$158/month

The following charts show the maximum gross and net monthly income limits that most people or families can earn and still be eligible for SNAP in South Carolina. These figures are effective for 2024 (Oct. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2025). You can use the site you’re currently on to check your eligibility—just scroll up and click on the black button that says ‘See If You May Be Eligible.'

When applying for South Carolina SNAP, you’ll be asked for important information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month.

Before you start, gather the following information to make your application process easier: 

• Household income from jobs, child support, and other income sources
• Social Security numbers and birth dates of all household members 
• Housing (rent/mortgage) and utility (phone, electric, gas, water) costs 
• Child care or adult day health care costs 

Examples of documents you may need to verify (prove) the information above include:

• Driver's license or other government-issued ID 
• Birth certificate 
• Bank statements
• Pension statements
• Social Security statements 
• Pay stubs
• Tax returns
• Social Security card
• Proof of household expenses (such as utility and phone bills)
• Marriage license or divorce decree

If you would like to have someone else (like a friend or family member) help you gather the necessary documents, complete your SNAP application, and even join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative in your application.  

• Visit the South Carolina DSS Benefits Portal.
  • If you wish to, you can take a quick online screening to see if you may qualify for SNAP benefits. To begin, click ‘Am I Eligible?’ and answer a few questions. When you’re done, if you’re found to be eligible, you will have the option to apply for SNAP.
  • To apply right away, click ‘Apply for Benefits.’
• If you don't have an account, click 'I don’t have an account.' The system will walk you through the process of setting up a user ID and password. Creating an account will allow you to save your application and return any time to complete it. 
• When you are successfully logged in, click ‘Apply Now.’ Read through the information on this page and then click ‘Save and Continue’ at the bottom.
• On the next screen, check the box next to ‘Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).’ Then, click 'Save and Continue.'
• The system will walk you through the process of completing and submitting your South Carolina SNAP application. 

Tips for success:

• Allow yourself 20 to 30 minutes to complete your South Carolina SNAP application. Make sure to provide a current and accurate mailing address, phone number, and email address so that you don’t miss out on any important communication. Fill out as much information as you can, since that can speed up your approval process. 
• Be ready to share details about the money you earn and the things you pay for/own. 
• You can switch to Spanish at any time by clicking on ‘ES’ (Español) in the language menu at the top right of your screen.

To apply in person, by mail, or by fax, you will need a paper SNAP application. If you have a printer at home, you can print out the application form from the DSS website or download by clicking the links below:

• SNAP Application (English)
• SNAP Application (Spanish)

You must then mail, fax, or take your completed SNAP application to your nearest DSS county office. Find the office location closest to you. 

 Simplified SNAP Application for Households With Older Adults

The South Carolina Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) makes it easier for older people to apply for and receive SNAP. 

Benefits of the South Carolina ESAP include:

• Shorter, simpler application form
• Fewer verification requirements 
• 36-month certification period 
• No interview required at recertification

You may be eligible for ESAP if all household members meet the following requirements:

• Is 60 years or older
• Does not have earned income
• Does not already receive SNAP benefits under the South Carolina Combined Application Project (SCCAP)

To complete an ESAP application, download and print it from the DSS website. Mail your completed application to: 

ESAP
South Carolina Department of Social Services
P.O. Box 100203
Columbia, SC 29202

If you are eligible for SNAP, you will receive benefits starting the date your application is filed. You will be notified in writing of the decision on your case.

There are several ways to get help filling out your South Carolina SNAP application. 

You can:

• Contact the DSS Connect Call Center at 1-800-616-1309.
• Call the SC Thrive Contact Center at 1-800-726-8774 and speak to a counselor (Spanish-speaking counselors available).
• Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area. 

NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-800-794-6559.

It can take up to 30 days for DSS to process your SNAP application (within 7 days if you’re requesting expedited benefits). You can check the status of your SNAP application by calling 1-800-616-1309. If you have your case number, be sure it is available when you call. Your case number can be found on the top right-hand corner of every notice. If you’re approved, benefits are based on the date your application is received.

After applying, you must have a phone interview with a DSS eligibility worker. An in-person interview may be requested and granted on a case-by-case basis. 

What can I expect during my SNAP interview?

Don’t worry—the purpose of the interview is not to try to disqualify you for benefits. It is simply to double-check the information you already provided. In addition, your eligibility worker can tell you more about the program, answer any questions you have, and even help you get any information or documents you’re having trouble providing. 

During your SNAP interview, you may be asked questions such as:

• What is your full name and birthday?
• What is your Social Security number?
• Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)
• Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)
• What is your monthly income?
• Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?
• What other regular bills do you have?

It’s a good idea to practice answering these questions before your appointment, either in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence. 

DSS may request additional information from your household if the information you provided cannot be verified during the interview. You should receive a Notice of Decision regarding your SNAP eligibility within 30 days. This notice will tell you whether or not your household is eligible for food assistance benefits. 

What happens after I am approved for SNAP?

If you are approved for SNAP, the Notice of Decision you receive will explain your monthly benefits amount and how long you’ll get benefits for (this is called your “certification period”). That period can range from 12 months for most households to 24 months for households with older adults (60+) or people with disabilities. Able-bodied adults without children who are age 18 to 52 are limited to three months of SNAP benefits within a three-year period, unless they are working, volunteering, or in a workfare program such as SNAP Employment and Training.

After you’re approved for SNAP, you will receive your EBT card in the mail with instructions on how to activate and use it. The card will be pre-loaded with your first month of benefits. Each month going forward, the day you receive your benefits will be based on the last digit of your case number: 1=11th, 2=2nd, 3=13th, 4=4th, 5=15th, 6=6th, 7=17th, 8=8th, 9=19th, 0=10th. 

If you do not agree with the explanation of the reason for your SNAP denial, or you do not agree with your benefit amount, you have the right to request a fair hearing within 90 days. To request a fair hearing, call 1-800-311-7220 or locally at 1-803-898-8080 (TTY: 1-800-311-7219).

You can check the status of your SNAP application or view your benefits online in the Benefit Inquiry Portal by entering your Case # or EBT card #.