South Carolina TANF

South Carolina TANF, formerly known as Family Independence, is a time-limited program that assists very low-income families with children who could not afford even basic necessities. ¹

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 including:

Childcare assistance (Child Care Scholarship Program).
Transportation (gas or bus passes).
Work-related items such as safety equipment or uniforms.

The law requires all TANF applicants, as a condition of eligibility, to participate in two weeks of up-front job search, with the exception of those that are disabled or over 60 years old.

FAQ

Who is eligible for TANF in South Carolina?

To be eligible for TANF in South Carolina, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
Live in South Carolina.
Be unemployed or working for very low wages.
Be pregnant or be responsible for a child under age 19.
Meet income and resource limits.

What is the income limit for TANF in SC?

The current income threshold for TANF in South Carolina is set at 50% of the poverty level. ² For example, a family of three can earn up to $1,138 a month and still qualify.

Income limits as a percentage of the federal poverty level, by household size
Household Size	Income Limit
1	$665
2	$902
3	$1,138
4	$1,375
5	$1,612
6	$1,848
7	$2,085
8	$2,322

The income limits are presented as dollar amounts derived from a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for each household size in 2026.

How much do I get for TANF in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, TANF benefits vary by household size, income, and available resources. A family of three with no income may receive up to $449 per month.

Household Size	Payment
1	$263
2	$356
3	$449

How long can I receive TANF in SC?

Most TANF benefits in South Carolina 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.

How do I apply for TANF in South Carolina?

You may apply for TANF in person at the local county office near you or through DSS Benefits Portal which is the online application portal for South Carolinians to apply for benefits.

If you are a first time user, you need to create a new SCMAPP account. Once your application is received, an eligibility worker will set up a face-to-face interview to screen your likely eligibility.

South Carolina Department of Social Services
SNAP/TANF Client Services
(800) 616-1309

What documents do I need to apply for TANF in South Carolina?

When you apply for TANF cash assistance in South Carolina, you may be asked to provide all or some of the following documents:

A valid photo ID
Social Security numbers for the people applying (or proof that you have applied for them)
Proof of residency (where you live), such as a lease or a utility bill
Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
Proof of your children’s identity and their relationship to you, such as birth certificates
Proof of earned and unearned income for everyone in your household, such as pay stubs
Proof of other resources, such as bank statements, if the state asks for them
Proof of pregnancy, if you are applying while pregnant
Information about the children’s other parent, such as a name and last known address, which states use for child support
Any additional documents needed to verify your household’s situation

Each state sets its own rules, and what you need may depend on your situation. If you are not sure what to bring, contact SC DSS (DSS) at (800) 616-1309 and they can tell you exactly what your application requires.

Sources & notes

Data and figures on this page come from the sources and notes below:

Apart from cash assistance, families enrolled in the program are offered employment training and placement, childcare and transportation while in employment training. ↩
CBBP , Increases in TANF Cash Benefit Levels Are Critical to Help Families Meet Rising Costs ↩