SOUTH CAROLINA
Find out how much assistance your family may receive in South Carolina, based on your income.
The benefits listed below are estimates of what a single-parent family of two with no income per month can expect to receive in South Carolina, including Medicaid.
| CASH | $308 |
| FOOD | $546 |
| WIC | $26 |
| LIHEAP | $850 |
| CHILD CARE | ✓ |
| MEDICAID | ✓ |
This is an unofficial benefits estimator and not an application. No personal data is collected or stored. Actual amounts may vary based on individual circumstances, location, eligibility criteria, and recent data updates at the time of application.
South Carolina Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
South Carolina TANF is a time-limited program that assists very low-income families with dependent children who could not afford even basic necessities.
In South Carolina, most TANF benefits are limited to 24 months in a 10 year time period. The time limit may be extended due to hardship reasons, if specific criteria is met.
What is the income limit for TANF in South Carolina?
The income threshold for TANF in South Carolina is set at 50% of the federal poverty level. For example, a family of three earning $13,325 or less may qualify for TANF.
| Family Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $7,825 |
| 2 | $10,575 |
| 3 | $13,325 |
| 4 | $16,075 |
| 5 | $18,825 |
| 6 | $21,575 |
| 7 | $24,325 |
| 8 | $27,075 |
To check your potential eligibility for TANF benefits, visit the ‘Am I Eligible?’ section on the DSS Benefits Portal.
How do I apply for TANF in South Carolina?
You may apply for TANF benefits in person at your local county office or online through DSS Benefits Portal . If you are a first time user, you need to create a new account.
South Carolina SNAP
South Carolina SNAP helps low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled with cash assistance to buy the food they need for a nutritionally adequate diet.
Eligibility is based on 130% of the federal poverty guidelines. For example, a single mother of two whose gross monthly income is $2,887 or less may qualify for benefits.
| Family Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,695 |
| 2 | $2,291 |
| 3 | $2,887 |
| 4 | $3,483 |
| 5 | $4,079 |
| 6 | $4,675 |
| 7 | $5,270 |
| 8 | $5,866 |
How do I apply for food stamps in SC?
To apply for SNAP in South Carolina, you may print and fill out an application and return it to your local DSS county office or apply online with DSS Benefits Portal .
If you are accepted into the program, your SNAP benefits are automatically deposited to your South Carolina EBT Card on the same day of each month you are eligible.
For more information on how to apply, please call
(800) 616-1309
South Carolina Special Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
South Carolina’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program is a nutrition program for pregnant women, new and breastfeeding moms, and children up to the age of five.
It provides nutritious foods along with nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and other services at no cost to families who qualify.
What is the income limit for WIC in South Carolina?
WIC is open to South Carolina families with a household income at or below 185% of the poverty level or those who are enrolled in SNAP, TANF or Medicaid programs.
| Family Size | ANNUAL LIMIT | MONTLY LIMIT | WEEKLY LIMIT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28,953 | $2,413 | $557 |
| 2 | $39,128 | $3,261 | $752 |
| 3 | $49,303 | $4,109 | $948 |
| 4 | $59,478 | $4,956 | $1,144 |
| 5 | $69,653 | $5,804 | $1,339 |
| 6 | $79,828 | $6,652 | $1,535 |
| 7 | $90,003 | $7,500 | $1,731 |
| 8 | $100,178 | $8,348 | $1,926 |
How do I apply for WIC in South Carolina?
Call (855) 472-3432 to make an appointment, or create an account and begin the application process online using the WIC pre-application .
South Carolina Healthy Connections
Healthy Connections is free or low cost public health insurance for low-income South Carolinians who could not otherwise afford it — including children from low-income families and pregnant women.
As South Carolina is not expanding Medicaid coverage, eligibility is limited to parents with incomes below 67% of poverty. That’s about $17,856 for a family of three.
Pregnant women are covered up to 199% of poverty and may be able to receive medical care while waiting for their application to be processed.
What is the income limit for Medicaid in South Carolina?
| SC Medicaid | 143% | 199% | 67% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22,380 | $31,144 | $10,486 |
| 2 | $30,245 | $42,089 | $14,171 |
| 3 | $38,110 | $53,034 | $17,856 |
| 4 | $45,975 | $63,979 | $21,541 |
| 5 | $53,840 | $74,924 | $25,226 |
| 6 | $61,705 | $85,869 | $28,911 |
| 7 | $69,570 | $96,814 | $32,596 |
| 8 | $77,435 | $107,759 | $36,281 |
How do I apply for Medicaid in South Carolina?
South Carolinians can apply for Medicaid online, in person, or through the mail. Call (888) 549-0820 or visit apply.scdhhs.gov to submit your application online.
South Carolina Healthy Connections Kids
Healthy Connections Kids is a health insurance program for children up to age 19 in South Carolina who are not eligible for Medicaid and who are uninsured.
It provides free health care to children in families with income below 213% of the poverty guidelines. The program does not provide any coverage for the adults.
| Family Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $33,335 |
| 2 | $45,050 |
| 3 | $56,765 |
| 4 | $68,480 |
| 5 | $80,195 |
| 6 | $91,910 |
| 7 | $103,625 |
| 8 | $115,340 |
How do I apply for Healthy Connections Kids in SC?
Application for Healthy Connections Kids can also be done via apply.scdhhs.gov or call (888) 549-0820 to find out if your child qualifies for CHIP.
South Carolina Child Care Scholarship Program
According to the Department of Social Services (DSS), South Carolina is pausing new and renewal child care scholarship applications starting December 1, 2025 due to a lapse in funding.
Subsidized child care in South Carolina is provided through the Child Care Scholarship Program that helps low income families afford quality child care.
Eligible families can choose their own child care provider. The program will reimburse child care providers up to a certain amount based on their quality level.
The scholarship amount the family is eligible for can vary, but will be determined by factors including the provider’s tuition rate, their ABC Quality level and the child’s age.
What is the income limit for child care assistance in South Carolina?
Starting on October 1, 2025, families must be at or below 85% of the State Median Income (SMI) to qualify for an SC Child Care Scholarship. For a family of three, that’s about $6,101 or less per month.
| Family Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 2 | $4,939 |
| 3 | $6,101 |
| 4 | $7,263 |
| 5 | $8,425 |
| 6 | $9,588 |
| 7 | $9,805 |
| 8 | $10,023 |
How do I apply for child care assistance in South Carolina?
Child care scholarship eligibility requirements and online applications are available in the DSS Benefits Portal . If you qualify and are approved, funds will be provided in direct payments to your provider for up to 52 weeks.
If you need help finding available child care, please contact the South Carolina Child Care Resource & Referral Network at (888) 335-1002.
Child Care Operations Center
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on state holidays
(800) 476-0199
South Carolina Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
South Carolina LIHEAP assists eligible low-income households in South Carolina in meeting the costs of home heating and cooling by making direct payments to their gas or electric utility companies.
Priority is given those who may be elderly, disabled, have families with children, and/or have the highest energy consumption.
LIHEAP is not provided on a monthly basis. Depending on the availability of fund in your county, you may receive assistance once a year or up to three times a year, with a maximum amount of $850 per household in a 12-month period.
What is the monthly income limit for LIHEAP in SC?
Households are income-eligible for LIHEAP when the household’s gross income is equal to or less than 60% of the State Median Income (SMI) for their household size. The current guidelines are shown in the table below.
| Family Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,666 |
| 2 | $3,486 |
| 3 | $4,307 |
| 4 | $5,127 |
| 5 | $5,947 |
| 6 | $6,768 |
| 7 | $6,922 |
| 8 | $7,075 |
How do I apply for LIHEAP in SC?
In order to apply for LIHEAP, you will have to visit your local county office in person. When applying, be sure to bring along recent copies of your utility bills with you.
South Carolina Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
NOTICE: Funding is no longer available for LIHWAP. Households may not receive LIHWAP benefits at this time.
South Carolina LIHWAP is a temporary emergency program designed to help low-income households and families who have fallen behind on their water and wastewater bills.
Households eligible for LIHWAP benefits will have a one-time credit of up to $1,000 applied to their water utilities account.
Priority is given to households facing the threat of disconnection, or those that have already been disconnected.
How do I get help paying my water bill in SC?
South Carolina’s LIHWAP is administered by Community Action Agencies (CAAs) currently accepting LIHWAP applications and determine benefit eligibility.
Application must be done in person through the local agency that administers the program in your county.
South Carolina Unemployment Insurance
South Carolina Unemployment Insurance (UI) provides temporary financial assistance to eligible workers who lost their job through no fault of their own.
To be monetarily eligible for benefits in South Carolina, you must have earned a minimum amount of wages in a recent ‘base period ’ and must have, prior to filing a claim:
- earned at least $4,455 in wages in the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters, AND
- at least $1,092 in the highest quarter, AND
- total base period earnings of not less than 1.5 times the earnings in the highest quarter.
For example, if your highest-paid quarter was $4,000, your total wages must be at least $6,000 ($4,000 × 1.5) during the base period.
How much unemployment benefits can I get in South Carolina?
Depending on how much you have earned in your base period, you may receive up to $350 per week for a maximum of 20 weeks of unemployment benefits per year.
How do I file for unemployment in South Carolina?
Initial claims and weekly certification can be filed online through MyBenefits or by the Telclaim number at (866) 831-1724.
Within two weeks of submitting your initial claim, you must register for work on SC Works Online Services to receive your payment and conduct at least two (2) verifiable job searches per week to remain eligible.
South Carolina Tuition Grant
South Carolina Tuition Grant is a need-based program for eligible South Carolina students attending one of the 21 independent colleges and universities in the State.
Students who demonstrate financial need and meet the required academic standards may receive a maximum amount of $5,000 for the 2026—2027 award year.
The FAFSA deadline for the 2026—2027 academic year is August 1, 2026. Early applicants are given first priority for consideration.
South Carolina Earned Income Tax Credit
South Carolina has established a state’s non-refundable Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to “piggyback” off the federal credit, which makes it the 27th state to do so.
Eligible taxpayers in South Carolina can claim a non-refundable state EITC, with a credit worth 125% of the federal credit beginning in tax year 2023.
How much is South Carolina Earned Income Credit?
| NO. OF CHILD | |
|---|---|
| 0 | $811 |
| 1 | $5,410 |
| 2 | $8,940 |
| 3 or more | $10,058 |
To receive the credit, you must:
- first claim the EITC on your federal income tax returns. If you are not eligible for the federal credit, you cannot claim the state credit.
- be a full-year resident of South Carolina.
- claim the credit when filing your South Carolina Individual Income Tax return online or by paper (TC-60).
The credit offers a tax break for many low-wage South Carolinians and their families. However, because it is non-refundable, those who pay little to no state income tax get little to no benefit from the credit.