the process by calling, then confirming in writing.

3. Prepare for the Hearing

   • Gather documents that support your case (pay stubs, bills, letters, etc.).
   • You may bring someone to represent or assist you, such as an advocate, friend, or attorney.

The hearing is usually overseen by an impartial official who reviews your case and makes a decision based on SNAP rules.

If You Do Not Qualify for SNAP in South Carolina

If you find out you do not qualify for SNAP, there may still be other options to help with food costs:

• Local food banks and pantries

  • Many churches, nonprofits, and community centers offer free groceries.

• Soup kitchens and community meal programs

  • Some organizations provide free prepared meals on certain days.

• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

  • For pregnant or postpartum individuals, infants, and young children who meet nutritional risk and income guidelines.
  • This is a separate program from SNAP with its own rules.

• Senior meal programs

  • Some communities offer home-delivered meals or congregate meals for older adults.

You can usually find local food resources by:

• Calling 211 (a free information and referral line in many areas), or
• Contacting your local DSS office, community action agency, or senior center.

How to Make Sure You Are Using Official Channels (Avoiding Scams)

Because SNAP involves personal information, it is important to protect yourself.

Here are some safety tips:

• Official Websites Only

  • Government SNAP sites usually end in “.gov”.
  • For South Carolina SNAP, look for South Carolina Department of Social Services as the agency name.

• Never Pay to Apply

  • Applying for SNAP through official channels is free.
  • Be cautious of anyone who charges a fee to “guarantee” approval or speed things up.

• Guard Your Personal Information

  • Do not share your Social Security number, EBT PIN, or full ID on unofficial sites or with strangers.
  • Officials will not ask for your EBT card PIN over the phone or email.

• Confirm Phone Numbers

  • Find phone numbers on the official SCDSS website or on official letters you receive.
  • If unsure, call your local DSS office directly using a number you look up yourself.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government office and does not process applications, check your case status, or provide direct benefits. Use it as a guide, then complete all applications and case actions through official South Carolina channels.

By understanding how residency, household size, income, resources, and work rules affect SNAP eligibility in South Carolina, you can better judge whether you might qualify and what information you will need. Your next step is to contact the South Carolina Department of Social Services, use the state’s official benefits portal, or visit your local DSS office to get up-to-date details and start an application if you choose.