ALERT - Emergency Allotments (Supplements) for Existing SNAP Households
Effective August 1, 2021, the South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) announced the continuation of the federally-approved Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) emergency allotments (supplements) to all South Carolina SNAP households.
Since March 2020, the assignment of emergency SNAP allotments (supplements) has brought all authorized households up to the maximum benefit allotment, based on household size, regardless of income.
All program rules, including verification of income, are not waived due to this emergency supplement process.
As DSS receives monthly, federal approval, eligible SNAP recipients will receive their monthly benefit on their normal schedule at the regular allotment amount. The emergency supplement will be issued separately and may show up on a SNAP household’s EBT card within 48 hours after their regular allotment amount.
Apply Online for SNAP Benefits
SNAP FRAUD ALERT from the USDA
ALERT - Pandemic EBT for 2021-2022
K-12 Students
South Carolina obtained approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service to issue 2022 Summer Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) benefits to eligible K-12 students. Summer K-12 P-EBT benefits will be issued on new P-EBT cards and should be delivered to eligible students on or before September 16, 2022 by regular mail.
Parents may use the P-EBT search portal to check the status of previously approved benefits.
For more information regarding the 2022 Summer P-EBT K-12 program, please review the Summer Pandemic EBT K-12 Frequently Asked Questions/ Espanol FAQs.
For a listing of South Carolina schools participating in the National School Lunch Program, including CEP schools, click here: SY 2021-2022 School Listing
Children Under Six
South Carolina obtained approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service to issue Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) benefits to eligible SNAP children under the age of six for the 2021-22 School Year (September 2021 – May 2022) and for the 2022 Summer period (June 2022-August 16, 2022). There is no application process for the P-EBT Children Under Six program. Eligible SNAP children are automatically approved and will be issued a P-EBT card.
2021-22 School Year P-EBT benefits for children under six have been issued and P-EBT cards were delivered to the SNAP household’s mailing address on or before August 15, 2022. 2022 Summer P-EBT benefits will be loaded to existing P-EBT cards on or before August 29, 2022 for children who received a 2021-22 School Year P-EBT Children Under Six benefit. Summer P-EBT benefits for children under the age of six whose SNAP eligibility began any time during the 2022 Summer period (June 1, 2022 – August 16, 2022) should receive P-EBT cards, delivered to the SNAP household’s mailing address, on or before September 16, 2022.
For more information regarding the 2021-22 School Year Children Under Six P-EBT program, please review the Pandemic EBT Frequently Asked Questions for Children Under Six / Espanol FAQs.
For more information regarding the 2022 Summer P-EBT Children Under Six program, please review the Summer Pandemic EBT Frequently Asked Questions for Children Under Six / Espanol FAQs.
SCDSS, which administers P-EBT in South Carolina, is warning consumers of scams involving online P-EBT applications. The agency WILL NEVER ask for personal information on social media, ask you to join a Google chat group, or ask you to fill out a Google Form to claim benefits. To check your child's P-EBT status, please use the SCDSS support portal at //benefitsportal.dss.sc.gov/#/pebt/benefitinquiry
Please see additional P-EBT information above.
How does DSS help?
Households, individuals, seniors, and the homeless may all be eligible for SNAP benefits. People who are working and need help to stretch their income to purchase food may also be eligible for SNAP benefits as well as those receiving Social Security benefits, child support, or unemployment.
DSS administers SNAP through DSS county offices. Eligibility caseworkers interview applicants and approve those who qualify to receive the food benefit.
Qualified applicants for SNAP begin receiving benefits within 30 days of their application. Some families and individuals need expedited benefits, which begin within seven days of application.
Report a SNAP/TANF Change