Emergency Assistance for Single Mothers in South Carolina
Last updated: August 2025 | Contact information verified: August 24, 2025
Sources: South Carolina Department of Social Services, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, South Carolina Department of Public Health
⚠️ Important: Program rules, benefit amounts, and income limits change frequently. Federal programs typically update in October (SNAP) and April (HUD limits). State programs may change with budget cycles. Always verify current information with the specific agency before making decisions based on this guide.
Quick Help – Need Assistance Today?
• Life-threatening emergency: Call 911 • Need shelter tonight: Call 211 or text “HELP” to 898211 • Out of food: Apply for SNAP at MyDHR SC – emergency benefits in 7 days • Power being shut off: Call your local Community Action Agency immediately (numbers below) • Eviction notice: Call South Carolina Legal Services at 1-888-346-5592 right now • Lost your job: File unemployment at jobs.scworks.org or 1-866-831-1724 • Need health coverage: Apply at scdhhs.gov or call 1-888-549-0820 • Pregnant or have kids under 5: Call WIC at 1-855-472-3432 for food help • Domestic violence: Call 1-800-799-7233 (24/7 confidential hotline)
If nothing above works: Call 211 and ask for a “warm handoff” to another agency that can help today.
Child Care Assistance
South Carolina’s ABC Quality Child Care Scholarship helps working parents pay for daycare. Income limits vary by family size – typically families earning up to 85% of state median income may qualify.
How to apply: Contact your local DSS office or apply through MyDHR SC. Waiting lists are common in most counties.
Reality check: Funding is extremely limited and waiting lists can be 6+ months long in most areas.
If You Need Help Today
Get Food Within 24 Hours
Apply for SNAP benefits online at MyDHR SC. If your gross income is under $150 this month and you have less than $100 in cash, ask for “expedited SNAP” – you can get benefits within 7 days.
If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have children under 5, call WIC at 1-855-472-3432. You can often get a same-day appointment and immediate food benefits if you qualify.
Stop a Utility Shutoff Right Now
• Call your power company and ask for a “hardship extension” – many give you 10-30 days • Call 211 immediately and ask for your local Community Action Agency for LIHEAP crisis assistance • Bring your shutoff notice to the appointment
Keep Your Housing
• Call 211 for emergency shelter and rental assistance programs • If you received an eviction notice, call South Carolina Legal Services at 1-888-346-5592 for emergency legal help • Ask about “rapid rehousing” programs that pay first month’s rent and deposits
Get Cash Quickly
Apply for TANF (Family Independence) at MyDHR SC. South Carolina pays $229 for one child, $308 for two children, and $388 for three children monthly.
If you lost your job, file for unemployment benefits immediately at jobs.scworks.org or 1-866-831-1724. South Carolina pays $42-$350 per week for unemployment benefits.
Reality Check: Getting help isn’t instant. SNAP takes 7-30 days. TANF takes 2-6 weeks. Plan for this delay and ask every agency about emergency funds while you wait.
Main Points You Need to Know
• Apply the same day for multiple programs – SNAP, WIC, TANF, and Medicaid use overlapping income rules • Ask specifically for expedited processing when your situation is urgent • Keep copies of everything – take photos of documents with your phone as backup • Report changes immediately – income, address, or household changes within 10 days to avoid problems • Most programs have work requirements – understand them before you apply • South Carolina didn’t expand Medicaid – most adults without children don’t qualify for health coverage • Apply to multiple housing lists – Section 8 waiting lists are years long in most areas
Don’t expect miracles: South Carolina has some of the lowest benefit amounts in the nation. TANF maxes out at $388/month for a family of three, and many adults can’t get Medicaid at all.
Emergency Cash and Food Programs
SNAP (Food Assistance) (Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Service, October 2024)
What it is: Monthly benefits loaded onto an EBT card to buy groceries. South Carolina follows federal SNAP rules – no state supplements.
How much you can get: Maximum benefit for a family of three is $768 as of 2025 (October 2024 – September 2025). Most families don’t get the maximum amount.
Income limits (USDA FNS, effective October 2024 through September 2025):
| Household Size | Max Monthly Income | Max SNAP Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,580 | $291 |
| 2 people | $2,137 | $535 |
| 3 people | $2,694 | $768 |
| 4 people | $3,250 | $975 |
How to apply:
- Go to MyDHR SC
- Complete application online (takes 20-30 minutes)
- Upload photos of your ID, pay stubs, rent receipt, and utility bills
- Answer the phone when they call for your interview (usually within 1-2 weeks)
Timeline: Regular SNAP takes up to 30 days. Emergency SNAP takes 7 days if you qualify.
Documents needed: • Photo ID for adults • Social Security cards for everyone • Last 30 days of pay stubs (if working) • Rent receipt or lease • Recent utility bills
Reality check: Most families don’t get the maximum amount. If you work, expect roughly $200-400/month for a family of three.
TANF (Family Independence Cash Help) (Source: South Carolina Department of Social Services, 2025)
What it is: Monthly cash assistance for families with children under 18. You must participate in work activities once approved.
How much you can get: South Carolina pays maximum $229 for one child, $308 for two children, and $388 for three children monthly as of 2025.
TANF Payment Schedule (South Carolina Department of Social Services, 2025)
| Family Size | Maximum Monthly Cash |
|---|---|
| 1 child | $229 |
| 2 children | $308 |
| 3 children | $388 |
Income limits: Your net monthly income must be less than the maximum benefit amount. For a family with three children, you must earn less than $388/month total to qualify.
How to apply:
- Apply at MyDHR SC (same application as SNAP)
- Attend required interview
- Agree to participate in work activities (up to 30 hours/week)
Timeline: Interview within 1-2 weeks, decision within 2-4 weeks, first payment the following month if approved.
Reality check: South Carolina has a 5-year lifetime limit on TANF. Work requirements are strictly enforced.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
What it is: Special food packages for pregnant women, new moms, and children under 5. Includes formula, fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, and cereal.
How much you can get: Cash value benefits for fresh produce: $26/month per child, $47/month for pregnant and postpartum women, $52/month for breastfeeding women.
Income limits: Up to 185% of federal poverty level. For a family of three, that’s about $4,255/month as of 2025.
WIC Income Limits (2025):
| Household Size | Max Monthly Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $2,298 |
| 2 people | $3,102 |
| 3 people | $3,905 |
| 4 people | $4,709 |
How to apply: Call 1-855-472-3432 or contact your county health department. You’ll need an appointment for a health screening.
Timeline: Often same week if appointments are available.
Automatic qualification: If you already get SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, you automatically meet WIC’s income requirements.
Health Coverage Options
Medicaid for Different Groups (South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, 2025)
Pregnant Women: Income limit: 199% of federal poverty level (about $2,576/month for one person as of 2025). Covers prenatal care, delivery, and 12 months of postpartum coverage.
Children: Medicaid covers children up to 208% of poverty level. If income is too high for Medicaid, children may qualify for CHIP.
Parents: South Carolina has extremely strict rules. Parents must earn less than 62% of poverty level – about $1,285/month for a family of three. Most working single mothers don’t qualify.
Adults without children: South Carolina didn’t expand Medicaid. Most adults without children cannot get Medicaid unless they’re elderly, disabled, or pregnant.
How to apply: Apply at scdhhs.gov or call 1-888-549-0820.
CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance)
Covers children when family income is too high for Medicaid but under income limits. Has small monthly premiums and copays.
Reality check: A single mother earning $1,500/month with two children wouldn’t qualify for Medicaid herself, but her children would be covered.
Housing Assistance Programs
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
What it is: Federal rental assistance where you pay 30% of your income toward rent and the program covers the rest, up to local payment standards.
Income limits: Must be “very low income” – typically 50% of area median income. Income limits are based on HUD’s Area Median Income (AMI) for each county and are recalculated annually.
How much help: You typically pay 30% of your income toward rent. For example, if you earn $1,500/month, you’d pay about $450 and the program covers the rest.
Reality check: SC Housing’s goal is to offer rental assistance within 24 months, but it’s currently taking three to five years to offer assistance to families on the waiting list. Many lists are closed.
How to apply:
- Find your local Public Housing Authority using HUD’s directory
- Apply when waiting lists open (they announce this on their websites)
- Apply to multiple PHAs to improve your chances
Major South Carolina Housing Authorities: • Charleston: Charleston County Public Housing Authority – 843-720-4150 • Columbia: Columbia Housing Authority – 803-254-3886
• Greenville: Greenville Housing Authority – 864-467-4444 • Spartanburg: Spartanburg Housing Authority – 864-598-6340
Emergency Housing Assistance
Call 211 for: • Emergency shelter placement • Rapid rehousing (short-term rent assistance)
• Deposit and utility connection assistance • Homeless prevention programs
Work and Training Support
Unemployment Benefits
How much you can get: South Carolina pays $42-$350 per week based on your past earnings. Average benefit is calculated by dividing your highest two quarters of earnings by 26.
How long: Up to 20 weeks base period.
How to apply:
- File online at jobs.scworks.org
- Call 1-866-831-1724 if you can’t apply online
- You must search for work each week to maintain benefits
Timeline: First payment typically comes 2-3 weeks after filing. There’s a one-week waiting period.
Tax note: Unemployment benefits are taxable income federally and for South Carolina state taxes.
Job Training and Support
SC Works Career Centers offer: • Free job search assistance • Skills training programs
• Help with resumes and interviews • Find locations at scworks.org
Real-World Examples
Example 1: Single Mom, Two Kids, Earning $1,800/Month
What she could qualify for: • SNAP: About $200-300/month (not maximum due to income) • WIC: $73/month in produce benefits (if kids under 5) • Medicaid for children: Yes • Medicaid for mom: No (income too high) • TANF: No (income too high) • Section 8: Maybe, depends on local income limits
Reality: She’d get some food help but struggle with rent and her own healthcare.
Example 2: Pregnant Woman, No Job, Living with Family
What she could qualify for: • SNAP: Expedited processing, likely within 7 days • WIC: $47/month in produce benefits
• Medicaid pregnancy coverage: Yes • TANF: Depends on family income and living situation • Section 8: Could apply but long waiting lists
Timeline: SNAP in 7 days, WIC same week, Medicaid in 2-3 weeks.
Example 3: Recently Lost Job, One Child, Was Earning $2,200/Month
What she could qualify for: • Unemployment: $200-350/week for 20 weeks • SNAP: About $400-500/month initially • Medicaid for child: Yes • Medicaid for mom: No • Emergency rent assistance: Maybe through local programs
Key: File for unemployment immediately – it’s based on when you file, not when you lost the job.
Specific Resources for Different Situations
LGBTQ+ Single Mothers
• Apply for all programs normally – sexual orientation and gender identity don’t affect eligibility • If you face discrimination, document it (worker name, date, time) and request a supervisor • Contact Lambda Legal (1-866-542-8336) for legal support if needed
Single Mothers with Disabilities or Disabled Children
• If you receive SSI, you automatically qualify for Medicaid • SNAP has special rules for households with disabled members – higher income limits possible • Ask about “child-only” TANF if your child gets SSI • Priority for housing assistance may be available
Veteran Single Mothers
• Ask about HUD-VASH vouchers (housing for homeless veterans) through VA and local housing authorities • Contact Columbia VA at 803-776-4000 for veteran-specific programs • May qualify for expedited services through some programs
Immigrant/Refugee Single Mothers
• Qualified immigrants may be eligible after 5-year waiting period • Refugees, asylees, and trafficking victims often qualify immediately • Emergency services (like emergency Medicaid) may be available regardless of status • Contact local refugee resettlement agencies for guidance
Tribal Members
• Can use both state programs and tribal-specific resources • Contact your tribal office in addition to applying to state programs • Indian Health Service facilities may be available for healthcare
Rural Single Mothers
• Use 211 to find traveling WIC clinics and Community Action office schedules • Some programs have mobile services that visit rural areas monthly • Transportation may be provided for required appointments • Internet access required for many applications – check public libraries
Single Fathers
• All programs listed here are available to single fathers with custody • “Caretaker relative” includes fathers, grandparents, guardians • Don’t be discouraged if staff seem surprised – you have the same rights
South Carolina Resources by Region
Charleston/Lowcountry
• Charleston County Public Housing Authority: 843-720-4150 • Charleston County DSS: Apply at MyDHR SC • Community Action: Charleston Dorchester Community Action – 843-747-5902 • Legal Services: South Carolina Legal Services – 1-888-346-5592
Columbia/Midlands
• Columbia Housing Authority: 803-254-3886
• Richland County DSS: MyDHR SC • Community Action: Community Action Program – 803-734-7507
Greenville/Upstate
• Greenville Housing Authority: 864-467-4444 • Greenville County DSS: MyDHR SC • Community Action: Community Action Partnership – 864-467-3600
Florence/Pee Dee
• Florence Housing Authority: 843-662-1343 • Florence County DSS: MyDHR SC • Community Action: Pee Dee Community Action – 843-669-2000
Program Comparison Table
| Program | Max Monthly Benefit | Income Limit (Family of 3) | How Long to Get Help |
|---|---|---|---|
| SNAP | $768 | $2,694/month | 7-30 days |
| TANF | $388 | $388/month | 2-6 weeks |
| WIC | $73 food + benefits | $3,905/month | Same week |
| Unemployment | $1,400/month ($350/week) | Based on past wages | 2-3 weeks |
| Section 8 | Varies by rent | ~50% AMI | 3-5+ years waiting |
Common Mistakes That Delay Your Benefits
SNAP/TANF Mistakes
• Not answering unknown calls: DSS often calls from blocked numbers for interviews • Missing the interview: Reschedule immediately if you can’t make it • Not reporting expedited need: Specifically ask for “expedited SNAP” if you qualify • Incomplete documents: Take photos of everything as backup
Housing Mistakes
• Applying to only one housing authority: Apply everywhere you’re willing to live • Not updating contact information: You’ll lose your place if they can’t reach you • Waiting for “perfect” timing: Apply even if lists are closed – they’ll put you on the next opening
General Mistakes
• Not keeping copies: Always save confirmation numbers and emails • Not reporting changes: Income or address changes must be reported in 10 days • Giving up too quickly: If denied, you can often appeal or reapply with more documentation
What to Do If You’re Denied
- Request written reason for denial
- File appeal within 10 days if you disagree
- Ask for “aid pending” to continue benefits during appeal when allowed
- Get help from South Carolina Legal Services: 1-888-346-5592
When Programs Don’t Work – Plan B Options
If SNAP is denied or delayed:
• Contact local food banks through feedingamerica.org • Ask churches about emergency food assistance • Look into Salvation Army and local soup kitchens
If housing assistance isn’t available:
• Negotiate payment plan with landlord in writing • Ask family/friends about temporary housing • Contact domestic violence shelters if that applies (they help all women in crisis) • Look into transitional housing programs
If utilities are being shut off:
• Ask utility company for budget billing plan
• Get doctor’s note for medical necessity extension if anyone has health conditions • Contact churches and local charities for one-time bill assistance
If you can’t find work:
• Consider gig work (Uber, DoorDash, TaskRabbit) for immediate income • Ask current/former employers about temporary or part-time positions • Check with temp agencies for same-week work
Emergency mindset: When you’re in crisis, accept help that gets you through today. You can make longer-term plans once you’re stable.
Timeline Expectations – Be Realistic
Week 1
• Apply for SNAP, TANF, Medicaid online • Call WIC for appointment
• File unemployment if applicable • Contact 211 for emergency assistance
Week 2-3
• Attend SNAP/TANF interview • WIC appointment and first benefits • First unemployment payment (if approved) • Emergency assistance decisions
Month 2-3
• Regular SNAP benefits begin • TANF decision and first payment • Medicaid coverage starts • Begin required work activities
Month 6+
• Review and recertify for ongoing programs • Housing assistance applications may start moving • Job training programs may be available
Managing expectations: Getting stable takes months, not days. Focus on immediate needs first (food, shelter) then work on longer-term stability.
Common Questions Single Moms Ask
“Can I get help if I work?”
Yes, but income limits are strict. SNAP and WIC have the highest income limits. TANF has very low limits. Working actually helps you qualify for some programs like child care assistance.
“What if I don’t have all the documents?”
Apply anyway with what you have. Upload or bring additional documents later. Ask about “good cause” exceptions if you’re fleeing domestic violence or other crisis situations.
“How much can I earn and keep benefits?”
Each program is different. SNAP reduces gradually as income increases. TANF has strict limits. WIC income limits are more generous. Report all changes within 10 days to avoid overpayments.
“Can I get help if I live with family?”
Depends on whether you buy and prepare food together. If you’re a separate “household” for food purposes, you can often apply independently. Housing programs look at your individual income, not your family’s.
“What if I have a car payment or debt?”
Car payments don’t usually count as allowable deductions for SNAP. Student loans in deferment don’t count. Child support payments you make DO count as deductions.
“How long can I get help?”
SNAP: As long as you meet requirements (recertify every 6-12 months) TANF: 5-year lifetime limit
WIC: Until child turns 5, or 1 year postpartum Unemployment: 20 weeks maximum Section 8: No time limit if you follow program rules
“What if I’m denied?”
You can appeal most decisions within 10 days. Get help from South Carolina Legal Services (1-888-346-5592). Sometimes it’s just missing paperwork or a misunderstanding.
“Can I apply if I’m undocumented?”
Emergency services are available regardless of immigration status. Your U.S. citizen children can get benefits even if you can’t. Some local charities don’t check immigration status. For SNAP and TANF, only qualified immigrants and U.S. citizens can apply, but emergency Medicaid covers childbirth and emergency medical care.
Language assistance: South Carolina DSS provides interpreters and translated documents for major programs. Call the main DSS number (1-800-616-1309) and ask for language assistance in your preferred language.
Resources Directory
Statewide Helplines
• 211 South Carolina: Dial 211 or text “HELP” to 898211 • South Carolina DSS: 1-800-616-1309 • SC Department of Health and Human Services: 1-888-549-0820
• WIC: 1-855-472-3432 • Unemployment: 1-866-831-1724 • South Carolina Legal Services: 1-888-346-5592
Crisis Support
• Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 • SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
Online Applications
• SNAP/TANF/Medicaid: MyDHR SC • Health Coverage: scdhhs.gov • Unemployment: jobs.scworks.org • Housing Authorities: HUD.gov PHA Directory
Document Help
• Vital Records (Birth Certificates): scdhec.gov • Social Security Cards: ssa.gov or 1-800-772-1213 • South Carolina ID/Driver’s License: scdmvonline.com
Important Warnings and Reality Checks
About Benefit Amounts
South Carolina has some of the lowest assistance payments in the nation. TANF hasn’t increased significantly in decades. Don’t expect these programs alone to solve your financial problems – think of them as a foundation while you build stability.
About Waiting Times
Everything takes longer than you want. Section 8 waiting lists are years long. Even SNAP can take 30 days. Plan accordingly and don’t rely on just one program.
About Work Requirements
Most programs require you to work or participate in job training. South Carolina takes these requirements seriously and will cut benefits if you don’t comply. Understand what’s expected before you apply.
About Fraud Consequences
All programs monitor for fraud aggressively. Report income changes immediately. Never lie on applications. The penalties include permanent disqualification and having to pay money back.
About Income Reporting
Report ALL income – cash jobs, child support, help from family, unemployment benefits. Programs share information with each other. What looks like unreported income to one program can get you in trouble with all of them.
Disclaimer
Program rules, benefit amounts, and income limits change frequently. This guide provides general information as of August 2025, but you should always verify current requirements with the specific agency before applying. Contact information and program availability can change without notice.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For legal questions about benefits, appeals, or eligibility, contact South Carolina Legal Services at 1-888-346-5592.
The information in this guide comes from official government sources, but errors can occur. Always check with the agency directly for the most current and accurate information about your specific situation.
When in doubt, apply anyway. It’s better to try and be denied than to assume you don’t qualify and miss out on help you need.
Resumen en Español – Ayuda de Emergencia para Madres Solteras en Carolina del Sur
Ayuda Inmediata (Llame Hoy)
• Emergencia: Llame 911 • Necesita refugio: Llame 211 o envíe “HELP” al 898211 • Sin comida: Solicite SNAP en MyDHR SC – beneficios en 7 días • Van a cortar la luz: Llame a su Agencia de Acción Comunitaria local • Perdió su trabajo: Solicite desempleo en jobs.scworks.org o 1-866-831-1724 • Embarazada o niños menores de 5 años: Llame WIC al 1-855-472-3432
Programas Principales
SNAP (Cupones de Comida): Hasta $768/mes para familia de 3. Solicite en MyDHR SC. TANF (Ayuda en Efectivo): Hasta $388/mes para familia con 3 niños. Muy bajos ingresos requeridos. WIC (Mujeres, Bebés, Niños): Comida especial para embarazadas y niños menores de 5. Medicaid: Cobertura médica para embarazadas, niños, y padres de muy bajos ingresos. Sección 8: Ayuda con la renta (listas de espera muy largas).
Números Importantes
• DSS Carolina del Sur: 1-800-616-1309 (servicios de traducción disponibles) • Medicaid: 1-888-549-0820 • WIC: 1-855-472-3432 • Desempleo: 1-866-831-1724 • Servicios Legales: 1-888-346-5592
Nota: Todos estos programas requieren documentos. Los niños ciudadanos estadounidenses pueden calificar aunque los padres sean indocumentados.
About This Guide
Compiled by ASingleMother.org Editorial Team
This guide uses official sources from South Carolina Department of Social Services, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, and South Carolina Department of Public Health.
This comprehensive resource is produced following our editorial standards using only official government sources and established nonprofit organizations. While carefully researched and regularly updated, this guide is not affiliated with any government agency and is not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed as program rules and funding availability change frequently.
Last verified: August 2025
Next review: February 2026
Despite our careful verification process, errors may occur. Email corrections to info@asinglemother.org and we respond within 48 hours to serve South Carolina families better.
Official Sources
This guide references current policies and benefit amounts from:
• South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) – dss.sc.gov • USDA Food and Nutrition Service – fns.usda.gov • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – hud.gov • South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services – scdhhs.gov • South Carolina Department of Public Health (WIC) – scdhec.gov • South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce – dew.sc.gov • South Carolina Legal Services – sclegal.org • 211 South Carolina – sc211.org