South Carolina Child Care Scholarship Program

According to the Department of Social Services (DSS), South Carolina paused new and renewal  child care scholarship applications starting December 1, 2025 due to a lapse in funding. On October 1, 2026, DSS launched an online wait list and re-opened the Working Families Child Care Scholarship with narrower eligibility. Families on the wait list may receive a scholarship as funding becomes available.¹

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, 2026, families must have a household income at or below 55% of the State Median Income (SMI) to qualify for an SC Child Care Scholarship, and may keep it until income exceeds 85% of SMI. The new income limits apply to the Working Families Child Care Scholarship and to the protected categories.¹

Under the re-opened scholarship:

• Eligible children must be ages 0–5 and not enrolled in kindergarten, and funding is limited to two children per household.
• Applicants must be working, in school, in training, or temporarily or permanently disabled, and must provide verification.
• Families pay a co-pay based on family size and gross monthly income. Families at or below 150% of the federal poverty level pay no co-pay.
• Once approved, a child receives 12 months of child care eligibility.

The income limits for families of different sizes are listed in the chart below.

How much is the copay for the Child Care Scholarship in South Carolina?

South Carolina sets a sliding-scale weekly copay based on family size and income, paid directly to your provider. Families with the lowest incomes may pay little or nothing.

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