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Grants for Single Mothers in South Carolina

South Carolina Single Mother’s Guide to Benefits, Grants, and Support Programs (2025)

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

If you’re facing an immediate crisis, here are three steps you can take right now:


  1. Call 2-1-1 – Free 24/7 help finding emergency assistance for housing, food, utilities, and more
  2. Apply for Emergency SNAP at SC.gov Access portal – you can get benefits within 1-3 days
  3. Contact your local food bank – Harvest Hope Food Bank at (803) 254-4432 for emergency food assistance

Main Points

South Carolina has numerous assistance programs for single mothers, but navigating them can be challenging. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, South Carolina’s TANF benefit level is set at just 17 percent of the federal poverty level, making it among the lowest in the nation. However, combining multiple programs can provide significant support.

What you need to know:

  • Emergency help is available – You can get food assistance within days and other support within weeks
  • Multiple programs exist – SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, WIC, and housing assistance can all work together
  • Educational grants are available – South Carolina Need-based Grant provides up to $3,500 annually for college students
  • The system requires persistence – Many programs have waiting lists or strict requirements
  • Income limits vary widely – You may qualify for some programs even while working

Reality Check: South Carolina pays a maximum of $388 a month to a family of three for TANF, and benefits are limited to 24 months in a 10-year period. Don’t expect benefits alone to solve all financial problems – focus on using them as stepping stones to self-sufficiency.

Emergency Cash and Basic Needs

When you need immediate help paying bills or buying food, these programs can provide relief.

Cash Assistance (TANF Program)

South Carolina’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides temporary cash benefits to families with very low incomes. The program requires all TANF applicants to participate in two weeks of up-front job search, except for those who are disabled or over 60 years old.

Current benefit amounts:

  • Maximum of $388 a month to a family of three
  • Lower amounts based on family income and size

Income limits:

  • Current income threshold is set at 50% of the poverty level – for example, a family of three can earn up to $1,076 a month and still qualify
Family Size Monthly Income Limit (50% FPL) Annual Income Limit
1 person $652 $7,825
2 people $881 $10,575
3 people $1,110 $13,325
4 people $1,340 $16,075

Important time limit warning: Most TANF benefits in South Carolina are limited to 24 months in a 10-year period. Plan for your transition off benefits.

Requirements:

  • Must be U.S. citizen or qualified legal resident
  • Must live in South Carolina
  • Must have children under 19 (or under 20 if in school)
  • Must participate in work activities unless exempt
  • Must have assets under $2,000 (excluding home and one vehicle)

How to apply:

  • Online: SC Access portal
  • Phone: 1-800-616-1309
  • In person: Visit your local DSS office

Processing time: Up to 45 days from application date

SNAP (Food Assistance)

In South Carolina over 500,000 households depend on SNAP each month to get the food they need for good health. SNAP benefits help reduce the amount you need to spend on food each month.

Income limits (based on 185% of Federal Poverty Level):

Family Size Monthly Gross Income Limit Annual Gross Income Limit
1 person $2,414 $28,970
2 people $3,260 $39,110
3 people $4,108 $49,300
4 people $4,956 $59,490

Maximum benefit amounts (October 2024 – September 2025):

  • 1 person: $292/month
  • 2 people: $536/month
  • 3 people: $768/month
  • 4 people: $975/month

How to apply:

Emergency SNAP: If you qualify for expedited service, you can get benefits within 1-3 days if you have less than $150 in monthly income and $100 or less in bank accounts.

Reality Check: SNAP benefits will not cover your entire food budget. Most families receive less than the maximum amount based on their income and expenses.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

Broken down by cost, WIC services can be valued at over $300 a month. This program provides nutrition assistance to pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5.

Who qualifies:

  • Pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum women (up to 6 months after birth)
  • Children under age 5
  • Income at or below 185% of Federal Poverty Level (same as SNAP limits above)
  • Must be at “nutritional risk” (determined by health screening)

Automatic qualification if you receive:

  • If you currently receive Medicaid, TANF, or SNAP, you already meet the income eligibility requirements

Benefits include:

  • Monthly food packages with milk, eggs, cereal, peanut butter, baby formula
  • Nutrition education and counseling
  • Breastfeeding support and breast pump loans
  • Referrals to healthcare and social services

How to apply:

  • Call 1-855-472-3432 to make an appointment
  • Create an account and begin application online at SC WIC website

What to bring:

  • Photo ID
  • Proof of income (or proof of SNAP/Medicaid/TANF participation)
  • Proof of address
  • Children’s immunization records

Healthcare for You and Your Kids

South Carolina expanded Medicaid, making healthcare more accessible to single mothers and their families.

Healthy Connections (South Carolina Medicaid)

South Carolina’s Medicaid program provides comprehensive health coverage to low-income individuals and families.

Income limits (138% of Federal Poverty Level):

Household Size Monthly Income Limit Annual Income Limit
1 person $1,800 $21,597
2 people $2,433 $29,180
3 people $3,065 $36,763
4 people $3,696 $44,346

Coverage includes:

  • Doctor visits and specialist care
  • Prescription medications
  • Mental health and substance abuse treatment
  • Hospital and emergency room care
  • Preventive care including mammograms and cancer screenings
  • Pregnancy and postpartum care

For children: Children 18 and under can get coverage if family income is up to 205% of Federal Poverty Level (about $5,268/month for a 3-person family).

How to apply:

Processing time: Usually 30 days or less

Educational Grants That Change Lives

These are true grants – money you don’t have to pay back. They can help you gain skills for better-paying jobs.

South Carolina Need-Based Grant

The South Carolina Need-based Grant provides additional aid to South Carolina’s students with the greatest financial need. A student may receive up to $3,500 annually if enrolled full-time or up to $1,750 annually if enrolled part-time.

Benefits:

  • Up to $3,500 per year for full-time students
  • Up to $1,750 per year for part-time students
  • No repayment required
  • Can be used at public colleges and universities in South Carolina

Requirements:

  • South Carolina resident for at least one year
  • Enrolled at least half-time as undergraduate student
  • Attending eligible South Carolina institution
  • Must be eligible for federal Pell Grant (substantial financial need)

How to apply:

  1. Complete your FAFSA by March 1st
  2. Apply to participating South Carolina colleges
  3. Institution automatically considers you when awarding financial aid

South Carolina Tuition Grants Program

The SC Tuition Grants Program provides need-based grant assistance to eligible South Carolina students obtaining an initial undergraduate degree who are attending, on a full time basis, eligible independent non-profit in-state colleges.

Benefits:

  • Need-based grant assistance for private colleges
  • Amount varies based on need and funding availability

Requirements:

  • South Carolina resident
  • Full-time enrollment at eligible private colleges
  • Demonstrate financial need through FAFSA

Contact: Visit SC Tuition Grants Commission website for more information

Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESA Program)

The Education Scholarship Trust Fund allows qualifying South Carolina parents to apply for a scholarship worth $6,000 for K-12 education alternatives.

Benefits:

  • $6,000 per eligible student per school year
  • Can be used for private school tuition, tutoring, educational materials

Income requirements:

  • School Year 2025-2026 – does not exceed 300% of the federal poverty guidelines
  • School year 2026-2027 and subsequent school years – does not exceed 400% of the federal poverty guidelines

Note: The 2025-2026 student application has now closed as we have reached our legal cap. Check for future application periods.

Answer “Sending Moms to College” Scholarship

Are you a nontraditional, post-secondary, female student in North or South Carolina with at least one school-aged child? If so, you may be eligible for the Answer “Sending Moms to College” Scholarship.

Benefits:

  • Multiple scholarships awarded annually
  • For mothers pursuing first-time bachelor’s degree
  • Includes mentoring and professional development

Requirements:

  • Single mother with school-aged children
  • Resident of select North or South Carolina counties
  • Pursuing bachelor’s degree, two-year nursing degree, or specific vocational programs
  • Must participate in Mentors For Mom Program

Contact: Contact ANSWER Scholarship, Inc. for current application information

Housing Help That Works

Finding safe, affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges for single mothers.

Emergency Rental Assistance

Several programs can help if you’re behind on rent or facing eviction.

Statewide assistance:

  • Call 2-1-1 for local emergency rental programs
  • Many nonprofits provide one-time emergency assistance
  • Churches and faith-based organizations often have emergency funds

What assistance covers:

  • Rent arrears
  • Utilities
  • Moving costs
  • Security deposits

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

The Housing Choice Voucher program helps very low-income families afford decent, safe housing.

Income limits (30% of Area Median Income vary by county – example for Columbia area):

  • 1 person: approximately $18,000 annually
  • 2 people: approximately $20,500 annually
  • 3 people: approximately $23,000 annually
  • 4 people: approximately $25,500 annually

How to apply:

  • Contact your local Public Housing Authority
  • Columbia: Columbia Housing Authority
  • Charleston: Charleston County Housing Authority
  • Find other authorities through HUD’s directory

Reality Check: Most housing authorities have waiting lists of 1-3 years. Apply as soon as possible and to multiple authorities if eligible.

Childcare Help While You Work or Go to School

Child Care Scholarship Program

South Carolina’s Department of Social Services (DSS) makes payments to child care programs for eligible low-income families.

Who qualifies:

  • Working parents (minimum hours vary)
  • Parents in approved education/training programs
  • Income limits based on federal poverty guidelines

How much you pay:

  • Co-payments based on income
  • Lower income families pay less
  • Payments made directly to childcare provider

How to apply:

  • Contact your local DSS office
  • Phone: 1-800-616-1309

Processing time: 30-45 days if all documents provided

Reality Check: Waiting lists are common. Apply as early as possible, even before you start work or school.

Head Start and Early Head Start

Free comprehensive early childhood programs for low-income families.

Head Start (Ages 3-5):

  • Free preschool education
  • Full-day or part-day options
  • Meals and snacks included
  • Health and dental screenings

Early Head Start (Birth to 3):

  • Childcare for infants and toddlers
  • Home visiting programs
  • Pregnant women services

Income requirements:

  • Family income at or below 130% of Federal Poverty Level
  • Automatic qualification for families receiving TANF, SNAP, or SSI

How to apply:

  • You can call the SC Head Start Association at 843-332-1135
  • Use program locator: Call 1-866-763-6481

Child Support Enforcement

Don’t overlook this important source of financial support. South Carolina’s Child Support Services helps single mothers get support from the other parent.

What they provide:

  • Locate absent parents using federal databases and employment records
  • Establish paternity through genetic testing
  • Establish and modify support orders through court system
  • Collect and distribute support payments automatically
  • Enforce support orders through wage garnishment and asset seizure

Who qualifies:

  • Any parent or caregiver who has custody of a child
  • No income requirements or restrictions
  • Available regardless of marital status

Costs:

  • $25 application fee for families not receiving TANF
  • Fee waived for TANF recipients
  • No other costs – services are free

How to apply:

What to expect:

  • Case opening: 1-2 weeks
  • Locating absent parent: 30-90 days
  • Establishing paternity: 60-120 days
  • Setting support order: 90-180 days

Reality Check: Even if the other parent doesn’t have a job now, establishing support orders helps when their situation changes.

Tax Credits and Federal Benefits

Many single mothers miss these programs that provide significant annual income.

Federal Tax Credits

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

  • Up to $8,046 for families with 3+ children (2025 tax year)
  • Working families with income under specific limits
  • Refundable – you get money back even if you don’t owe taxes

Child Tax Credit (CTC)

  • Up to $2,000 per child under 17
  • Single mothers with income under $200,000
  • May be partially refundable

Child and Dependent Care Credit

  • 20-35% of childcare costs
  • Up to $3,000 for one child or $6,000 for two+ children
  • For working parents paying for childcare

Contact for Free Tax Help: IRS VITA Program at 1-800-906-9887

South Carolina Earned Income Tax Credit

South Carolina has established a state’s non-refundable Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to “piggyback” off the federal credit.

  • Non-refundable state EITC, with a credit worth 125% of the federal credit beginning in tax year 2023
  • Must first claim the EITC on your federal income tax returns
  • Claim the credit when filing your South Carolina Individual Income Tax return

Food Help Beyond SNAP

Harvest Hope Food Bank

South Carolina’s largest hunger-relief organization, serving communities across the state.

Services available:

  • Emergency food boxes
  • Fresh produce distributions
  • Mobile food pantries in rural areas
  • Backpack program (weekend food for kids)

Contact information:

What to bring:

  • Valid South Carolina photo ID
  • Proof of address
  • Information about household size

Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina

Serves counties in the Charlotte region and surrounding areas.

Contact:

  • Phone: (704) 376-1800
  • Serves Charlotte metro area extending into South Carolina

TEFAP (Emergency Food Program)

The Emergency Food Assistance Program provides USDA commodity foods at no cost.

What it provides:

  • USDA commodity foods (canned goods, pasta, rice, etc.)
  • Distributed through local food pantries
  • No income requirements (varies by local pantry)

Find TEFAP locations:

  • Call 2-1-1 for local food pantries
  • Contact local Community Action Programs

Support for All Types of Single Parent Families

Single Fathers

Most programs in this guide also serve single fathers raising children alone:

Available programs:

  • SNAP (food assistance) – same eligibility and benefits
  • TANF (cash assistance) – same income limits and requirements
  • Healthy Connections (healthcare) – full family coverage available
  • Child support services – help collecting from other parent
  • Housing assistance – Section 8 and emergency rental help
  • Childcare assistance – same work/school requirements

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Special considerations for kinship families:

TANF eligibility:

  • Income limit may be higher when grandparent applies only for grandchild
  • Grandparent’s needs not included in benefit calculation
  • May qualify even if grandparent receives Social Security

Kinship care support:

  • Contact local DSS office for kinship services
  • Financial assistance may be available
  • Legal assistance for custody issues

LGBTQ+ Single Parents

All South Carolina state programs serve LGBTQ+ parents without discrimination.

Support organizations:

  • SC Equality Coalition
  • Alliance for Full Acceptance (Charleston)
  • Contact 2-1-1 for local LGBTQ+ resources

Legal protections:

  • Federal law prohibits discrimination in federally funded programs
  • Same-sex couples eligible for all family programs

Tribal Resources

Catawba Indian Nation:

  • May operate separate assistance programs
  • Contact tribal government for specific programs
  • Phone: (803) 366-4792

Note: You cannot receive both state and tribal assistance simultaneously for the same program

Rural South Carolina Families

Additional challenges in rural areas:

  • Limited public transportation
  • Fewer service providers
  • Longer travel distances to offices

Rural-specific resources:

  • Mobile food pantries serve rural areas
  • Telehealth available through Healthy Connections
  • 2-1-1 especially important for finding local resources

Resources by Region

Columbia/Midlands Area

Emergency assistance:

  • United Way of the Midlands: (803) 733-5400
  • Salvation Army: (803) 256-6279

Food resources:

  • Harvest Hope Food Bank: (803) 254-4432
  • Oliver Gospel Mission: (803) 256-1495

Legal aid:

  • South Carolina Legal Services: (803) 799-9668

Charleston/Lowcountry Area

Emergency assistance:

  • Lowcountry Food Bank: (843) 747-8146
  • Trident United Way: (843) 740-7600

Housing help:

  • Charleston County Housing Authority: (843) 720-3851

Food resources:

  • Lowcountry Food Bank: (843) 747-8146

Greenville/Upstate Area

Emergency assistance:

  • United Way of Greenville County: (864) 467-3000
  • Salvation Army: (864) 235-4203

Food resources:

  • Second Harvest Food Bank: (864) 609-2010

Common Questions Single Moms Ask (FAQs)

Q: Can I get help if I’m working?
A: Yes! Most programs allow working families to qualify:

  • SNAP: Up to 185% of poverty level ($4,108/month for family of 3)
  • Healthy Connections: Up to 138% of poverty level ($3,065/month for family of 3)
  • WIC: Up to 185% of poverty level
  • Childcare assistance: Varies by program

Q: What if I have a criminal record?
A: South Carolina maintains a full lifetime ban on people with drug felony convictions from receiving TANF, but you can still qualify for:

  • SNAP (food assistance)
  • Healthy Connections (healthcare)
  • Housing assistance
  • WIC
  • Most other programs

Q: How long do applications take to process?
A: Processing times vary by program:

  • SNAP: 1-30 days (1-3 days if emergency)
  • TANF: Up to 45 days
  • Healthy Connections: Usually 30 days or less
  • Housing vouchers: Months to years due to waiting lists
  • Childcare assistance: 30-45 days

Q: Can I apply for multiple programs at once?
A: Yes! The SC Access portal allows you to apply for SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid with one application. You can apply for other programs separately at the same time.

Q: What if I get denied?
A: You have the right to appeal any denial within 30 days. Common reasons for denial include missing documents or income calculation errors. Contact South Carolina Legal Services at (803) 799-9668 for help with appeals.

Q: Do I have to pay anything back?
A: Most programs don’t require repayment:

  • Never repay: SNAP, Healthy Connections, WIC, tax credits
  • Educational grants: May have requirements like staying in South Carolina after graduation
  • Overpayments: If you receive too much due to unreported income changes, you may need to repay the difference

Q: How do I get help filling out applications?
A: Free application assistance available:

  • DSS offices: Staff provide in-person help
  • 2-1-1: Can connect you with local navigators
  • South Carolina Legal Services: (803) 799-9668
  • Local Community Action Programs: Case managers often help with applications

Q: What if my English is limited?
A: Language assistance is available:

  • All state programs provide free interpreters
  • Call 1-800-616-1309 for assistance in multiple languages
  • Request interpreter when scheduling appointments

Q: Can I get help paying for school while receiving benefits?
A: Yes, education is encouraged:

  • Federal Pell Grants: Apply via FAFSA
  • SC Need-based Grant: Up to $3,500/year
  • TANF work requirement: Education/training counts as work activity
  • Childcare assistance: Available for parents in approved education programs

Warning Signs and Red Flags

Scams to Avoid

Grant scams:

  • Red flag: Requests upfront fees for “guaranteed grants”
  • Reality: Legitimate government programs never charge application fees (except $25 for child support)
  • Action: Hang up and report to South Carolina Attorney General: (803) 734-3970

Benefits card scams:

  • Red flag: Calls asking for your EBT card number or PIN
  • Reality: DSS will never call asking for your card information
  • Action: Never give card information over phone; call DSS directly if questionable

Housing scams:

  • Red flag: “Guaranteed Section 8 approval” for a fee
  • Reality: No one can guarantee housing voucher approval
  • Action: Only apply through official housing authorities

Program Warnings

TANF time limits:

  • 24 months in a 10-year period
  • Very limited extensions available
  • Plan for transition off benefits

Benefit amounts are modest:

  • TANF: $388/month maximum for family of 3
  • Benefits designed to supplement, not replace, income

Resources and Important Phone Numbers

Statewide Resources

Primary contact numbers:

  • 2-1-1: Information and referral service (24/7)
  • South Carolina Department of Social Services: 1-800-616-1309
  • SC Access (benefits applications): SC Access portal

Emergency Numbers:

  • Emergency services: 911
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

Food assistance:

  • Harvest Hope Food Bank: (803) 254-4432
  • Lowcountry Food Bank: (843) 747-8146

Legal assistance:

  • South Carolina Legal Services: (803) 799-9668
  • Pro Bono Program: (803) 252-0008

Useful Websites

Government portals:

Resource finders:

Disclaimer

Important Notice About Information Currency

Program details, eligibility requirements, and benefit amounts change frequently due to federal and state policy updates, funding changes, and legislative action. All information in this guide was compiled and verified using official government sources as of August 2025, but policies may have changed since publication.

Verification Requirements:

  • Always verify current information directly with the relevant agency before making decisions
  • Contact program offices for the most up-to-date eligibility requirements and benefit amounts
  • Check official websites for any recent policy changes or updates

Limitations:

  • This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal, financial, or benefits counseling advice
  • Individual circumstances vary and may affect program eligibility
  • Processing times and benefit amounts may differ from those listed
  • Some programs may have waiting lists or limited funding not reflected in this guide

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.

This South Carolina guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the benefits system. We verify information with official sources including South Carolina Department of Social Services, USDA, IRS, and local nonprofits to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official South Carolina Department of Social Services, USDA, HHS, and South Carolina Commission on Higher Education sources. Last verified: August 2025.

The ASingleMother.org editorial team welcomes feedback on this guide. If you find outdated information or discover new resources, please contact us at info@asinglemother.org so we can help other single mothers with accurate, current information.

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