SOUTH CAROLINA
What assistance can a single mother receive in South Carolina?
A single mother with two children in South Carolina with no income may receive up to $388 in cash assistance, $785 in food benefits, and $850 in utility support, along with child care assistance and Medicaid coverage.
| CASH | $388 |
| FOOD | $785 |
| WIC | $52 |
| LIHEAP | $850 |
| CHILD CARE | ✓ |
| MEDICAID | ✓ |
| PELL GRANT | $7,395 |
For the 2026—2027 academic year, a single mother in a household of 3 in South Carolina can earn up to $58,095 and still qualify for the maximum Pell grant of $7,395.
This is an unofficial benefits estimator. 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 provides temporary financial assistance and employment services to low-income families with dependent children.
The program provides a monthly stipend to help families pay for basic needs like food, housing, and utilities, as well as financial help for work-related expenses.
In South Carolina, most TANF benefits are limited to 24 months within a 10-year period. This time limit may be extended in cases of hardship if specific criteria are 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 not more than $1,110 per month may qualify for TANF.
| Household Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $652 |
| 2 | $881 |
| 3 | $1,110 |
| 4 | $1,340 |
| 5 | $1,569 |
| 6 | $1,798 |
| 7 | $2,027 |
| 8 | $2,256 |
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 Department of Social Services
SNAP/TANF Client Services
(800) 616-1309
South Carolina SNAP
South Carolina SNAP is a nutrition assistance program that helps low-income individuals and families afford the food they need for a healthier diet. The program serves families with children, older adults, people with disabilities, and working or unemployed people of all ages.
SNAP eligibility is based on 130% of the federal poverty guidelines. For instance, a single mother of two with a gross monthly income of $2,887 or less may qualify.
| Household Size | 100% | 130% |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,304 | $1,695 |
| 2 | $1,763 | $2,291 |
| 3 | $2,221 | $2,887 |
| 4 | $2,679 | $3,483 |
| 5 | $3,138 | $4,079 |
| 6 | $3,596 | $4,675 |
| 7 | $4,054 | $5,270 |
| 8 | $4,513 | $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.
South Carolina Department of Social Services
SNAP/TANF Client Services
(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 available 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.
| Household Size | ANNUAL LIMIT | MONTLY LIMIT |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28,953 | $2,413 |
| 2 | $39,128 | $3,261 |
| 3 | $49,303 | $4,109 |
| 4 | $59,478 | $4,956 |
| 5 | $69,653 | $5,804 |
| 6 | $79,828 | $6,652 |
| 7 | $90,003 | $7,500 |
| 8 | $100,178 | $8,348 |
How long does WIC last in SC?
In South Carolina, WIC benefits last for different lengths of time depending on who is receiving them:
- Pregnant women: through pregnancy and up to 6 weeks after birth
- Breastfeeding women: up to 12 months after childbirth
- Non-breastfeeding postpartum women: up to 6 months after childbirth
- Infants: from birth until their first birthday
- Children: from age 1 until their 5th birthday
WIC is not automatic. Participants must recertify periodically to continue receiving benefits.
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 Department of Health and Environmental Control
WIC Nutrition Program
Customer Service & Appointments
(855) 472‑3432
South Carolina Healthy Connections
South Carolina Healthy Connections is the name for the state’s Medicaid program that helps pay for some or all medical bills for eligible low-income individuals and families.
It provides comprehensive health coverage to eligible low-income residents in South Carolina, including children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Healthy Connections Prime is a specialized program for seniors (65+) who are dual-eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. It combines all benefits into a single plan for better care coordination.
What is the income limit for Medicaid in South Carolina?
As South Carolina is not expanding Medicaid coverage, eligibility is limited to parents with income below 67% of poverty. Non-disabled adults without dependent children are not eligible for coverage in South Carolina, regardless of how low their income is.
| Healthy Connections | 143% | 199% | 67% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,865 | $2,595 | $874 |
| 2 | $2,520 | $3,507 | $1,181 |
| 3 | $3,176 | $4,419 | $1,488 |
| 4 | $3,831 | $5,332 | $1,795 |
| 5 | $4,487 | $6,244 | $2,102 |
| 6 | $5,142 | $7,156 | $2,409 |
| 7 | $5,797 | $8,068 | $2,716 |
| 8 | $6,453 | $8,980 | $3,023 |
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.
How do I apply for Medicaid in South Carolina?
You can apply for Medicaid online through SCDHHS Online Application Portal or complete an application over the phone by calling (888) 549-0820.
South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Medicaid Member Services
(888) 549-0820
If you need help navigating the process, SC Thrive is a non-profit partner that offers free assistance with online applications.
South Carolina Healthy Connections Kids
Healthy Connections Kids is a health insurance program for children up to age 19 whose families earn too much for standard Medicaid
Healthy Connections covers a wide range of medically necessary services, including:
- Doctor visits and hospital stays
- Prescription medications and medical equipment
- Vision, dental, and hearing care for children
- Behavioral health and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) services
- Non-emergency medical transportation to appointments
What is the income limit for Healthy Connections Kids in SC?
Healthy Connections Kids covers children under age 19 in families with incomes at or below 213% of the federal poverty level (FPL).
| Household Size | 213% |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,778 |
| 2 | $3,754 |
| 3 | $4,730 |
| 4 | $5,707 |
| 5 | $6,683 |
| 6 | $7,659 |
| 7 | $8,635 |
| 8 | $9,612 |
How do I apply for Healthy Connections Kids in SC?
Applications for Healthy Connections Kids are available through SCDHHS Online Application Portal or call (888) 549-0820 to find out if your child qualifies for CHIP.
South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Medicaid Member Services
(888) 549-0820
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 may choose their own child care provider, and the program reimburses providers up to a set rate based on their quality level.
To remain eligible, parents must work at least 15 hours per week or be enrolled in an approved school or training program, in addition to meeting income limits.
What is the income limit for child care assistance in South Carolina?
Beginning October 1, 2025, families must have a household income at or below 85% of the State Median Income (SMI) to qualify for an SC Child Care Scholarship.
The income limits for families of different sizes are listed in the chart below.
| Household Size | 85% SMI | 85% SMI |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $4,939 | $4,939 |
| 3 | $6,101 | $6,101 |
| 4 | $7,263 | $7,263 |
| 5 | $8,425 | $8,425 |
| 6 | $9,588 | $9,588 |
| 7 | $9,805 | $9,805 |
| 8 | $10,023 | $10,023 |
How do I apply for child care assistance in South Carolina?
To apply for child care assistance in South Carolina, visit the DSS Benefits Portal , where you can review eligibility requirements and submit an online application. If approved, payments are made directly to your child care provider for up to 52 weeks.
South Carolina Department of Social Services
Child Care Operations Center
(800) 476-0199
South Carolina First Steps 4K
First Steps 4K is South Carolina’s state-funded program offering free, full-day, high-quality kindergarten (4K) for eligible 4-year-olds, focusing on school readiness and brain development.
With First Steps 4K, eligible children can attend high-quality preschool program at more than 250 locations across South Carolina, including licensed child care centers, charter schools, and private schools.
The new scholarship program, called “First Steps 4K + Siblings”, will extend free child care and after-school scholarships to any sibling, age 0—12, of an enrolled student.1
Who is eligible for First Steps 4K in SC?
To be eligible for First Steps 4K, a child must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be a resident of South Carolina.
- Be 4 years old on or before September 1 of the enrollment year..
- Be eligible for Medicaid, qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, receive SNAP or TANF, experience homelessness or housing instability, or be in foster care.
How to apply for First Steps 4K in SC?
Families can apply for both First Steps 4K and the optional First Steps 4K + Siblings at SC First Steps . The 2026—2027 application will be available after January 21, 2026.
South Carolina First Steps
636 Rosewood Drive
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 734-0479
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.
LIHEAP is not provided on a monthly basis. It is typically a one-time, lump-sum payment made directly to the household’s energy vendor during a specific heating or cooling season.
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.
| Household 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 |
LIHEAP prioritizes vulnerable households, including families with seniors, people with disabilities, young children under 6, and those with high energy bills.
How do I apply for LIHEAP in SC?
To apply for LIHEAP, you must visit your local county office in person and bring along recent copies of your utility bills with you. The application period runs from October 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026.
South Carolina Department of Administration
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
(803) 734-0662
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.
Eligible households will have a one-time credit of up to $1,000 applied to their water utilities account, with priority 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?
LIHWAP is administered through a network of local Community Action Agencies (CAAs). Applicants should reach out to their local agency to apply.
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 certifications can be filed online through MyBenefits or by phone using 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 and conduct at least two verifiable job searches per week to remain eligible.
South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce
Customer Service Phone
(866) 831-1724
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, such as Claflin University, Charleston Southern University, and others listed on the official participating colleges page .
Students who demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA and meet the required academic standards may receive a maximum award of $5,000.
To be considered, you must first complete the FAFSA and list your chosen participating college in the “college choice” section of your FAFSA.
SC Higher Education Tuition Grants Commission
(803) 896-1120
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 to qualify for EITC in South Carolina?
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).
How much is South Carolina Earned Income Credit?
| NO. OF CHILD | EITC |
|---|---|
| 0 | $811 |
| 1 | $5,410 |
| 2 | $8,940 |
| 3 or more | $10,058 |
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.