South Carolina food stamps are provided for low-income families by the state Department of Social Services (DSS). This benefit, which is formally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), makes it easier for families and individuals to afford healthy foods. In general, SNAP food stamps can be used at supermarkets and certain farmers’ markets to buy a variety of staple foods, snacks and cooking ingredients.
In order to obtain SNAP assistance in South Carolina, you must meet the program requirements and submit an application to the DSS. If you are approved for benefits, you will get an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card that works similar to a debit card. Read below to learn more about the food stamps program and discover how to apply.
Learn About South Carolina Food Stamps Requirements
Meeting the requirements for food stamps eligibility in South Carolina is the first step in getting benefits. The main food stamp qualifications relate to your income and financial resources, as well as your citizenship and residency status in the U.S. In some cases, your age, employment status and disability status may be factors taken into consideration as well.
As a general rule, SNAP eligibility is limited to U.S. citizens and people who are in the U.S. legally. All applicants must also provide a Social Security number (SSN) and verify their U.S. residency in order to be approved. It is possible for a household to get a smaller amount of total benefits if some members of the family meet these requirements, but others to not.
In any case, all applicants must be residents of South Carolina to receive assistance from the DSS. Otherwise, applicants must meet food stamps eligibility requirements in their home state instead.
Meeting the SNAP income guidelines is also important. In order to qualify for benefits, your income must be at or below 130 percent of the poverty level in South Carolina. In addition, you must have a limited amount of financial resources. A resource includes things such as bank accounts, cash on hand and savings bonds. Nonetheless, be mindful that your house and car typically do not count as resources for this program.
The food stamp income guidelines are slightly different for households with seniors or people with disabilities. In general, these households can qualify for benefits with a slightly higher income level than most other families. It is also possible for applicants who are seniors or have a disability to deduct a certain amount of their income, in the event that they have excess medical bills that are not covered by insurance.
If you are an able-bodied adult, you will only meet SNAP eligibility in South Carolina if you are employed or agree to participate in a work program. However, the rules may differ if you have children or are pregnant. Furthermore, the work requirements for this program only apply if you are between 18 and 59 years of age. Typically, you can meet the food stamp qualifications if you work the required number of hours per week, agree to take job offers or complete employment training through SNAP.
How to Apply for Food Stamps in South Carolina
You can submit a food stamp application in South Carolina as soon as you meet the eligibility criteria. If you are unsure of whether you meet the qualifications, you may still apply to find out. The state DSS will determine your eligibility after looking at your application.
It is possible to apply for food stamps in person, by mail or online. In order to apply for food stamps online, you must use the official state application portal, which is used for most of South Carolina’s government benefits. All you need to do is create an account or log into your existing account if you are a returning user.
If you prefer to apply for SNAP with a paper application, you can print an electronic form or contact your local DSS office to receive a physical copy of the application form. Completed forms may be dropped off in person or sent to the DSS by mail.
When you submit a food stamp application in South Carolina, you also must provide documents that verify your information. For example, you may need pay stubs, benefit award letters, bank statements or other similar paperwork to verify your financial resources and income level. Moreover, you must provide a form of identification if you are the head of the household. If your family has any income deductions to claim, you must include proof of your expenses as well.
Finally, you need to undergo an interview over the phone or in person. The interview is used to verify all of your information and obtain any details that may have been missing from your application. Download our free guide to learn more about the interview and application process.
Learn About SNAP Benefits in South Carolina
South Carolina food stamp benefits can be used to buy a variety of items at grocery stores and certain farmers’ markets. As a general rule, you are allowed to purchase things such as meat, fish, dairy, fruits, vegetables, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. On the other hand, you cannot use SNAP benefits for any of the following:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Cash withdrawals
- Non-food items
- Hot or prepared foods meant to be eaten right away
Note that SNAP food benefits in South Carolina will usually begin within 30 days of your application date, if you are approved. In the event that you have extremely low income and/or very limited resources, you may qualify for emergency assistance, which can start in as little as seven days.
Once your food stamp benefits begin, it is important to understand that they will not continue forever. Overall, you can only receive benefits for a set amount of time. However, it is possible to renew your benefits if you still meet the proper eligibility requirements.
The length of time during which you can receive benefits varies depending on your circumstances. Some families are eligible for just a few months, while others can receive benefits for a long time. Download our free guide to learn more about how to get SNAP benefits.
Contact Information
Name: South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS)
Phone Number: (800) 616-1309
Address: 1535 Confederate Ave, Columbia, SC 29201
Director: Michael Leach
Last Updated: February 27, 2023