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 manage your benefits.
Nov 26, 2025
Edward Cheng
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 manage your benefits.
Nov 26, 2025
Edward Cheng
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 manage your benefits.
Nov 26, 2025
Edward Cheng
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 manage your benefits.
Nov 26, 2025
Edward Cheng
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 manage your benefits.
Nov 26, 2025
Edward Cheng
SHARE
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The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, helps you and your family buy groceries. This program provides monthly funds to low-income households in South Carolina to purchase healthy food.
SNAP Income Limits and Benefit Amounts in South Carolina
Your household's gross monthly income determines your eligibility for SNAP. These limits are set at 130 percent of the federal poverty level. The maximum benefit you can receive is based on the USDA's Thrifty Food Plan and is adjusted every October.
Here are the current limits for South Carolina, effective from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.
Household Size 1:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $1,632
Maximum Benefit Amount: $291Household Size 2:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,215
Maximum Benefit Amount: $535Household Size 3:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,798
Maximum Benefit Amount: $766Household Size 4:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,380
Maximum Benefit Amount: $975Household Size 5:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,963
Maximum Benefit Amount: about $1,158Household Size 6:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $4,546
Maximum Benefit Amount: $1,390Household Size 7:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $5,129
Maximum Benefit Amount: about $1,537Household Size 8:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $5,712
Maximum Benefit Amount: about $1,756For each additional person:
Add $583 to the gross income limit
Add about $220 to the maximum benefit
For the most current information, especially for households larger than eight, you should check the official South Carolina DSS SNAP page.
Eligibility Criteria for SNAP in South Carolina
To receive SNAP benefits in South Carolina, your household must meet several requirements related to income, residency, and work status.
Income Limits: Your household must meet specific income and resource limits, with special considerations for households with members who are elderly or have a disability.
Residency Requirements: You must live in South Carolina and apply for benefits in the county where you reside.
Citizenship Status: Each person applying for benefits must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen with eligible immigration status.
Work Requirements: Most adults are required to register for work, and specific rules apply to able-bodied adults without dependents to maintain eligibility.
Special Conditions: Simplified applications are available for seniors and SSI recipients, while college students face unique criteria and individuals with disabilities may be exempt from certain income and work rules.
The official SC SNAP page has more information on these rules, along with forms and office contacts.
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 online, in person, or by mail. Each method is designed to be accessible.
Online Application
The online portal is often the fastest way to apply. You can submit your application and upload required documents from home, saving a trip to a local office and getting your information processed quickly.
To apply online, visit the official South Carolina SNAP page. There you will find the application portal and instructions for submitting your information and any necessary documents electronically.
In-Person Application
Applying in person allows you to get direct assistance from a caseworker. This is a good option if you have questions about your eligibility or need help filling out the required forms.
You must apply in the county where you live. You can find your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office address by visiting the official SNAP page for a directory of county contacts.
Mail-In Application
If you prefer a paper application, you can download the form and mail it to your local DSS office. This method works well if you lack reliable internet access or prefer physical documents.
You can download the application form from the South Carolina DSS website. After filling it out, mail the completed form to your county's DSS office. You can find the correct mailing address on the website.
Once your application is approved and you receive your EBT card, managing your benefits is simple. The Benny app lets you check your real-time SNAP and EBT Cash balance and can provide cashback from participating stores.
How to Contact EBT Customer Service in South Carolina
Phone: For application help, case status, or benefit questions, call the DSS Connect Call Center at 1-800-616-1309.
Hours: Live agents are available to help you Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, excluding state holidays.
See South Carolina EBT Customer Service Contacts
How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in South Carolina
Once you're approved for SNAP, it's time to learn how to use your benefits, including what you can buy and where.
What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?
Your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card is how you will receive and use your SNAP funds. Think of it just like a debit card. The card is loaded with your benefits each month, and you can use it to purchase eligible food items at authorized stores.
Using your EBT card is simple. At checkout, you will swipe your card and enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN) to complete the purchase. The process is nearly identical to using a regular debit card for groceries.
What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?
Your SNAP benefits are meant for purchasing staple food items to help you prepare meals at home. This includes most groceries that you would find in a typical shopping cart.
Fruits and vegetables
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt
Breads and cereals
Meat, poultry, and fish
Non-alcoholic beverages
It's also helpful to know what you cannot buy with your EBT card. SNAP benefits do not cover non-food items or foods that are sold hot and ready to eat.
Alcoholic beverages
Hot, prepared foods
Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
Non-food items like cleaning supplies, paper products, and pet food
How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits
Managing your SNAP benefits helps you stay on budget and make sure you always have funds for groceries when needed.
EBT Deposit Schedule in South Carolina
In South Carolina, SNAP benefits are deposited between the 1st and 19th of each month. Your specific deposit date is determined by the last digit of your case number, which helps you plan your grocery budget.
You can find your payment date in our South Carolina deposit schedule.
See South Carolina EBT deposit schedule for 2025
How to Check Your EBT Card Balance
You can check your EBT balance in several ways. Log into the ConnectEBT portal, use the Benny app to see your balance and get cashback, call the number on your card, or check your balance at an ATM.
You can check out our guide covering each method on how to check 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 real-time EBT balance for SNAP and Cash, and get cashback on eligible purchases at stores like Target and Walmart. To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.
Download Benny to help manage your spending and get more from 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 typically need to renew your SNAP benefits every 6 to 12 months. The Department of Social Services (DSS) will send you a recertification packet in the mail when it's time for you to reapply.
To complete your renewal, you'll submit documents verifying your income, expenses, and household situation. This includes recent pay stubs, proof of housing costs, and records of medical expenses for eligible members.
Completing your recertification on schedule is important for keeping your benefits without interruption. A late submission can lead to a gap in receiving your monthly food assistance.
Special SNAP Services in South Carolina
South Carolina offers special SNAP services for specific situations. These include emergency benefits, disaster relief, food replacement, and simplified applications for older adults.
Expedited SNAP (Emergency SNAP)
This service provides food assistance within seven days if you face an immediate lack of money. It helps prevent hunger during a financial crisis.
You may qualify if your income and cash are very low, or less than your housing costs. Apply online via SCMAPP or at a DSS office.
Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP)
After a federal disaster declaration, D-SNAP offers a one-time food benefit to households with uninsured losses. It helps you replace food when your resources are disrupted.
You must have lived in a declared disaster county and not receive regular SNAP. Apply by phone or at a temporary DSS site during the announced window.
SNAP Replacement Benefits For Food Loss
If a power failure or other misfortune destroys food you bought with SNAP, you can request replacement benefits. This helps you restock groceries without paying out-of-pocket.
File DSS Form 1634B with your county DSS office within 10 days of the loss. You may need to include verification like an outage notice.
Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP)
ESAP simplifies the SNAP application for older adults on fixed incomes. It uses a shorter form and has fewer reporting requirements, reducing paperwork for eligible seniors.
Your household must only have members aged 60 or older with no earned income. Apply with the ESAP form by mail, online, or by calling SC Thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
SHARE
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, helps you and your family buy groceries. This program provides monthly funds to low-income households in South Carolina to purchase healthy food.
SNAP Income Limits and Benefit Amounts in South Carolina
Your household's gross monthly income determines your eligibility for SNAP. These limits are set at 130 percent of the federal poverty level. The maximum benefit you can receive is based on the USDA's Thrifty Food Plan and is adjusted every October.
Here are the current limits for South Carolina, effective from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.
Household Size 1:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $1,632
Maximum Benefit Amount: $291Household Size 2:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,215
Maximum Benefit Amount: $535Household Size 3:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,798
Maximum Benefit Amount: $766Household Size 4:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,380
Maximum Benefit Amount: $975Household Size 5:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,963
Maximum Benefit Amount: about $1,158Household Size 6:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $4,546
Maximum Benefit Amount: $1,390Household Size 7:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $5,129
Maximum Benefit Amount: about $1,537Household Size 8:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $5,712
Maximum Benefit Amount: about $1,756For each additional person:
Add $583 to the gross income limit
Add about $220 to the maximum benefit
For the most current information, especially for households larger than eight, you should check the official South Carolina DSS SNAP page.
Eligibility Criteria for SNAP in South Carolina
To receive SNAP benefits in South Carolina, your household must meet several requirements related to income, residency, and work status.
Income Limits: Your household must meet specific income and resource limits, with special considerations for households with members who are elderly or have a disability.
Residency Requirements: You must live in South Carolina and apply for benefits in the county where you reside.
Citizenship Status: Each person applying for benefits must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen with eligible immigration status.
Work Requirements: Most adults are required to register for work, and specific rules apply to able-bodied adults without dependents to maintain eligibility.
Special Conditions: Simplified applications are available for seniors and SSI recipients, while college students face unique criteria and individuals with disabilities may be exempt from certain income and work rules.
The official SC SNAP page has more information on these rules, along with forms and office contacts.
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 online, in person, or by mail. Each method is designed to be accessible.
Online Application
The online portal is often the fastest way to apply. You can submit your application and upload required documents from home, saving a trip to a local office and getting your information processed quickly.
To apply online, visit the official South Carolina SNAP page. There you will find the application portal and instructions for submitting your information and any necessary documents electronically.
In-Person Application
Applying in person allows you to get direct assistance from a caseworker. This is a good option if you have questions about your eligibility or need help filling out the required forms.
You must apply in the county where you live. You can find your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office address by visiting the official SNAP page for a directory of county contacts.
Mail-In Application
If you prefer a paper application, you can download the form and mail it to your local DSS office. This method works well if you lack reliable internet access or prefer physical documents.
You can download the application form from the South Carolina DSS website. After filling it out, mail the completed form to your county's DSS office. You can find the correct mailing address on the website.
Once your application is approved and you receive your EBT card, managing your benefits is simple. The Benny app lets you check your real-time SNAP and EBT Cash balance and can provide cashback from participating stores.
How to Contact EBT Customer Service in South Carolina
Phone: For application help, case status, or benefit questions, call the DSS Connect Call Center at 1-800-616-1309.
Hours: Live agents are available to help you Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, excluding state holidays.
See South Carolina EBT Customer Service Contacts
How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in South Carolina
Once you're approved for SNAP, it's time to learn how to use your benefits, including what you can buy and where.
What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?
Your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card is how you will receive and use your SNAP funds. Think of it just like a debit card. The card is loaded with your benefits each month, and you can use it to purchase eligible food items at authorized stores.
Using your EBT card is simple. At checkout, you will swipe your card and enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN) to complete the purchase. The process is nearly identical to using a regular debit card for groceries.
What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?
Your SNAP benefits are meant for purchasing staple food items to help you prepare meals at home. This includes most groceries that you would find in a typical shopping cart.
Fruits and vegetables
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt
Breads and cereals
Meat, poultry, and fish
Non-alcoholic beverages
It's also helpful to know what you cannot buy with your EBT card. SNAP benefits do not cover non-food items or foods that are sold hot and ready to eat.
Alcoholic beverages
Hot, prepared foods
Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
Non-food items like cleaning supplies, paper products, and pet food
How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits
Managing your SNAP benefits helps you stay on budget and make sure you always have funds for groceries when needed.
EBT Deposit Schedule in South Carolina
In South Carolina, SNAP benefits are deposited between the 1st and 19th of each month. Your specific deposit date is determined by the last digit of your case number, which helps you plan your grocery budget.
You can find your payment date in our South Carolina deposit schedule.
See South Carolina EBT deposit schedule for 2025
How to Check Your EBT Card Balance
You can check your EBT balance in several ways. Log into the ConnectEBT portal, use the Benny app to see your balance and get cashback, call the number on your card, or check your balance at an ATM.
You can check out our guide covering each method on how to check 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 real-time EBT balance for SNAP and Cash, and get cashback on eligible purchases at stores like Target and Walmart. To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.
Download Benny to help manage your spending and get more from 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 typically need to renew your SNAP benefits every 6 to 12 months. The Department of Social Services (DSS) will send you a recertification packet in the mail when it's time for you to reapply.
To complete your renewal, you'll submit documents verifying your income, expenses, and household situation. This includes recent pay stubs, proof of housing costs, and records of medical expenses for eligible members.
Completing your recertification on schedule is important for keeping your benefits without interruption. A late submission can lead to a gap in receiving your monthly food assistance.
Special SNAP Services in South Carolina
South Carolina offers special SNAP services for specific situations. These include emergency benefits, disaster relief, food replacement, and simplified applications for older adults.
Expedited SNAP (Emergency SNAP)
This service provides food assistance within seven days if you face an immediate lack of money. It helps prevent hunger during a financial crisis.
You may qualify if your income and cash are very low, or less than your housing costs. Apply online via SCMAPP or at a DSS office.
Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP)
After a federal disaster declaration, D-SNAP offers a one-time food benefit to households with uninsured losses. It helps you replace food when your resources are disrupted.
You must have lived in a declared disaster county and not receive regular SNAP. Apply by phone or at a temporary DSS site during the announced window.
SNAP Replacement Benefits For Food Loss
If a power failure or other misfortune destroys food you bought with SNAP, you can request replacement benefits. This helps you restock groceries without paying out-of-pocket.
File DSS Form 1634B with your county DSS office within 10 days of the loss. You may need to include verification like an outage notice.
Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP)
ESAP simplifies the SNAP application for older adults on fixed incomes. It uses a shorter form and has fewer reporting requirements, reducing paperwork for eligible seniors.
Your household must only have members aged 60 or older with no earned income. Apply with the ESAP form by mail, online, or by calling SC Thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
SHARE
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, helps you and your family buy groceries. This program provides monthly funds to low-income households in South Carolina to purchase healthy food.
SNAP Income Limits and Benefit Amounts in South Carolina
Your household's gross monthly income determines your eligibility for SNAP. These limits are set at 130 percent of the federal poverty level. The maximum benefit you can receive is based on the USDA's Thrifty Food Plan and is adjusted every October.
Here are the current limits for South Carolina, effective from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.
Household Size 1:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $1,632
Maximum Benefit Amount: $291Household Size 2:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,215
Maximum Benefit Amount: $535Household Size 3:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,798
Maximum Benefit Amount: $766Household Size 4:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,380
Maximum Benefit Amount: $975Household Size 5:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,963
Maximum Benefit Amount: about $1,158Household Size 6:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $4,546
Maximum Benefit Amount: $1,390Household Size 7:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $5,129
Maximum Benefit Amount: about $1,537Household Size 8:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $5,712
Maximum Benefit Amount: about $1,756For each additional person:
Add $583 to the gross income limit
Add about $220 to the maximum benefit
For the most current information, especially for households larger than eight, you should check the official South Carolina DSS SNAP page.
Eligibility Criteria for SNAP in South Carolina
To receive SNAP benefits in South Carolina, your household must meet several requirements related to income, residency, and work status.
Income Limits: Your household must meet specific income and resource limits, with special considerations for households with members who are elderly or have a disability.
Residency Requirements: You must live in South Carolina and apply for benefits in the county where you reside.
Citizenship Status: Each person applying for benefits must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen with eligible immigration status.
Work Requirements: Most adults are required to register for work, and specific rules apply to able-bodied adults without dependents to maintain eligibility.
Special Conditions: Simplified applications are available for seniors and SSI recipients, while college students face unique criteria and individuals with disabilities may be exempt from certain income and work rules.
The official SC SNAP page has more information on these rules, along with forms and office contacts.
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 online, in person, or by mail. Each method is designed to be accessible.
Online Application
The online portal is often the fastest way to apply. You can submit your application and upload required documents from home, saving a trip to a local office and getting your information processed quickly.
To apply online, visit the official South Carolina SNAP page. There you will find the application portal and instructions for submitting your information and any necessary documents electronically.
In-Person Application
Applying in person allows you to get direct assistance from a caseworker. This is a good option if you have questions about your eligibility or need help filling out the required forms.
You must apply in the county where you live. You can find your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office address by visiting the official SNAP page for a directory of county contacts.
Mail-In Application
If you prefer a paper application, you can download the form and mail it to your local DSS office. This method works well if you lack reliable internet access or prefer physical documents.
You can download the application form from the South Carolina DSS website. After filling it out, mail the completed form to your county's DSS office. You can find the correct mailing address on the website.
Once your application is approved and you receive your EBT card, managing your benefits is simple. The Benny app lets you check your real-time SNAP and EBT Cash balance and can provide cashback from participating stores.
How to Contact EBT Customer Service in South Carolina
Phone: For application help, case status, or benefit questions, call the DSS Connect Call Center at 1-800-616-1309.
Hours: Live agents are available to help you Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, excluding state holidays.
See South Carolina EBT Customer Service Contacts
How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in South Carolina
Once you're approved for SNAP, it's time to learn how to use your benefits, including what you can buy and where.
What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?
Your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card is how you will receive and use your SNAP funds. Think of it just like a debit card. The card is loaded with your benefits each month, and you can use it to purchase eligible food items at authorized stores.
Using your EBT card is simple. At checkout, you will swipe your card and enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN) to complete the purchase. The process is nearly identical to using a regular debit card for groceries.
What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?
Your SNAP benefits are meant for purchasing staple food items to help you prepare meals at home. This includes most groceries that you would find in a typical shopping cart.
Fruits and vegetables
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt
Breads and cereals
Meat, poultry, and fish
Non-alcoholic beverages
It's also helpful to know what you cannot buy with your EBT card. SNAP benefits do not cover non-food items or foods that are sold hot and ready to eat.
Alcoholic beverages
Hot, prepared foods
Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
Non-food items like cleaning supplies, paper products, and pet food
How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits
Managing your SNAP benefits helps you stay on budget and make sure you always have funds for groceries when needed.
EBT Deposit Schedule in South Carolina
In South Carolina, SNAP benefits are deposited between the 1st and 19th of each month. Your specific deposit date is determined by the last digit of your case number, which helps you plan your grocery budget.
You can find your payment date in our South Carolina deposit schedule.
See South Carolina EBT deposit schedule for 2025
How to Check Your EBT Card Balance
You can check your EBT balance in several ways. Log into the ConnectEBT portal, use the Benny app to see your balance and get cashback, call the number on your card, or check your balance at an ATM.
You can check out our guide covering each method on how to check 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 real-time EBT balance for SNAP and Cash, and get cashback on eligible purchases at stores like Target and Walmart. To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.
Download Benny to help manage your spending and get more from 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 typically need to renew your SNAP benefits every 6 to 12 months. The Department of Social Services (DSS) will send you a recertification packet in the mail when it's time for you to reapply.
To complete your renewal, you'll submit documents verifying your income, expenses, and household situation. This includes recent pay stubs, proof of housing costs, and records of medical expenses for eligible members.
Completing your recertification on schedule is important for keeping your benefits without interruption. A late submission can lead to a gap in receiving your monthly food assistance.
Special SNAP Services in South Carolina
South Carolina offers special SNAP services for specific situations. These include emergency benefits, disaster relief, food replacement, and simplified applications for older adults.
Expedited SNAP (Emergency SNAP)
This service provides food assistance within seven days if you face an immediate lack of money. It helps prevent hunger during a financial crisis.
You may qualify if your income and cash are very low, or less than your housing costs. Apply online via SCMAPP or at a DSS office.
Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP)
After a federal disaster declaration, D-SNAP offers a one-time food benefit to households with uninsured losses. It helps you replace food when your resources are disrupted.
You must have lived in a declared disaster county and not receive regular SNAP. Apply by phone or at a temporary DSS site during the announced window.
SNAP Replacement Benefits For Food Loss
If a power failure or other misfortune destroys food you bought with SNAP, you can request replacement benefits. This helps you restock groceries without paying out-of-pocket.
File DSS Form 1634B with your county DSS office within 10 days of the loss. You may need to include verification like an outage notice.
Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP)
ESAP simplifies the SNAP application for older adults on fixed incomes. It uses a shorter form and has fewer reporting requirements, reducing paperwork for eligible seniors.
Your household must only have members aged 60 or older with no earned income. Apply with the ESAP form by mail, online, or by calling SC Thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
SHARE
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, helps you and your family buy groceries. This program provides monthly funds to low-income households in South Carolina to purchase healthy food.
SNAP Income Limits and Benefit Amounts in South Carolina
Your household's gross monthly income determines your eligibility for SNAP. These limits are set at 130 percent of the federal poverty level. The maximum benefit you can receive is based on the USDA's Thrifty Food Plan and is adjusted every October.
Here are the current limits for South Carolina, effective from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.
Household Size 1:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $1,632
Maximum Benefit Amount: $291Household Size 2:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,215
Maximum Benefit Amount: $535Household Size 3:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,798
Maximum Benefit Amount: $766Household Size 4:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,380
Maximum Benefit Amount: $975Household Size 5:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,963
Maximum Benefit Amount: about $1,158Household Size 6:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $4,546
Maximum Benefit Amount: $1,390Household Size 7:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $5,129
Maximum Benefit Amount: about $1,537Household Size 8:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $5,712
Maximum Benefit Amount: about $1,756For each additional person:
Add $583 to the gross income limit
Add about $220 to the maximum benefit
For the most current information, especially for households larger than eight, you should check the official South Carolina DSS SNAP page.
Eligibility Criteria for SNAP in South Carolina
To receive SNAP benefits in South Carolina, your household must meet several requirements related to income, residency, and work status.
Income Limits: Your household must meet specific income and resource limits, with special considerations for households with members who are elderly or have a disability.
Residency Requirements: You must live in South Carolina and apply for benefits in the county where you reside.
Citizenship Status: Each person applying for benefits must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen with eligible immigration status.
Work Requirements: Most adults are required to register for work, and specific rules apply to able-bodied adults without dependents to maintain eligibility.
Special Conditions: Simplified applications are available for seniors and SSI recipients, while college students face unique criteria and individuals with disabilities may be exempt from certain income and work rules.
The official SC SNAP page has more information on these rules, along with forms and office contacts.
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 online, in person, or by mail. Each method is designed to be accessible.
Online Application
The online portal is often the fastest way to apply. You can submit your application and upload required documents from home, saving a trip to a local office and getting your information processed quickly.
To apply online, visit the official South Carolina SNAP page. There you will find the application portal and instructions for submitting your information and any necessary documents electronically.
In-Person Application
Applying in person allows you to get direct assistance from a caseworker. This is a good option if you have questions about your eligibility or need help filling out the required forms.
You must apply in the county where you live. You can find your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office address by visiting the official SNAP page for a directory of county contacts.
Mail-In Application
If you prefer a paper application, you can download the form and mail it to your local DSS office. This method works well if you lack reliable internet access or prefer physical documents.
You can download the application form from the South Carolina DSS website. After filling it out, mail the completed form to your county's DSS office. You can find the correct mailing address on the website.
Once your application is approved and you receive your EBT card, managing your benefits is simple. The Benny app lets you check your real-time SNAP and EBT Cash balance and can provide cashback from participating stores.
How to Contact EBT Customer Service in South Carolina
Phone: For application help, case status, or benefit questions, call the DSS Connect Call Center at 1-800-616-1309.
Hours: Live agents are available to help you Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, excluding state holidays.
See South Carolina EBT Customer Service Contacts
How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in South Carolina
Once you're approved for SNAP, it's time to learn how to use your benefits, including what you can buy and where.
What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?
Your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card is how you will receive and use your SNAP funds. Think of it just like a debit card. The card is loaded with your benefits each month, and you can use it to purchase eligible food items at authorized stores.
Using your EBT card is simple. At checkout, you will swipe your card and enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN) to complete the purchase. The process is nearly identical to using a regular debit card for groceries.
What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?
Your SNAP benefits are meant for purchasing staple food items to help you prepare meals at home. This includes most groceries that you would find in a typical shopping cart.
Fruits and vegetables
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt
Breads and cereals
Meat, poultry, and fish
Non-alcoholic beverages
It's also helpful to know what you cannot buy with your EBT card. SNAP benefits do not cover non-food items or foods that are sold hot and ready to eat.
Alcoholic beverages
Hot, prepared foods
Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
Non-food items like cleaning supplies, paper products, and pet food
How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits
Managing your SNAP benefits helps you stay on budget and make sure you always have funds for groceries when needed.
EBT Deposit Schedule in South Carolina
In South Carolina, SNAP benefits are deposited between the 1st and 19th of each month. Your specific deposit date is determined by the last digit of your case number, which helps you plan your grocery budget.
You can find your payment date in our South Carolina deposit schedule.
See South Carolina EBT deposit schedule for 2025
How to Check Your EBT Card Balance
You can check your EBT balance in several ways. Log into the ConnectEBT portal, use the Benny app to see your balance and get cashback, call the number on your card, or check your balance at an ATM.
You can check out our guide covering each method on how to check 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 real-time EBT balance for SNAP and Cash, and get cashback on eligible purchases at stores like Target and Walmart. To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.
Download Benny to help manage your spending and get more from 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 typically need to renew your SNAP benefits every 6 to 12 months. The Department of Social Services (DSS) will send you a recertification packet in the mail when it's time for you to reapply.
To complete your renewal, you'll submit documents verifying your income, expenses, and household situation. This includes recent pay stubs, proof of housing costs, and records of medical expenses for eligible members.
Completing your recertification on schedule is important for keeping your benefits without interruption. A late submission can lead to a gap in receiving your monthly food assistance.
Special SNAP Services in South Carolina
South Carolina offers special SNAP services for specific situations. These include emergency benefits, disaster relief, food replacement, and simplified applications for older adults.
Expedited SNAP (Emergency SNAP)
This service provides food assistance within seven days if you face an immediate lack of money. It helps prevent hunger during a financial crisis.
You may qualify if your income and cash are very low, or less than your housing costs. Apply online via SCMAPP or at a DSS office.
Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP)
After a federal disaster declaration, D-SNAP offers a one-time food benefit to households with uninsured losses. It helps you replace food when your resources are disrupted.
You must have lived in a declared disaster county and not receive regular SNAP. Apply by phone or at a temporary DSS site during the announced window.
SNAP Replacement Benefits For Food Loss
If a power failure or other misfortune destroys food you bought with SNAP, you can request replacement benefits. This helps you restock groceries without paying out-of-pocket.
File DSS Form 1634B with your county DSS office within 10 days of the loss. You may need to include verification like an outage notice.
Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP)
ESAP simplifies the SNAP application for older adults on fixed incomes. It uses a shorter form and has fewer reporting requirements, reducing paperwork for eligible seniors.
Your household must only have members aged 60 or older with no earned income. Apply with the ESAP form by mail, online, or by calling SC Thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, helps you and your family buy groceries. This program provides monthly funds to low-income households in South Carolina to purchase healthy food.
SNAP Income Limits and Benefit Amounts in South Carolina
Your household's gross monthly income determines your eligibility for SNAP. These limits are set at 130 percent of the federal poverty level. The maximum benefit you can receive is based on the USDA's Thrifty Food Plan and is adjusted every October.
Here are the current limits for South Carolina, effective from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.
Household Size 1:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $1,632
Maximum Benefit Amount: $291Household Size 2:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,215
Maximum Benefit Amount: $535Household Size 3:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,798
Maximum Benefit Amount: $766Household Size 4:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,380
Maximum Benefit Amount: $975Household Size 5:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,963
Maximum Benefit Amount: about $1,158Household Size 6:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $4,546
Maximum Benefit Amount: $1,390Household Size 7:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $5,129
Maximum Benefit Amount: about $1,537Household Size 8:
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $5,712
Maximum Benefit Amount: about $1,756For each additional person:
Add $583 to the gross income limit
Add about $220 to the maximum benefit
For the most current information, especially for households larger than eight, you should check the official South Carolina DSS SNAP page.
Eligibility Criteria for SNAP in South Carolina
To receive SNAP benefits in South Carolina, your household must meet several requirements related to income, residency, and work status.
Income Limits: Your household must meet specific income and resource limits, with special considerations for households with members who are elderly or have a disability.
Residency Requirements: You must live in South Carolina and apply for benefits in the county where you reside.
Citizenship Status: Each person applying for benefits must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen with eligible immigration status.
Work Requirements: Most adults are required to register for work, and specific rules apply to able-bodied adults without dependents to maintain eligibility.
Special Conditions: Simplified applications are available for seniors and SSI recipients, while college students face unique criteria and individuals with disabilities may be exempt from certain income and work rules.
The official SC SNAP page has more information on these rules, along with forms and office contacts.
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Earn 1-3% cash back on SNAP and track your EBT balance
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How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in South Carolina
You can apply for SNAP benefits in South Carolina online, in person, or by mail. Each method is designed to be accessible.
Online Application
The online portal is often the fastest way to apply. You can submit your application and upload required documents from home, saving a trip to a local office and getting your information processed quickly.
To apply online, visit the official South Carolina SNAP page. There you will find the application portal and instructions for submitting your information and any necessary documents electronically.
In-Person Application
Applying in person allows you to get direct assistance from a caseworker. This is a good option if you have questions about your eligibility or need help filling out the required forms.
You must apply in the county where you live. You can find your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office address by visiting the official SNAP page for a directory of county contacts.
Mail-In Application
If you prefer a paper application, you can download the form and mail it to your local DSS office. This method works well if you lack reliable internet access or prefer physical documents.
You can download the application form from the South Carolina DSS website. After filling it out, mail the completed form to your county's DSS office. You can find the correct mailing address on the website.
Once your application is approved and you receive your EBT card, managing your benefits is simple. The Benny app lets you check your real-time SNAP and EBT Cash balance and can provide cashback from participating stores.
How to Contact EBT Customer Service in South Carolina
Phone: For application help, case status, or benefit questions, call the DSS Connect Call Center at 1-800-616-1309.
Hours: Live agents are available to help you Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, excluding state holidays.
See South Carolina EBT Customer Service Contacts
How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in South Carolina
Once you're approved for SNAP, it's time to learn how to use your benefits, including what you can buy and where.
What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?
Your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card is how you will receive and use your SNAP funds. Think of it just like a debit card. The card is loaded with your benefits each month, and you can use it to purchase eligible food items at authorized stores.
Using your EBT card is simple. At checkout, you will swipe your card and enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN) to complete the purchase. The process is nearly identical to using a regular debit card for groceries.
What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?
Your SNAP benefits are meant for purchasing staple food items to help you prepare meals at home. This includes most groceries that you would find in a typical shopping cart.
Fruits and vegetables
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt
Breads and cereals
Meat, poultry, and fish
Non-alcoholic beverages
It's also helpful to know what you cannot buy with your EBT card. SNAP benefits do not cover non-food items or foods that are sold hot and ready to eat.
Alcoholic beverages
Hot, prepared foods
Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
Non-food items like cleaning supplies, paper products, and pet food
How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits
Managing your SNAP benefits helps you stay on budget and make sure you always have funds for groceries when needed.
EBT Deposit Schedule in South Carolina
In South Carolina, SNAP benefits are deposited between the 1st and 19th of each month. Your specific deposit date is determined by the last digit of your case number, which helps you plan your grocery budget.
You can find your payment date in our South Carolina deposit schedule.
See South Carolina EBT deposit schedule for 2025
How to Check Your EBT Card Balance
You can check your EBT balance in several ways. Log into the ConnectEBT portal, use the Benny app to see your balance and get cashback, call the number on your card, or check your balance at an ATM.
You can check out our guide covering each method on how to check 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 real-time EBT balance for SNAP and Cash, and get cashback on eligible purchases at stores like Target and Walmart. To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.
Download Benny to help manage your spending and get more from 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 typically need to renew your SNAP benefits every 6 to 12 months. The Department of Social Services (DSS) will send you a recertification packet in the mail when it's time for you to reapply.
To complete your renewal, you'll submit documents verifying your income, expenses, and household situation. This includes recent pay stubs, proof of housing costs, and records of medical expenses for eligible members.
Completing your recertification on schedule is important for keeping your benefits without interruption. A late submission can lead to a gap in receiving your monthly food assistance.
Special SNAP Services in South Carolina
South Carolina offers special SNAP services for specific situations. These include emergency benefits, disaster relief, food replacement, and simplified applications for older adults.
Expedited SNAP (Emergency SNAP)
This service provides food assistance within seven days if you face an immediate lack of money. It helps prevent hunger during a financial crisis.
You may qualify if your income and cash are very low, or less than your housing costs. Apply online via SCMAPP or at a DSS office.
Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP)
After a federal disaster declaration, D-SNAP offers a one-time food benefit to households with uninsured losses. It helps you replace food when your resources are disrupted.
You must have lived in a declared disaster county and not receive regular SNAP. Apply by phone or at a temporary DSS site during the announced window.
SNAP Replacement Benefits For Food Loss
If a power failure or other misfortune destroys food you bought with SNAP, you can request replacement benefits. This helps you restock groceries without paying out-of-pocket.
File DSS Form 1634B with your county DSS office within 10 days of the loss. You may need to include verification like an outage notice.
Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP)
ESAP simplifies the SNAP application for older adults on fixed incomes. It uses a shorter form and has fewer reporting requirements, reducing paperwork for eligible seniors.
Your household must only have members aged 60 or older with no earned income. Apply with the ESAP form by mail, online, or by calling SC Thrive.
