SNAP Benefits in South Carolina: How to Apply and Qualify
Find out if you qualify for SNAP in South Carolina. See income limits, how to apply, and how to use and manage your benefits.
Edward Cheng
Updated on:
Dec 16, 2025
Published on:
Nov 26, 2025
SNAP Benefits in South Carolina: How to Apply and Qualify
Find out if you qualify for SNAP in South Carolina. See income limits, how to apply, and how to use and manage your benefits.
Edward Cheng
Updated on:
Dec 16, 2025
Published on:
Nov 26, 2025
SNAP Benefits in South Carolina: How to Apply and Qualify
Find out if you qualify for SNAP in South Carolina. See income limits, how to apply, and how to use and manage your benefits.
Edward Cheng
Updated on:
Dec 16, 2025
Published on:
Nov 26, 2025
SNAP Benefits in South Carolina: How to Apply and Qualify
Find out if you qualify for SNAP in South Carolina. See income limits, how to apply, and how to use and manage your benefits.
Edward Cheng
Updated on:
Dec 16, 2025
Published on:
Nov 26, 2025
SNAP Benefits in South Carolina: How to Apply and Qualify
Find out if you qualify for SNAP in South Carolina. See income limits, how to apply, and how to use and manage your benefits.
Edward Cheng
Updated on:
Dec 16, 2025
Published on:
Nov 26, 2025
SHARE
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The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, provides monthly funds for groceries. If you have a low income, this program can help you and your family afford healthy food.
SNAP Income Limits and Benefit Amounts in South Carolina
Your eligibility for SNAP benefits in South Carolina depends on your household's gross monthly income. These limits are based on 130 percent of the federal poverty level and are updated every January.
The maximum benefit amount your household can receive follows the USDA's Thrifty Food Plan. These amounts are adjusted each October. The figures below are effective from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.
Household Size 1: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $1,632, Maximum Benefit Amount: $291
Household Size 2: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,215, Maximum Benefit Amount: $535
Household Size 3: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,798, Maximum Benefit Amount: $766
Household Size 4: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,380, Maximum Benefit Amount: $975
Household Size 5: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,963, Maximum Benefit Amount: about $1,158
Household Size 6: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $4,546, Maximum Benefit Amount: $1,390
Household Size 7: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $5,129, Maximum Benefit Amount: about $1,537
Household Size 8: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $5,712, Maximum Benefit Amount: about $1,756
For each additional person in your household, you can add $583 to the gross income limit. The maximum benefit amount increases by about $220 for each extra person.
These numbers can change. For the most current information, especially for future updates like the South Carolina SNAP benefits 2026, you should check the official DSS SNAP page. This is also the best place for confirmed figures for larger households.
Eligibility Criteria for SNAP in South Carolina
To determine your SNAP benefits eligibility for South Carolina, your household must meet several requirements.
Income Limits: Your household must meet gross and net monthly income limits, though households with an elderly or disabled member only need to meet the net income test.
Residency Requirements: You must live in South Carolina and apply for benefits in the county where you reside.
Citizenship Status: Each household member applying for benefits must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen with an eligible immigration status.
Work Requirements: Most adults must register for work and accept suitable employment, with specific rules for able-bodied adults without dependents unless they meet certain criteria.
Special Conditions: Different rules regarding South Carolina SNAP benefits eligibility may apply to seniors, college students, and people with disabilities, and most households must also meet resource limits.
These guidelines have specific details and exceptions. You can find complete information and updates on the official South Carolina SNAP page.
Download Benny app to save on groceries
Get coupons from your favorite brands
Earn 1-3% cash back on SNAP and track your EBT balance
Get 1% cash back with the Benny Visa card and build your credit score
Download the app
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in South Carolina
You can apply for SNAP benefits in South Carolina through several methods. Choose to apply online, in person, or by mail.
Online Application
Applying online is often the fastest way to submit your information. You can complete the entire process from home without visiting an office, which offers convenience and saves time.
To start your application, visit the official South Carolina SNAP page. This site will direct you to the online portal where you can fill out and submit your form.
In-Person Application
Applying in person provides an opportunity for direct assistance. A caseworker at your local DSS office can help answer questions and guide you through the paperwork during your visit.
You must apply in the county where you live. Find your local office's address and hours on the state's official SNAP page.
Mail-In Application
If you prefer a paper application, you can submit one by mail. This is a good option if you cannot easily access the internet or travel to a local office.
Download the application form from the South Carolina SNAP page. After filling it out, mail the completed document to your county's DSS office.
How to Contact EBT Customer Service in South Carolina
Phone: Call the DSS Connect Call Center at 1-800-616-1309 for application help.
Hours: Live agents are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET.
Services: Get help with your application, check your case status, and ask benefit questions.
See South Carolina EBT Customer Service Contacts
How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in South Carolina
Once you're approved for SNAP benefits, it's time to learn how to use them, including what you can buy and where.
What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?
An Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card is where your SNAP benefits are loaded each month. Think of it like a debit card for your food assistance. It holds your approved benefit amount for you to use at authorized stores.
Using your EBT card is simple. At checkout, you will swipe your card at the point-of-sale (POS) machine and enter your personal identification number (PIN). The process works just like using a regular debit card for any other purchase.
What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?
Your SNAP benefits are meant for purchasing staple food items to prepare meals at home. This helps ensure your family has access to nutritious food. You can buy a wide variety of groceries with your EBT card.
Fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Breads and cereals
Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
Seeds and plants that produce food for your household
It's also important to know what you cannot buy with your benefits. SNAP is designed for food items only, so non-food products and certain prepared foods are not covered.
Alcohol, tobacco, or cigarettes
Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
Hot foods that are ready to eat
Non-food items like cleaning supplies, pet food, and cosmetics
How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits
Staying organized with your SNAP benefits helps you make the most of your monthly food budget and never miss a deadline.
EBT Deposit Schedule in South Carolina
In South Carolina, your SNAP benefits are deposited on a specific day each month. This date is determined by the last digit of your case number, helping you plan your monthly grocery budget.
You can find your specific payment date in our South Carolina deposit schedule.
See South Carolina EBT deposit schedule 2026
How to Check Your EBT Card Balance
You can check your balance through the online ConnectEBT portal, the Benny app, by calling the number on your card, or by looking at your latest store or ATM receipt.
Our guide covers each method for checking your EBT balance.
Check Your South Carolina EBT Balance
Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny
Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real-time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, and others.
To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.
Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.
Get 1-3% cash back on groceries and track your EBT Balance
Download the app
How to Renew Your SNAP Benefits
In South Carolina, you must recertify for SNAP benefits periodically, typically every six to twelve months. The Department of Social Services (DSS) will mail you a recertification packet before your deadline. Completing this process on time is the only way to prevent a disruption in your assistance.
You will need to provide updated documents with your recertification form. This includes recent pay stubs, proof of housing and utility costs, and information about any changes to your household size or medical expenses. Submitting all required paperwork helps the process go smoothly.
Special SNAP Services in South Carolina
South Carolina provides special SNAP services for households facing urgent situations. These programs offer temporary aid during financial crises, natural disasters, or for specific groups like the elderly.
Expedited SNAP (Emergency SNAP)
This service provides food assistance within seven days if you have an immediate lack of money. It is designed to prevent hunger during a financial crisis while your full application is processed.
You may be eligible if your household’s monthly gross income is under $150 with $100 or less in resources. Other qualifications include having income and cash that are less than your rent and utilities.
To apply, submit a regular SNAP application online via SCMAPP or at a county DSS office. Staff will screen your form for expedited criteria and issue benefits quickly if you qualify.
Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP)
D-SNAP offers a one-time food benefit after a federal disaster declaration. It helps households replace food and cover costs from uninsured losses or lost income due to the event.
You must have lived in a disaster-declared county and not be receiving regular SNAP. You will also need to show unreimbursed disaster expenses, a damaged home, or lost income.
Apply by phone or at a temporary DSS site during the announced window. Approved households receive benefits on an EBT card. You can check your balance with an app like Benny to see when funds arrive.
SNAP Replacement Benefits For Food Loss
If a power failure, flood, or other misfortune destroys food you bought with SNAP, you can request replacement benefits. This helps you restock groceries without paying out-of-pocket.
To qualify, your household must have lost food due to a disaster or a power outage of four hours or more. You can receive up to one month of your benefit amount as a replacement.
File DSS Form 1634B with your county DSS office within 10 days of the loss. Sometimes, mass replacements are issued automatically if the USDA grants a waiver for a widespread event.
Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP)
ESAP simplifies the SNAP application for older residents. It uses a shorter form and has fewer reporting rules, recognizing that seniors often have stable, fixed incomes and circumstances.
Your household is eligible if it only includes members aged 60 or older with no earned income. You cannot already be receiving SNAP benefits to qualify for this specific program.
Apply by mailing the ESAP form, using the online SCMAPP portal, or calling SC Thrive for help. Approved households get benefits for a longer period with minimal reporting requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
SHARE
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, provides monthly funds for groceries. If you have a low income, this program can help you and your family afford healthy food.
SNAP Income Limits and Benefit Amounts in South Carolina
Your eligibility for SNAP benefits in South Carolina depends on your household's gross monthly income. These limits are based on 130 percent of the federal poverty level and are updated every January.
The maximum benefit amount your household can receive follows the USDA's Thrifty Food Plan. These amounts are adjusted each October. The figures below are effective from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.
Household Size 1: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $1,632, Maximum Benefit Amount: $291
Household Size 2: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,215, Maximum Benefit Amount: $535
Household Size 3: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,798, Maximum Benefit Amount: $766
Household Size 4: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,380, Maximum Benefit Amount: $975
Household Size 5: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,963, Maximum Benefit Amount: about $1,158
Household Size 6: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $4,546, Maximum Benefit Amount: $1,390
Household Size 7: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $5,129, Maximum Benefit Amount: about $1,537
Household Size 8: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $5,712, Maximum Benefit Amount: about $1,756
For each additional person in your household, you can add $583 to the gross income limit. The maximum benefit amount increases by about $220 for each extra person.
These numbers can change. For the most current information, especially for future updates like the South Carolina SNAP benefits 2026, you should check the official DSS SNAP page. This is also the best place for confirmed figures for larger households.
Eligibility Criteria for SNAP in South Carolina
To determine your SNAP benefits eligibility for South Carolina, your household must meet several requirements.
Income Limits: Your household must meet gross and net monthly income limits, though households with an elderly or disabled member only need to meet the net income test.
Residency Requirements: You must live in South Carolina and apply for benefits in the county where you reside.
Citizenship Status: Each household member applying for benefits must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen with an eligible immigration status.
Work Requirements: Most adults must register for work and accept suitable employment, with specific rules for able-bodied adults without dependents unless they meet certain criteria.
Special Conditions: Different rules regarding South Carolina SNAP benefits eligibility may apply to seniors, college students, and people with disabilities, and most households must also meet resource limits.
These guidelines have specific details and exceptions. You can find complete information and updates on the official South Carolina SNAP page.
Download Benny app to save on groceries
Get coupons from your favorite brands
Earn 1-3% cash back on SNAP and track your EBT balance
Get 1% cash back with the Benny Visa card and build your credit score
Download the app
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in South Carolina
You can apply for SNAP benefits in South Carolina through several methods. Choose to apply online, in person, or by mail.
Online Application
Applying online is often the fastest way to submit your information. You can complete the entire process from home without visiting an office, which offers convenience and saves time.
To start your application, visit the official South Carolina SNAP page. This site will direct you to the online portal where you can fill out and submit your form.
In-Person Application
Applying in person provides an opportunity for direct assistance. A caseworker at your local DSS office can help answer questions and guide you through the paperwork during your visit.
You must apply in the county where you live. Find your local office's address and hours on the state's official SNAP page.
Mail-In Application
If you prefer a paper application, you can submit one by mail. This is a good option if you cannot easily access the internet or travel to a local office.
Download the application form from the South Carolina SNAP page. After filling it out, mail the completed document to your county's DSS office.
How to Contact EBT Customer Service in South Carolina
Phone: Call the DSS Connect Call Center at 1-800-616-1309 for application help.
Hours: Live agents are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET.
Services: Get help with your application, check your case status, and ask benefit questions.
See South Carolina EBT Customer Service Contacts
How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in South Carolina
Once you're approved for SNAP benefits, it's time to learn how to use them, including what you can buy and where.
What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?
An Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card is where your SNAP benefits are loaded each month. Think of it like a debit card for your food assistance. It holds your approved benefit amount for you to use at authorized stores.
Using your EBT card is simple. At checkout, you will swipe your card at the point-of-sale (POS) machine and enter your personal identification number (PIN). The process works just like using a regular debit card for any other purchase.
What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?
Your SNAP benefits are meant for purchasing staple food items to prepare meals at home. This helps ensure your family has access to nutritious food. You can buy a wide variety of groceries with your EBT card.
Fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Breads and cereals
Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
Seeds and plants that produce food for your household
It's also important to know what you cannot buy with your benefits. SNAP is designed for food items only, so non-food products and certain prepared foods are not covered.
Alcohol, tobacco, or cigarettes
Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
Hot foods that are ready to eat
Non-food items like cleaning supplies, pet food, and cosmetics
How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits
Staying organized with your SNAP benefits helps you make the most of your monthly food budget and never miss a deadline.
EBT Deposit Schedule in South Carolina
In South Carolina, your SNAP benefits are deposited on a specific day each month. This date is determined by the last digit of your case number, helping you plan your monthly grocery budget.
You can find your specific payment date in our South Carolina deposit schedule.
See South Carolina EBT deposit schedule 2026
How to Check Your EBT Card Balance
You can check your balance through the online ConnectEBT portal, the Benny app, by calling the number on your card, or by looking at your latest store or ATM receipt.
Our guide covers each method for checking your EBT balance.
Check Your South Carolina EBT Balance
Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny
Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real-time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, and others.
To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.
Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.
Get 1-3% cash back on groceries and track your EBT Balance
Download the app
How to Renew Your SNAP Benefits
In South Carolina, you must recertify for SNAP benefits periodically, typically every six to twelve months. The Department of Social Services (DSS) will mail you a recertification packet before your deadline. Completing this process on time is the only way to prevent a disruption in your assistance.
You will need to provide updated documents with your recertification form. This includes recent pay stubs, proof of housing and utility costs, and information about any changes to your household size or medical expenses. Submitting all required paperwork helps the process go smoothly.
Special SNAP Services in South Carolina
South Carolina provides special SNAP services for households facing urgent situations. These programs offer temporary aid during financial crises, natural disasters, or for specific groups like the elderly.
Expedited SNAP (Emergency SNAP)
This service provides food assistance within seven days if you have an immediate lack of money. It is designed to prevent hunger during a financial crisis while your full application is processed.
You may be eligible if your household’s monthly gross income is under $150 with $100 or less in resources. Other qualifications include having income and cash that are less than your rent and utilities.
To apply, submit a regular SNAP application online via SCMAPP or at a county DSS office. Staff will screen your form for expedited criteria and issue benefits quickly if you qualify.
Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP)
D-SNAP offers a one-time food benefit after a federal disaster declaration. It helps households replace food and cover costs from uninsured losses or lost income due to the event.
You must have lived in a disaster-declared county and not be receiving regular SNAP. You will also need to show unreimbursed disaster expenses, a damaged home, or lost income.
Apply by phone or at a temporary DSS site during the announced window. Approved households receive benefits on an EBT card. You can check your balance with an app like Benny to see when funds arrive.
SNAP Replacement Benefits For Food Loss
If a power failure, flood, or other misfortune destroys food you bought with SNAP, you can request replacement benefits. This helps you restock groceries without paying out-of-pocket.
To qualify, your household must have lost food due to a disaster or a power outage of four hours or more. You can receive up to one month of your benefit amount as a replacement.
File DSS Form 1634B with your county DSS office within 10 days of the loss. Sometimes, mass replacements are issued automatically if the USDA grants a waiver for a widespread event.
Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP)
ESAP simplifies the SNAP application for older residents. It uses a shorter form and has fewer reporting rules, recognizing that seniors often have stable, fixed incomes and circumstances.
Your household is eligible if it only includes members aged 60 or older with no earned income. You cannot already be receiving SNAP benefits to qualify for this specific program.
Apply by mailing the ESAP form, using the online SCMAPP portal, or calling SC Thrive for help. Approved households get benefits for a longer period with minimal reporting requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
SHARE
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, provides monthly funds for groceries. If you have a low income, this program can help you and your family afford healthy food.
SNAP Income Limits and Benefit Amounts in South Carolina
Your eligibility for SNAP benefits in South Carolina depends on your household's gross monthly income. These limits are based on 130 percent of the federal poverty level and are updated every January.
The maximum benefit amount your household can receive follows the USDA's Thrifty Food Plan. These amounts are adjusted each October. The figures below are effective from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.
Household Size 1: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $1,632, Maximum Benefit Amount: $291
Household Size 2: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,215, Maximum Benefit Amount: $535
Household Size 3: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,798, Maximum Benefit Amount: $766
Household Size 4: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,380, Maximum Benefit Amount: $975
Household Size 5: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,963, Maximum Benefit Amount: about $1,158
Household Size 6: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $4,546, Maximum Benefit Amount: $1,390
Household Size 7: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $5,129, Maximum Benefit Amount: about $1,537
Household Size 8: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $5,712, Maximum Benefit Amount: about $1,756
For each additional person in your household, you can add $583 to the gross income limit. The maximum benefit amount increases by about $220 for each extra person.
These numbers can change. For the most current information, especially for future updates like the South Carolina SNAP benefits 2026, you should check the official DSS SNAP page. This is also the best place for confirmed figures for larger households.
Eligibility Criteria for SNAP in South Carolina
To determine your SNAP benefits eligibility for South Carolina, your household must meet several requirements.
Income Limits: Your household must meet gross and net monthly income limits, though households with an elderly or disabled member only need to meet the net income test.
Residency Requirements: You must live in South Carolina and apply for benefits in the county where you reside.
Citizenship Status: Each household member applying for benefits must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen with an eligible immigration status.
Work Requirements: Most adults must register for work and accept suitable employment, with specific rules for able-bodied adults without dependents unless they meet certain criteria.
Special Conditions: Different rules regarding South Carolina SNAP benefits eligibility may apply to seniors, college students, and people with disabilities, and most households must also meet resource limits.
These guidelines have specific details and exceptions. You can find complete information and updates on the official South Carolina SNAP page.
Download Benny app to save on groceries
Get coupons from your favorite brands
Earn 1-3% cash back on SNAP and track your EBT balance
Get 1% cash back with the Benny Visa card and build your credit score
Download the app
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in South Carolina
You can apply for SNAP benefits in South Carolina through several methods. Choose to apply online, in person, or by mail.
Online Application
Applying online is often the fastest way to submit your information. You can complete the entire process from home without visiting an office, which offers convenience and saves time.
To start your application, visit the official South Carolina SNAP page. This site will direct you to the online portal where you can fill out and submit your form.
In-Person Application
Applying in person provides an opportunity for direct assistance. A caseworker at your local DSS office can help answer questions and guide you through the paperwork during your visit.
You must apply in the county where you live. Find your local office's address and hours on the state's official SNAP page.
Mail-In Application
If you prefer a paper application, you can submit one by mail. This is a good option if you cannot easily access the internet or travel to a local office.
Download the application form from the South Carolina SNAP page. After filling it out, mail the completed document to your county's DSS office.
How to Contact EBT Customer Service in South Carolina
Phone: Call the DSS Connect Call Center at 1-800-616-1309 for application help.
Hours: Live agents are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET.
Services: Get help with your application, check your case status, and ask benefit questions.
See South Carolina EBT Customer Service Contacts
How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in South Carolina
Once you're approved for SNAP benefits, it's time to learn how to use them, including what you can buy and where.
What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?
An Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card is where your SNAP benefits are loaded each month. Think of it like a debit card for your food assistance. It holds your approved benefit amount for you to use at authorized stores.
Using your EBT card is simple. At checkout, you will swipe your card at the point-of-sale (POS) machine and enter your personal identification number (PIN). The process works just like using a regular debit card for any other purchase.
What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?
Your SNAP benefits are meant for purchasing staple food items to prepare meals at home. This helps ensure your family has access to nutritious food. You can buy a wide variety of groceries with your EBT card.
Fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Breads and cereals
Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
Seeds and plants that produce food for your household
It's also important to know what you cannot buy with your benefits. SNAP is designed for food items only, so non-food products and certain prepared foods are not covered.
Alcohol, tobacco, or cigarettes
Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
Hot foods that are ready to eat
Non-food items like cleaning supplies, pet food, and cosmetics
How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits
Staying organized with your SNAP benefits helps you make the most of your monthly food budget and never miss a deadline.
EBT Deposit Schedule in South Carolina
In South Carolina, your SNAP benefits are deposited on a specific day each month. This date is determined by the last digit of your case number, helping you plan your monthly grocery budget.
You can find your specific payment date in our South Carolina deposit schedule.
See South Carolina EBT deposit schedule 2026
How to Check Your EBT Card Balance
You can check your balance through the online ConnectEBT portal, the Benny app, by calling the number on your card, or by looking at your latest store or ATM receipt.
Our guide covers each method for checking your EBT balance.
Check Your South Carolina EBT Balance
Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny
Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real-time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, and others.
To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.
Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.
Get 1-3% cash back on groceries and track your EBT Balance
Download the app
How to Renew Your SNAP Benefits
In South Carolina, you must recertify for SNAP benefits periodically, typically every six to twelve months. The Department of Social Services (DSS) will mail you a recertification packet before your deadline. Completing this process on time is the only way to prevent a disruption in your assistance.
You will need to provide updated documents with your recertification form. This includes recent pay stubs, proof of housing and utility costs, and information about any changes to your household size or medical expenses. Submitting all required paperwork helps the process go smoothly.
Special SNAP Services in South Carolina
South Carolina provides special SNAP services for households facing urgent situations. These programs offer temporary aid during financial crises, natural disasters, or for specific groups like the elderly.
Expedited SNAP (Emergency SNAP)
This service provides food assistance within seven days if you have an immediate lack of money. It is designed to prevent hunger during a financial crisis while your full application is processed.
You may be eligible if your household’s monthly gross income is under $150 with $100 or less in resources. Other qualifications include having income and cash that are less than your rent and utilities.
To apply, submit a regular SNAP application online via SCMAPP or at a county DSS office. Staff will screen your form for expedited criteria and issue benefits quickly if you qualify.
Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP)
D-SNAP offers a one-time food benefit after a federal disaster declaration. It helps households replace food and cover costs from uninsured losses or lost income due to the event.
You must have lived in a disaster-declared county and not be receiving regular SNAP. You will also need to show unreimbursed disaster expenses, a damaged home, or lost income.
Apply by phone or at a temporary DSS site during the announced window. Approved households receive benefits on an EBT card. You can check your balance with an app like Benny to see when funds arrive.
SNAP Replacement Benefits For Food Loss
If a power failure, flood, or other misfortune destroys food you bought with SNAP, you can request replacement benefits. This helps you restock groceries without paying out-of-pocket.
To qualify, your household must have lost food due to a disaster or a power outage of four hours or more. You can receive up to one month of your benefit amount as a replacement.
File DSS Form 1634B with your county DSS office within 10 days of the loss. Sometimes, mass replacements are issued automatically if the USDA grants a waiver for a widespread event.
Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP)
ESAP simplifies the SNAP application for older residents. It uses a shorter form and has fewer reporting rules, recognizing that seniors often have stable, fixed incomes and circumstances.
Your household is eligible if it only includes members aged 60 or older with no earned income. You cannot already be receiving SNAP benefits to qualify for this specific program.
Apply by mailing the ESAP form, using the online SCMAPP portal, or calling SC Thrive for help. Approved households get benefits for a longer period with minimal reporting requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
SHARE
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, provides monthly funds for groceries. If you have a low income, this program can help you and your family afford healthy food.
SNAP Income Limits and Benefit Amounts in South Carolina
Your eligibility for SNAP benefits in South Carolina depends on your household's gross monthly income. These limits are based on 130 percent of the federal poverty level and are updated every January.
The maximum benefit amount your household can receive follows the USDA's Thrifty Food Plan. These amounts are adjusted each October. The figures below are effective from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.
Household Size 1: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $1,632, Maximum Benefit Amount: $291
Household Size 2: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,215, Maximum Benefit Amount: $535
Household Size 3: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,798, Maximum Benefit Amount: $766
Household Size 4: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,380, Maximum Benefit Amount: $975
Household Size 5: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,963, Maximum Benefit Amount: about $1,158
Household Size 6: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $4,546, Maximum Benefit Amount: $1,390
Household Size 7: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $5,129, Maximum Benefit Amount: about $1,537
Household Size 8: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $5,712, Maximum Benefit Amount: about $1,756
For each additional person in your household, you can add $583 to the gross income limit. The maximum benefit amount increases by about $220 for each extra person.
These numbers can change. For the most current information, especially for future updates like the South Carolina SNAP benefits 2026, you should check the official DSS SNAP page. This is also the best place for confirmed figures for larger households.
Eligibility Criteria for SNAP in South Carolina
To determine your SNAP benefits eligibility for South Carolina, your household must meet several requirements.
Income Limits: Your household must meet gross and net monthly income limits, though households with an elderly or disabled member only need to meet the net income test.
Residency Requirements: You must live in South Carolina and apply for benefits in the county where you reside.
Citizenship Status: Each household member applying for benefits must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen with an eligible immigration status.
Work Requirements: Most adults must register for work and accept suitable employment, with specific rules for able-bodied adults without dependents unless they meet certain criteria.
Special Conditions: Different rules regarding South Carolina SNAP benefits eligibility may apply to seniors, college students, and people with disabilities, and most households must also meet resource limits.
These guidelines have specific details and exceptions. You can find complete information and updates on the official South Carolina SNAP page.
Download Benny app to save on groceries
Get coupons from your favorite brands
Earn 1-3% cash back on SNAP and track your EBT balance
Get 1% cash back with the Benny Visa card and build your credit score
Download the app
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in South Carolina
You can apply for SNAP benefits in South Carolina through several methods. Choose to apply online, in person, or by mail.
Online Application
Applying online is often the fastest way to submit your information. You can complete the entire process from home without visiting an office, which offers convenience and saves time.
To start your application, visit the official South Carolina SNAP page. This site will direct you to the online portal where you can fill out and submit your form.
In-Person Application
Applying in person provides an opportunity for direct assistance. A caseworker at your local DSS office can help answer questions and guide you through the paperwork during your visit.
You must apply in the county where you live. Find your local office's address and hours on the state's official SNAP page.
Mail-In Application
If you prefer a paper application, you can submit one by mail. This is a good option if you cannot easily access the internet or travel to a local office.
Download the application form from the South Carolina SNAP page. After filling it out, mail the completed document to your county's DSS office.
How to Contact EBT Customer Service in South Carolina
Phone: Call the DSS Connect Call Center at 1-800-616-1309 for application help.
Hours: Live agents are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET.
Services: Get help with your application, check your case status, and ask benefit questions.
See South Carolina EBT Customer Service Contacts
How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in South Carolina
Once you're approved for SNAP benefits, it's time to learn how to use them, including what you can buy and where.
What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?
An Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card is where your SNAP benefits are loaded each month. Think of it like a debit card for your food assistance. It holds your approved benefit amount for you to use at authorized stores.
Using your EBT card is simple. At checkout, you will swipe your card at the point-of-sale (POS) machine and enter your personal identification number (PIN). The process works just like using a regular debit card for any other purchase.
What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?
Your SNAP benefits are meant for purchasing staple food items to prepare meals at home. This helps ensure your family has access to nutritious food. You can buy a wide variety of groceries with your EBT card.
Fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Breads and cereals
Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
Seeds and plants that produce food for your household
It's also important to know what you cannot buy with your benefits. SNAP is designed for food items only, so non-food products and certain prepared foods are not covered.
Alcohol, tobacco, or cigarettes
Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
Hot foods that are ready to eat
Non-food items like cleaning supplies, pet food, and cosmetics
How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits
Staying organized with your SNAP benefits helps you make the most of your monthly food budget and never miss a deadline.
EBT Deposit Schedule in South Carolina
In South Carolina, your SNAP benefits are deposited on a specific day each month. This date is determined by the last digit of your case number, helping you plan your monthly grocery budget.
You can find your specific payment date in our South Carolina deposit schedule.
See South Carolina EBT deposit schedule 2026
How to Check Your EBT Card Balance
You can check your balance through the online ConnectEBT portal, the Benny app, by calling the number on your card, or by looking at your latest store or ATM receipt.
Our guide covers each method for checking your EBT balance.
Check Your South Carolina EBT Balance
Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny
Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real-time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, and others.
To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.
Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.
Get 1-3% cash back on groceries and track your EBT Balance
Download the app
How to Renew Your SNAP Benefits
In South Carolina, you must recertify for SNAP benefits periodically, typically every six to twelve months. The Department of Social Services (DSS) will mail you a recertification packet before your deadline. Completing this process on time is the only way to prevent a disruption in your assistance.
You will need to provide updated documents with your recertification form. This includes recent pay stubs, proof of housing and utility costs, and information about any changes to your household size or medical expenses. Submitting all required paperwork helps the process go smoothly.
Special SNAP Services in South Carolina
South Carolina provides special SNAP services for households facing urgent situations. These programs offer temporary aid during financial crises, natural disasters, or for specific groups like the elderly.
Expedited SNAP (Emergency SNAP)
This service provides food assistance within seven days if you have an immediate lack of money. It is designed to prevent hunger during a financial crisis while your full application is processed.
You may be eligible if your household’s monthly gross income is under $150 with $100 or less in resources. Other qualifications include having income and cash that are less than your rent and utilities.
To apply, submit a regular SNAP application online via SCMAPP or at a county DSS office. Staff will screen your form for expedited criteria and issue benefits quickly if you qualify.
Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP)
D-SNAP offers a one-time food benefit after a federal disaster declaration. It helps households replace food and cover costs from uninsured losses or lost income due to the event.
You must have lived in a disaster-declared county and not be receiving regular SNAP. You will also need to show unreimbursed disaster expenses, a damaged home, or lost income.
Apply by phone or at a temporary DSS site during the announced window. Approved households receive benefits on an EBT card. You can check your balance with an app like Benny to see when funds arrive.
SNAP Replacement Benefits For Food Loss
If a power failure, flood, or other misfortune destroys food you bought with SNAP, you can request replacement benefits. This helps you restock groceries without paying out-of-pocket.
To qualify, your household must have lost food due to a disaster or a power outage of four hours or more. You can receive up to one month of your benefit amount as a replacement.
File DSS Form 1634B with your county DSS office within 10 days of the loss. Sometimes, mass replacements are issued automatically if the USDA grants a waiver for a widespread event.
Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP)
ESAP simplifies the SNAP application for older residents. It uses a shorter form and has fewer reporting rules, recognizing that seniors often have stable, fixed incomes and circumstances.
Your household is eligible if it only includes members aged 60 or older with no earned income. You cannot already be receiving SNAP benefits to qualify for this specific program.
Apply by mailing the ESAP form, using the online SCMAPP portal, or calling SC Thrive for help. Approved households get benefits for a longer period with minimal reporting requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, provides monthly funds for groceries. If you have a low income, this program can help you and your family afford healthy food.
SNAP Income Limits and Benefit Amounts in South Carolina
Your eligibility for SNAP benefits in South Carolina depends on your household's gross monthly income. These limits are based on 130 percent of the federal poverty level and are updated every January.
The maximum benefit amount your household can receive follows the USDA's Thrifty Food Plan. These amounts are adjusted each October. The figures below are effective from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.
Household Size 1: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $1,632, Maximum Benefit Amount: $291
Household Size 2: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,215, Maximum Benefit Amount: $535
Household Size 3: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,798, Maximum Benefit Amount: $766
Household Size 4: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,380, Maximum Benefit Amount: $975
Household Size 5: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,963, Maximum Benefit Amount: about $1,158
Household Size 6: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $4,546, Maximum Benefit Amount: $1,390
Household Size 7: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $5,129, Maximum Benefit Amount: about $1,537
Household Size 8: Gross Monthly Income Limit: $5,712, Maximum Benefit Amount: about $1,756
For each additional person in your household, you can add $583 to the gross income limit. The maximum benefit amount increases by about $220 for each extra person.
These numbers can change. For the most current information, especially for future updates like the South Carolina SNAP benefits 2026, you should check the official DSS SNAP page. This is also the best place for confirmed figures for larger households.
Eligibility Criteria for SNAP in South Carolina
To determine your SNAP benefits eligibility for South Carolina, your household must meet several requirements.
Income Limits: Your household must meet gross and net monthly income limits, though households with an elderly or disabled member only need to meet the net income test.
Residency Requirements: You must live in South Carolina and apply for benefits in the county where you reside.
Citizenship Status: Each household member applying for benefits must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen with an eligible immigration status.
Work Requirements: Most adults must register for work and accept suitable employment, with specific rules for able-bodied adults without dependents unless they meet certain criteria.
Special Conditions: Different rules regarding South Carolina SNAP benefits eligibility may apply to seniors, college students, and people with disabilities, and most households must also meet resource limits.
These guidelines have specific details and exceptions. You can find complete information and updates on the official South Carolina SNAP page.
Download Benny app to save on groceries
Get coupons from your favorite brands
Earn 1-3% cash back on SNAP and track your EBT balance
Get 1% cash back with the Benny Visa card and build your credit score
Download the app
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in South Carolina
You can apply for SNAP benefits in South Carolina through several methods. Choose to apply online, in person, or by mail.
Online Application
Applying online is often the fastest way to submit your information. You can complete the entire process from home without visiting an office, which offers convenience and saves time.
To start your application, visit the official South Carolina SNAP page. This site will direct you to the online portal where you can fill out and submit your form.
In-Person Application
Applying in person provides an opportunity for direct assistance. A caseworker at your local DSS office can help answer questions and guide you through the paperwork during your visit.
You must apply in the county where you live. Find your local office's address and hours on the state's official SNAP page.
Mail-In Application
If you prefer a paper application, you can submit one by mail. This is a good option if you cannot easily access the internet or travel to a local office.
Download the application form from the South Carolina SNAP page. After filling it out, mail the completed document to your county's DSS office.
How to Contact EBT Customer Service in South Carolina
Phone: Call the DSS Connect Call Center at 1-800-616-1309 for application help.
Hours: Live agents are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET.
Services: Get help with your application, check your case status, and ask benefit questions.
See South Carolina EBT Customer Service Contacts
How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in South Carolina
Once you're approved for SNAP benefits, it's time to learn how to use them, including what you can buy and where.
What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?
An Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card is where your SNAP benefits are loaded each month. Think of it like a debit card for your food assistance. It holds your approved benefit amount for you to use at authorized stores.
Using your EBT card is simple. At checkout, you will swipe your card at the point-of-sale (POS) machine and enter your personal identification number (PIN). The process works just like using a regular debit card for any other purchase.
What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?
Your SNAP benefits are meant for purchasing staple food items to prepare meals at home. This helps ensure your family has access to nutritious food. You can buy a wide variety of groceries with your EBT card.
Fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Breads and cereals
Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
Seeds and plants that produce food for your household
It's also important to know what you cannot buy with your benefits. SNAP is designed for food items only, so non-food products and certain prepared foods are not covered.
Alcohol, tobacco, or cigarettes
Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
Hot foods that are ready to eat
Non-food items like cleaning supplies, pet food, and cosmetics
How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits
Staying organized with your SNAP benefits helps you make the most of your monthly food budget and never miss a deadline.
EBT Deposit Schedule in South Carolina
In South Carolina, your SNAP benefits are deposited on a specific day each month. This date is determined by the last digit of your case number, helping you plan your monthly grocery budget.
You can find your specific payment date in our South Carolina deposit schedule.
See South Carolina EBT deposit schedule 2026
How to Check Your EBT Card Balance
You can check your balance through the online ConnectEBT portal, the Benny app, by calling the number on your card, or by looking at your latest store or ATM receipt.
Our guide covers each method for checking your EBT balance.
Check Your South Carolina EBT Balance
Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny
Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real-time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, and others.
To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.
Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.
Get 1-3% cash back on groceries and track your EBT Balance
Download the app
How to Renew Your SNAP Benefits
In South Carolina, you must recertify for SNAP benefits periodically, typically every six to twelve months. The Department of Social Services (DSS) will mail you a recertification packet before your deadline. Completing this process on time is the only way to prevent a disruption in your assistance.
You will need to provide updated documents with your recertification form. This includes recent pay stubs, proof of housing and utility costs, and information about any changes to your household size or medical expenses. Submitting all required paperwork helps the process go smoothly.
Special SNAP Services in South Carolina
South Carolina provides special SNAP services for households facing urgent situations. These programs offer temporary aid during financial crises, natural disasters, or for specific groups like the elderly.
Expedited SNAP (Emergency SNAP)
This service provides food assistance within seven days if you have an immediate lack of money. It is designed to prevent hunger during a financial crisis while your full application is processed.
You may be eligible if your household’s monthly gross income is under $150 with $100 or less in resources. Other qualifications include having income and cash that are less than your rent and utilities.
To apply, submit a regular SNAP application online via SCMAPP or at a county DSS office. Staff will screen your form for expedited criteria and issue benefits quickly if you qualify.
Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP)
D-SNAP offers a one-time food benefit after a federal disaster declaration. It helps households replace food and cover costs from uninsured losses or lost income due to the event.
You must have lived in a disaster-declared county and not be receiving regular SNAP. You will also need to show unreimbursed disaster expenses, a damaged home, or lost income.
Apply by phone or at a temporary DSS site during the announced window. Approved households receive benefits on an EBT card. You can check your balance with an app like Benny to see when funds arrive.
SNAP Replacement Benefits For Food Loss
If a power failure, flood, or other misfortune destroys food you bought with SNAP, you can request replacement benefits. This helps you restock groceries without paying out-of-pocket.
To qualify, your household must have lost food due to a disaster or a power outage of four hours or more. You can receive up to one month of your benefit amount as a replacement.
File DSS Form 1634B with your county DSS office within 10 days of the loss. Sometimes, mass replacements are issued automatically if the USDA grants a waiver for a widespread event.
Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP)
ESAP simplifies the SNAP application for older residents. It uses a shorter form and has fewer reporting rules, recognizing that seniors often have stable, fixed incomes and circumstances.
Your household is eligible if it only includes members aged 60 or older with no earned income. You cannot already be receiving SNAP benefits to qualify for this specific program.
Apply by mailing the ESAP form, using the online SCMAPP portal, or calling SC Thrive for help. Approved households get benefits for a longer period with minimal reporting requirements.
