South Carolina SNAP / Food Assistance
Last updated: October 15, 2026 · By O.B.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps eligible low-income South Carolina households buy groceries each month. SNAP is administered by the South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS).
What is SNAP in South Carolina?
SNAP provides monthly benefits on an EBT card that can be used to buy food at most grocery stores and many farmers markets in South Carolina. The exact benefit amount varies based on household size, income, and certain expenses.
Who may be eligible?
Whether you may qualify depends on household size, income and resources, and only SCDSS can decide. For most South Carolina households, SNAP looks at gross monthly income up to 130% of the federal poverty level, which is the limit USDA's June 2026 broad-based categorical eligibility chart lists for South Carolina, with no limit on assets. SCDSS's own SNAP FAQ also says households with a member aged 60 or older or a disabled member are subject to a net income limit of 100% of the federal poverty level. Below are the federal USDA figures for the 48 states and D.C., which include South Carolina, effective October 1, 2026 (USDA memo dated August 21, 2026).
| Household size | Gross monthly income (130%) | Net monthly income (100%) | Maximum monthly benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,729 | $1,330 | $306 |
| 2 | $2,345 | $1,804 | $562 |
| 3 | $2,960 | $2,277 | $808 |
| 4 | $3,575 | $2,750 | $1,023 |
| 5 | $4,191 | $3,224 | not shown |
| 6 | $4,806 | $3,697 | not shown |
| 7 | $5,421 | $4,170 | not shown |
| 8 | $6,037 | $4,644 | not shown |
| Each additional person | $616 | $474 | not shown |
Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Service, SNAP Fiscal Year 2027 Cost-of-Living Adjustments, https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/guidance-documents/fna.snap-cola2027.pdf (memo dated August 21, 2026, effective October 1, 2026). Gross figures are 130% and net figures are 100% of the federal poverty level. The maximum monthly benefit is the most a household with no countable income could receive; most households receive less. Not every household is tested the same way, so you may or may not qualify even if your income is above or below a figure shown here.
Soda, candy and other restricted items
Starting November 1, 2026 (the date USDA lists), a USDA-approved waiver restricts buying candy, energy drinks, soft drinks, and sweetened beverages with SNAP benefits in South Carolina. The exact list of items: SC Healthy Food Choice Project.
These waivers change which items the EBT card can buy, not who may qualify or the benefit amount. See every state's restriction and start date. Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Administration: SNAP Food Restriction Waivers (page updated October 13, 2026).
How to apply
You can apply for SNAP online through the SCDSS benefits portal, by mail, or in person at a local county office. After applying you will complete an interview and provide documents to verify income and household details.
What we could not verify
SCDSS's SNAP FAQ page publishes an income table with no effective date shown, and its figures are lower than the USDA table above (for example $1,696 gross for a household of one). We have not found an SCDSS-published table for October 2026, so we show the USDA figures and ask you to confirm current limits with SCDSS when you apply. We have not verified how SCDSS applies deductions to your net income.
Official source
This guide is based on information from the official program source: SCDSS — Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Frequently asked questions
How much will I get from SNAP in South Carolina?
It depends on your household size, income and allowable expenses, and SCDSS calculates your benefit when you apply. For reference, USDA's maximum monthly benefit from October 1, 2026 is $306 for one person, $562 for two, $808 for three and $1,023 for four; most households receive less.
Where can I use my SNAP benefits?
SNAP benefits are loaded onto an EBT card and can be used to buy eligible food items at most grocery stores and many farmers markets.
How do I apply for SNAP in South Carolina?
You can apply online through the SCDSS benefits portal, by mail, or in person at a local county SCDSS office.
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