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2023 Income Limit for South Carolina Food Stamps

The income limit is the most important food stamps (SNAP) eligibility requirement in South Carolina. In this post, In this post, we are going to walk you through the 2023 income limit for South Carolina food stamps, including how to calculate how much you will receive in SNAP benefits if approved.

Additionally, we will provide information on how to apply for food stamps in South Carolina.

Lastly, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about SNAP benefits in South Carolina.

Table of Contents:

  • Food Stamps in South Carolina
  • Who is Eligible for Food Stamps in South Carolina
  • 2023 Income Limit for South Carolina Food Stamps
  • How to Apply for Food Stamps in South Carolina
  • Food Stamps in South Carolina FAQs

2023 Income Limits for South Carolina Food Stamps

Food Stamps in South Carolina

SNAP (also known as food stamps) offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families in South Carolina.

In South Carolina, the SNAP program is run by the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS).

Once you are approved, SNAP benefits are provided on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, that is used as a debit card.

EBT cards are accepted at most grocery stores, some farmers’ markets, convenience, big box stores, and some online stores, like Walmart and Amazon.

SNAP benefits generally cannot be used to buy prepared foods, vitamins, alcohol/tobacco, and non-food items (like soap or toothpaste).

Senior SNAP

If you are age 60 and older, you may be eligible for Senior SNAP in South Carolina.

Click here to access the Senior SNAP page to learn more about this program.

Who is Eligible for Food Stamps in South Carolina?

To be eligible for SNAP in South Carolina, a household must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Must be a citizen or legal immigrant
  • Must be a South Carolina resident
  • Your household income must be less than the food stamps income limits for your household size (see chart below)
  • With some exceptions, you must work or participate in an employment and training program
  • For most households, resources must be under $2,750 to qualify for SNAP or $4,250 in countable resources if at least one member of the household is age 60 or older, or is disabled

South Carolina Food Stamps Income L...
South Carolina Food Stamps Income Limits for 2023

2023 Income Limit for South Carolina Food Stamps

To qualify for SNAP in South Carolina, your household income must not exceed 130 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.

You can find out if you may qualify by using the 2022/2023 table below.

Income limits vary according to household size.

Households that contain no elderly or disabled individuals must meet both the gross (income before deduction) and the net income (income after allowable deductions) limits.

However, households that contain an elderly (age 60 or over) individual or a disabled individual must meet only the net income limits.

See the table below for both the net and gross income limits according to household size.

South Carolina SNAP Income Eligibility Standards for Fiscal Year 2023
Effective October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023
Household Size Monthly Gross Income (130% of FPL) Monthly Net Income (100% of FPL)
1 $1,473 $1,133
2 $1,984 $1,526
3 $2,495 $1,920
4 $3,007 $2,313
5 $3,518 $2,706
6 $4,029 $3,100
7 $4,541 $3,493
8 $5,052 $3,886
Each Additional Household Member: Add $512 $394

How to Apply for Food Stamps in South Carolina

There are multiple ways you can apply for food stamps in South Carolina.

Option 1 – Apply Online

The easiest way to apply for SNAP benefits is online through the South Carolina DSS Benefits portal.

Log on to https://benefitsportal.dss.sc.gov/ and select “Apply for Benefits.”

If you do not have an account, click on the “Create an Account” link for instructions on how to set up an account.

Option 2 – Apply by Mail or Fax an Application

To apply by mail or fax, download the SNAP application here.

Once you have completed the application, you can submit it by mail or fax.

Instructions on how to do so are included in the application.

Also, you can request an application to be mailed to you by calling 1-(800) 616-1309.

Option 3 – Apply in Person

If you are unable to apply online or by mail, the DSS has offices statewide to assist you with the application process.

Click here to find your local office.

South Carolina Food Stamps Frequently asked questions (FAQS)

Food Stamps in South Carolina FAQs

Here are the most frequently asked questions about South Carolina Food Stamps:

What is the Phone Number for South Carolina Food Stamps?

If you need help applying for food stamps in South Carolina or have further questions about how the SNAP program works, call Customer Call Center at 1-(800) 616-1309.

How Much Will I Receive in South Carolina Food Stamps?

If you are approved for food stamps in South Carolina, how much in benefits you get partly depends on the:

  • Number of people in your household,
  • The total amount of your household’s income, and
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Thrifty Food Plan.

The Thrifty Food Plan is a government estimate of how much it costs to provide a household with nutritious, low-cost meals.

In South Carolina, the average monthly SNAP amount per person is approximately $250.

Maximum SNAP Benefit Amount by Household Size for Fiscal Year 2023
Effective October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023
Household Size Maximum SNAP Benefit Allotment
1 $281
2 $516
3 $740
4 $939
5 $1,116
6 $1,339
7 $1,480
8 $1,691
Each Additional Household Member: Add $211

To find out how much you are likely to get in South Carolina SNAP if approved, use the calculator below.

In the example provided below, we are using a family of 6 to demonstrate how to calculate your food stamps amount.

How South Carolina Food Stamps Calculator

Here’s how to calculate how much a family of 6 will get in SNAP benefits.

First, we need to start with the household income.

If you have a countable net income, multiply your net monthly income by 0.3 (30 percent).

Round up this amount to the nearest dollar.

Next, take this amount and subtract it from the maximum benefit level for a household of your size.

From the table above, the maximum a household of 6 could receive in food stamps is $1,339

The result is the monthly food stamps benefits for a family of 6.

Here’s an example:

Example: Claire and her family of six (6) have $1,960 in net income after allowable deductions.

To determine the family’s SNAP benefits, take 30% of the “net income” (30% of $1,960) and subtract it from the maximum benefit, as follows:

$ 1,960 Net Income for Claire’s family
x .30 (Multiply by 30%)
$ 588 Countable Income
$ 1,339 Maximum SNAP for 6 persons
-$588 Countable income (round up)
$ 751 Monthly SNAP benefits for Claire’s family

When are South Carolina EBT benefits deposited?

South Carolina food stamps benefits are deposited on your SC EBT Card on your scheduled deposit day. South Carolina EBT Deposit Dates are sent out on a staggered basis during the first 19 days of each month. 

The day your South Carolina food stamp benefits are deposited depends on the last digit of your case number.

Food Stamp benefits will be made available in your South Carolina EBT Card account by 6am on your scheduled deposit day. 

Here is the South Carolina SNAP EBT Deposit Schedule for 2023:

The last digit of your Case Number ends with: SNAP Benefits are available on the:
0 10th day of the month
1 11th day of the month
2 12th day of the month
3 13th day of the month
4 14th day of the month
5 15th day of the month
6 16th day of the month
7 17th day of the month
8 18th day of the month
9 19th day of the month

How Many People are on Food Stamps in South Carolina?

Here’s how South Carolina’s Food Stamps numbers compare to the National Data for the United States:
As of January 2023, there are about 619,000 people on food stamps in South Carolina.
Additionally, there are about 41 million people on food stamps in the United States, as shown in the tables below.
South Carolina Food Stamps Statistics for January 2023:
Number of People on Food Stamps in South Carolina
As of September 2022
September 2021 September 2022 Change
Number of People 616,807 619,666 0.5%
Number of Households 302,057 304,632 0.9%
Total Benefits ($) $140,998,227.00 $153,747,373.00 9.0%

United States Food Stamps Statistics for January 2023:

Number of People on Food Stamps in The United States
As of September 2022
September 2021 September 2022 Change
Number of People 40,846,833 41,665,296 2.0%
Number of Households 21,402,558 21,907,553 2.4%
Total Benefits ($) $9,117,810,630.00 $9,338,989,005.00 2.4%

What stores accept South Carolina EBT online for delivery?

Currently, there are 13 stores that accept South Carolina EBT Cards online as payment.

You can use your SC EBT Card and food stamp benefits to purchase approved grocery items and have it delivered directly to your door.

However, your South Carolina SNAP benefits cannot be use to pay for delivery fees.

Currently, the following stores accept South Carolina food stamps and EBT Cards online:

  1. ALDI
  2. Amazon
  3. BJs Wholesale Club
  4. Earth Fare
  5. Food Lion
  6. Kroger
  7. Opie Drive-Thru Grocery
  8. Publix
  9. Sam’s Club Scan & Go
  10. Sprouts Farmers Market
  11. Target
  12. Walmart
  13. Whole Foods

Do I have to work to receive food stamps in South Carolina?

Yes, if you are considered an Able-Bodied Adult and have no children or dependents (ABAWD), you must meet work requirements. If you are between the ages of 18 and 49 years old and physically able to work, you must complete one of the following to receive food stamps in South Carolina:

  • Work a minimum of 20 hours per week or 80 hours per month
  • Participate in an approved work training program
  • Comply and participate in a workfare program

Income Limit for South Carolina Food Stamps Summary

We hope this article on Income Limit for South Carolina Food Stamps was helpful.

If so, we encourage you to share this article with anyone who may also find it helpful by using the “Share this” button below.

If you have additional questions about the South Carolina SNAP or EBT, please leave those in the comments section below. We are here to help you!

Be sure to check out our other articles about South Carolina Food Stamps and EBT, including:

Carrie Brenner

Carrie is a lead writer and editor for Food Stamps Now. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from Salisbury University. Carrie specializes in content creation, website development, graphic design, SEO and content strategy for Food Stamps Now. She is passionate about helping low income Americans access the resources and information to improve their quality of life.

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