Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) 

The number of South Carolinians receiving public assistance continues to decrease. In August 2017, 703,023 South Carolina residents received SNAP benefits; the lowest since 2009.  After peaking in December 2012 at over 879,000, the number of SNAP recipients has fallen 20 percent.

On average, 45 percent of SNAP recipients are children under the age of 18.  Approximately 27 percent of adult SNAP recipients are age 55 or older (15 percent of total SNAP population). 

The income limit for SNAP is approximately 130 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL).  For example, a family of three whose income is $26,556 per year ($2,213 per month) or less may qualify for benefits.  A single person who earns $15,684 per year ($1,307/month) or less may qualify for SNAP.

The average monthly SNAP benefit in South Carolina is $261.

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 the SNAP program through DSS county offices. Eligibility caseworkers interview applicants and approve those who qualify to receive the food benefit. 

Qualified applicants for the SNAP program begin receiving SNAP benefits within 30 days of their application. Some families and individuals need expedited benefits, which begin within seven days of application.

Please visit the DSS website to learn more about the program and how to apply. 

Other Nutrition Assistance

Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Voucher Program

The annual distribution of farmer’s market happens every Spring. The Appalachia Area Agency on Aging has partnered with agencies in Greenville, Pickens, Cherokee, and Spartanburg Counties to ensure seniors 60 and older with a limited income receive these vouchers to use at their local farmers markets. The SFMNP Program is intended to provide fresh, nutritious fruits and vegetables to eligible seniors and to help support small farms in South Carolina. Each voucher recipient receives five $5 checks totaling $25 which may be used at participating farmers markets throughout the upstate until October 15. Click here for a list of participating markets.

Meals on Wheels & Mobile Meals

These organizations deliver hot midday meals to people who are home-bound and unable to prepare their own nutritious meals. Persons living outside of Cherokee and Oconee counties are mostly served by local Meals on Wheels/Mobile Meals. They can be contacted as follows:

South Carolina Combined Application Project (SCCAP)

The Social Security Administration, in conjunction with the Department of Social Services(DSS), has a project called the South Carolina Combined Application Project (SCCAP). SCCAP is a program where you no longer have to apply at a DSS office in order to receive SNAP benefits. You are eligible for SNAP benefits if you receive SSI. You will receive a set amount of SNAP benefits each month (with annual cost-of-living adjustments) and may receive them as long as you continue to receive SSI and your household living arrangement remains the same.

Click here for Brochure, Eligibility Requirements, Rights and Responsibilities, and downloadable application and cover letter.