How To Apply For Food Stamps In South Carolina

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federally funded program that offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families. The program is run by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). If you live in this state and need to apply for a South Carolina EBT Card, then the information below shows you how to apply for food stamps in South Carolina. If you have additional questions or concerns about the South Carolina SNAP program or the EBT application process, please contact the South Carolina Department of Social Services for assistance.

For South Carolina Food Stamps
Before you begin, you will need the following information:

• Your household's total income from jobs and other sources.
• Your household's housing expenses such as mortgage or rent and utilities.
• Child care expenses.
• Child support payments made to someone outside of your household.
• If someone in your household is disabled or over 60, any out of pocket medical expenses they pay.

How do I apply for South Carolina SNAP?
To apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, you must submit a SNAP benefits application to your local Department of Social Services (DSS). Follow the Instructions for printing a food stamp application below and deliver, mail or fax the form to your local DSS office, or feel free to apply online. Even if you mail, fax, or submit the application online to the DSS office, you may still need to go to the office for an interview. You will be notified if this is necessary.

Apply Online
To apply for SNAP benefits online, please click here to complete our online application.

Print a Food Stamp Application
To download the application form click on one of the following: English - Spanish

Note: If you are unable to print an application from the web site, you may pick up an application from your local DSS county office. To apply for SNAP benefits with this application, complete the following steps:

• Print the application.
• Complete the application. Please note that your application must have your name, address and signature to be processed. If you are unable to complete the entire application form, you will be assisted during your interview at the county office.
• Bring, mail or fax your completed application to your County DSS office.
• Once your application is received in the county office, a DSS worker may contact you to set up an interview to complete the application process. You will be notified if this is necessary. To save time and help your application go faster, it is best to bring all of the necessary paperwork with you.

You will be assigned a caseworker when you go to DSS. This is the person you will work with until your application is complete. Your caseworker is the person you should call when you have questions about your case. If you need to provide new documents to DSS in the future, you should give them to this same caseworker. For example, if you change jobs, you will need to send your caseworker new copies of your pay stubs.

If you qualify for regular SNAP benefits, DSS must give you SNAP benefits no later than 30 days after they receive your application. If you need SNAP benefits right away and qualify for "expedited" SNAP benefits, DSS must give you SNAP benefits no later than 7 days after they receive your application.

What are expedited SNAP benefits?
If you need Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits right away and qualify for "expedited" SNAP benefits, DSS must give you SNAP benefits no later than 7 days after they receive your application. You must apply for "expedited" SNAP benefits through your local DSS office. You may qualify if:

• Your SNAP "household's" gross monthly income plus any cash that you have on hand or in the bank is less than your rent or mortgage, plus your utilities or
• Your SNAP "household's" gross monthly income is less than $150 and any cash that you have on hand or in the bank is less than $100 or
• Your SNAP "household" earns your income from migrant or seasonal farm work and any cash that you have on hand or in the bank is less than $100.

What documents should I bring to my interview?
When you apply for SNAP benefits, you will be asked to provide verification of your income, expenses, and other information to your local DSS. You need to bring information that applies to everyone in your SNAP "household". Make sure that you bring copies of your most recent documents.

• Your identity and current residence address - Driver's license, picture ID, birth certificate, or other proof of your identity and current address.
• Shelter and Utility Bills - If you own your home, bring proof of your mortgage, taxes and insurance. If you rent, bring a rent receipt or lease agreement. Electric bill, bills for heating and cooling expenses, garbage pickup, water, sewage and telephone bills are also considered in determining your utility expenses.
• Social Security Cards - For eligible household members, including children.
• Alien or Non-citizen Status - If you wish to receive SNAP benefits for non-citizens in your "household", INS registration cards or other INS documents.
• Earned Income - Pay stubs or written statement from employers showing gross income (income before taxes or deductions) for the past four weeks.
• Child Care Expenses - Written statement from your child care provider, or a canceled check or money order paid to the child care provider.
• Unearned Income - Most recent copy of social security check or copy of award letter; proof of unemployment, worker's compensation, pension, child support, and alimony received in the past four weeks.
• Self-Employment - Most recent federal tax return. (Schedule C Form).
• Medical Expenses - If you are age 60 or older or getting disability benefits, bring proof of out-of-pocket medical expenses or insurance premiums, or canceled checks showing payment to a medical vendor.