Job Loss Support and Unemployment Help for Single Mothers in South Carolina
Job Loss Support & Unemployment Help for Single Mothers in South Carolina
Last updated: September 2025
This is a practical, no‑fluff hub for single moms in South Carolina who lost a job or have been out of work. You’ll find how to get Unemployment Insurance (UI), fast food money, short‑term cash, child care while you job‑hunt, training that pays for itself, and how to stop a power or water shutoff. Every paragraph includes direct links you can click. Please keep this page open while you call or apply online—most steps can be finished from your phone.
S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) runs unemployment and job services in the state; its job center network is SC Works. For food and cash programs, the agency is S.C. Department of Social Services (DSS). Health coverage is through Healthy Connections Medicaid (SCDHHS). For shutoff disputes, contact the S.C. Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) consumer team.
If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take
(Do these first. They protect your income, food, and lights.)
- File for UI now: Use MyBenefits (DEW) the same day you’re laid off; there’s a one‑week unpaid “waiting week,” so filing sooner matters. Add your work search in SC Works Online Services (SCWOS) to keep payments flowing.
- Apply for expedited SNAP food help: Start at the DSS Benefits Portal. If you qualify for “expedited,” benefits can arrive within 7 days. Use the SNAP FAQ for county office contact if you need in‑person help.
- Stop a utility shutoff today: Call your utility, then call ORS Consumer Services for a free mediation if you can’t set up a plan. Ask your doctor for a winter medical certificate to delay disconnection and contact your county’s LIHEAP office via the S.C. Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO).
Quick help box — key numbers and links to keep handy
- UI phone support (TelClaim): DEW TelClaim 1-866-831-1724; hours posted online; use MyBenefits for filing and weekly certification.
- DSS Client Services (SNAP/TANF): DSS Connect Call Center 1-800-616-1309; apply through the DSS Benefits Portal.
- Medicaid/CHIP help: Healthy Connections (SCDHHS) 1-888-549-0820; upload documents in the SCDHHS portal.
- Statewide resource navigation: Dial or text SC 2‑1‑1 (alternate 1-866-892-9211) for local rent, food, and bill help; search at SC211.org.
- Utility complaint line: ORS Consumer Services 1-800-922-1531 (TTY 1-877-889-8337); formal complaints go to the Public Service Commission (PSC) after you try ORS.
Getting Unemployment Insurance in South Carolina
Start here. File online the same day you lose hours or your job. Use MyBenefits (DEW) to open a claim; then log two work searches each week inside SCWOS so weekly payments aren’t held. If you can’t access a computer, find your nearest SC Works center and use the public computers.
South Carolina’s weekly benefit ranges from 42to42 to 326 for up to 20 payable weeks per benefit year, before taxes. There’s a one‑week unpaid waiting period. After you certify each week, payments can take up to three business days to process. Use DEW’s WBA page and Manage Weekly Benefits for the exact rules.
You must meet monetary rules and weekly eligibility. DEW requires you to be able and available for work, lose your job through no fault of your own, and—in most cases—complete at least two job searches every week in SCWOS. See DEW eligibility basics and the work search help.
UI quick facts (South Carolina)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Weekly benefit amount (WBA) | 42–42–326 (before tax) |
| Maximum weeks (state UI) | Up to 20 payable weeks per benefit year |
| Waiting week | One unpaid week before any payment |
| Work search | Complete at least two job searches weekly in SCWOS |
| Payment timing after certification | Up to 3 business days to process |
| Report part‑time earnings | First 25% of WBA not deducted; report gross earnings |
Sources: DEW WBA, DEW How UI Works, DEW Manage Your Weekly Benefits, DEW Find a Job (work search).
How to apply: File online at MyBenefits, verify identity (ID.me inside the portal), and answer any “fact‑finding” questions in your inbox fast. Then, every Sunday, certify your week and complete your two SCWOS searches. If you need help by phone, call TelClaim 1-866-831-1724 (Relay 711).
Eligibility rules you can’t skip: You must be able/available for suitable work, accept suitable job offers, and keep weekly job searches in SCWOS. If you attend WIOA‑approved training, your work‑search may be waived—ask your local SC Works office to document this. See DEW eligibility and SC Works WIOA overview.
Documents to gather: Photo ID, Social Security number, last employer’s full name/address, last day worked, and 18 months of work history. Keep your weekly earnings notes so you can report gross pay correctly; DEW explains how partial work affects pay on the How UI Works page.
Timeline: There’s an unpaid waiting week. After you certify, payment may take up to 3 business days to post. Keep checking your MyBenefits dashboard for status.
Appeals: If denied, file a written appeal by the deadline on your notice. You can mail or fax to DEW Appeals (P.O. Box 995, Columbia, SC 29202; Fax 803‑737‑0287). See DEW appeals info. For legal help, call South Carolina Legal Services (SCLS) intake 1-888-346-5592 or use the SC Bar Lawyer Referral line.
What to do if this doesn’t work: Call or visit a full‑service SC Works center for one‑on‑one help filing and connecting SCWOS to your claim; ask them to check your work‑search feed. If payments stall, message DEW in the portal and call TelClaim 1-866-831-1724. If your employer contests your claim, respond to DEW “fact‑finding” quickly and request a hearing if denied.
How to Stop Utility Shutoff in South Carolina Today
If you received a disconnect notice, act the same day. Call your utility’s customer service number to request a payment plan. Ask about any medical certificate protection December–March. Then call ORS Consumer Services for free mediation and options like third‑party notification. If the dispute isn’t fixed, file a formal complaint with the Public Service Commission.
South Carolina offers winter protections. Electric service cannot be cut when the average forecasted temperature is 32°F or below for a 45‑hour period, and a physician‑signed medical certificate can delay shutoff for 30 days (renewable up to three times in winter). Read the state “Electric Bill of Rights” and PSC termination rules; then ask your doctor and utility for the form if someone in the home has a serious health risk.
Pair that with energy help. Apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) through your county’s Community Action Agency via the S.C. OEO LIHEAP portal. If you live in Charleston/Berkeley/Dorchester, contact Palmetto Community Action Partnership; in Horry/Georgetown/Williamsburg, contact Waccamaw EOC; in Richland/Lexington/Sumter/Kershaw/Clarendon, call Wateree CAA. Keep using SC 2‑1‑1 to find any church or charity utility funds near you.
Charleston power bill help: Call Palmetto CAP about LIHEAP; if you’re a Dominion customer, ask about medical certificates and programs listed on Dominion Energy SC – Billing & Assistance.
Greenville/Upstate power bill help: Contact SHARE (Upstate LIHEAP) and ask Duke/Dominion about payment arrangements; keep ORS numbers handy for disputes.
What to do if this doesn’t work: Request an urgent callback from ORS (1‑800‑922‑1531). Ask your doctor to fax the medical certificate to the utility today. Then apply for LIHEAP emergency aid through your county agency and ask your utility for a short‑term hold while the application is pending. Use SC 2‑1‑1 to locate any church‑based crisis funds.
Temporary Food and Cash While You’re Unemployed
South Carolina processes food aid through SNAP and cash aid through Family Independence (TANF). Apply together in the DSS Benefits Portal, or call DSS Client Services 1-800-616-1309 to request a mailed application if your internet is down. Use SC 2‑1‑1 to find pantries while you wait.
SNAP maximums for October 2024–September 2025 rose slightly per USDA’s FY2025 COLA. A family of three can receive up to 768monthly;fourcanreceiveupto768 monthly; four can receive up to 975. Households in the 48 states (including SC) follow the table below. Learn more on USDA FNS FY2025 and the Congressional Research Service summary.
SNAP & TANF quick amounts (FY2025 unless noted)
| Program | Household size | Max monthly benefit |
|---|---|---|
| SNAP (48 states & DC) | 1 | $292 |
| 2 | $536 | |
| 3 | $768 | |
| 4 | $975 | |
| TANF (Family Independence), SC | 1 child | $229 |
| 2 children | $308 | |
| 3 children | $388 |
Sources: USDA SNAP FY2025 COLA; SC DSS TANF page. Amounts can change; check your county.
How to apply: Use the DSS Benefits Portal, pick SNAP/TANF, and upload ID, proof of SC residency, income, child support paid/received, rent and utility bills, and child care costs. If you might qualify for expedited SNAP, tell DSS right away. Find county office contacts on DSS SNAP pages.
While you wait: Visit emergency food pantries. Check Harvest Hope for Columbia/Upstate hours and Lowcountry Food Bank for coastal distributions. Lines move faster early mornings; bring a photo ID.
What to do if this doesn’t work: Request a supervisor callback from DSS if you’re past 7 days (expedited) or 30 days (regular). For denials, use DSS appeal instructions on your notice. Call SCLS intake 1-888-346-5592 if you need help with a benefits hearing.
Keep or Replace Health Coverage After Job Loss
You have three main paths: COBRA, Marketplace coverage, or Medicaid for you and/or your kids. Compare costs before you choose.
COBRA lets you keep your old job plan for 18–36 months, but you pay the full premium plus up to 2% admin fee. Learn what counts and deadlines in the U.S. Department of Labor COBRA guide and CMS fact sheet.
If COBRA is too expensive, use a Special Enrollment Period to buy a subsidized Marketplace plan within 60 days of losing coverage. Start at HealthCare.gov Special Enrollment; coverage often starts the first of the next month. DOL also explains your options in plain language.
Medicaid options in SC depend on your household. Parents/caretaker relatives have very low income limits; children and pregnant women have higher limits. See current (March 2025) income charts for Parents/Caretaker, Partners for Healthy Children (CHIP), and Pregnant Women on SCDHHS eligibility pages. Apply or upload documents at SCDHHS or call 1-888-549-0820.
What to do if this doesn’t work: If your Marketplace SEP is denied, appeal through HealthCare.gov and call local Navigators via SC Thrive 1-800-726-8774. If a Medicaid application stalls, call SCDHHS at 1-888-549-0820 and ask about submitting any missing proofs; appeal instructions and contacts are on the SCDHHS site.
Child Care So You Can Job‑Hunt or Train
South Carolina’s child care scholarship (SC Voucher) helps pay for care while you work, attend school, or train. As of current guidance, DSS can cover up to 52 weeks at approved providers in the ABC Quality network. Read the rules, hours, and contact phone (1‑800‑476‑0199) on ABC Quality – Child Care Scholarships and SC Child Care Services.
Income thresholds and participation rules apply. The “Working Families” scholarship prioritizes working parents and some students; DSS has updated thresholds that can go up to 85% of State Median Income when funds allow. Always call to confirm current availability before applying. See DSS/SC Child Care announcements.
If you’re in training, WIOA can help with supportive services—often transportation, tools, exam fees, or short‑term child care—through your local SC Works area. Learn about WIOA programs on SC Works and talk to a career coach.
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your WIOA counselor to document “approved training” for UI purposes; it can affect your work‑search requirement. If a voucher waitlist is closed, use SC 2‑1‑1 to find YMCA, Head Start, or church programs that offer sliding‑scale care.
Training, Job Matching, and Re‑Employment That Pays
Hit your nearest SC Works for résumé help, job leads, and free classes. If you were laid off, ask about Rapid Response and Dislocated Worker services; you may qualify for tuition help and supportive services while you retrain. See SC Works Rapid Response and DEW’s employer info (it explains how Rapid Response helps workers, too).
Look at tuition‑free options right now. The SC Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship (SC•WINS) can cover tuition, fees, and course materials up to $5,000/year in high‑demand technical college programs. Read eligibility on the SC Technical College System (SCTCS) SC•WINS page and see the broader Workforce Scholarships for the Future initiative.
Prefer earn‑while‑you‑learn? Apprenticeships combine paid work and classroom training and can fit a single mom schedule if you need income now. Get matched through Apprenticeship Carolina and ask your local college’s apprenticeship office. Businesses can claim a $1,000 state tax credit per apprentice, which helps them hire; see the SC Works apprenticeship tax credit page.
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask an SC Works career coach to help you compare SC•WINS programs with apprenticeships and short credentials (CDL, medical coding, IT support) that hire fast. If you need disability‑related job help, call the SC Vocational Rehabilitation Department at 1‑800‑832‑7526 and the SC Commission for the Blind for specialized training.
Rent, Eviction, and Housing Reality
Expect long waits for vouchers. SC Housing administers Housing Choice Vouchers in seven counties and notes that waitlists, when open, can take three to five years to reach an applicant. Watch status on SC Housing HCV Program and search other PHAs via HUD’s SC rental help.
When you’re at risk now, get legal advice and call 2‑1‑1. Use SC Legal Services intake 1-888-346-5592 for eviction defense or repairs, and check tenant rights via SC Bar tenant guides. For shelter and rapid rehousing leads, call SC 2‑1‑1 and ask for your county Continuum of Care.
While you wait on benefits, seek food and small grants. Try Harvest Hope and Lowcountry Food Bank. If you live in Aiken, Bamberg, Barnwell, Allendale, or nearby, note that Golden Harvest expanded its Aiken facility to serve more families.
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask the magistrate court for a continuance to seek rental aid; call SCLS about defenses (repairs, improper notice, or payments refused). If you get locked out or utilities are shut off illegally, mention the Residential Landlord‑Tenant Act to the clerk and request restoration.
Local Organizations, Charities, and Support Groups
Local Community Action Agencies are your primary path to emergency energy help, weatherization, and sometimes rent help. Use the state’s OEO directory to reach your county:
- Charleston/Berkeley/Dorchester: Palmetto CAP LIHEAP/CSBG offices; ask about weatherization and emergency services. For food calendars, see Lowcountry Food Bank.
- Richland/Lexington/Sumter/Kershaw/Clarendon: Wateree CAA (appointment line 803‑626‑1696). For food in Columbia, check Harvest Hope Midlands.
- Greenville/Anderson/Pickens/Oconee: SHARE (Upstate LIHEAP), and Harvest Hope Upstate for emergency food.
- Horry/Georgetown/Williamsburg: Waccamaw EOC (LIHEAP, weatherization); find job‑seeker help at SC Works Waccamaw.
If you can’t reach your local office, call the state’s S.C. Office of Economic Opportunity for the correct contact, and keep SC 2‑1‑1 handy for nearby church‑based funds.
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask the agency about its appeal process (listed on OEO’s LIHEAP page) and email oeo@admin.sc.gov if your appeal is denied. Meanwhile, call 2‑1‑1 to find a different charity for a one‑time pledge to your utility or landlord.
Resources by Region
| Region | Primary contacts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston area | Palmetto CAP • Lowcountry Food Bank • SC Works centers | Use PCAP for LIHEAP/weatherization; LCFB for food calendars. |
| Columbia/Midlands | Wateree CAA • Harvest Hope – Midlands • SC Works | Call the appointment line for LIHEAP; check food pantry days online. |
| Greenville/Upstate | SHARE • Harvest Hope – Upstate • SC Works | SHARE runs Operation Warmth and LIHEAP offices in multiple counties. |
| Horry/Georgetown/Williamsburg | Waccamaw EOC • LCFB • SC Works Waccamaw | Ask Waccamaw about utility help and weatherization. |
Sources: OEO county listings, food bank sites, and SC Works pages.
Diverse Communities — Targeted Help and Access
LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask for free language access and equal service at all SC Works locations; their Babel Notice confirms help for Limited‑English‑Proficient individuals at no cost. For health coverage after job loss, use HealthCare.gov Special Enrollment and seek local Navigator help through SC Thrive.
Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Call the SC Vocational Rehabilitation Department (VR) at 1‑800‑832‑7526 for job accommodation support and training. If you have vision loss, contact the SC Commission for the Blind for employment and independent‑living services. For legal rights or school IEP problems, call Protection & Advocacy (P&A) at 803‑782‑0639 (TTY lines available).
Veteran single mothers: Claim priority of service at SC Works, and connect with the SC Department of Veterans’ Affairs (SCDVA) for benefits claims and county VA offices; hotline 1‑803‑734‑0200. Women veterans can also call the VA Women’s Health line (1‑855‑829‑6636) from links on SCDVA.
Immigrant and refugee single moms: DSS runs the state’s Refugee Resettlement program; call 1‑800‑922‑1548 or visit DSS Refugee Services. For Medicaid or Marketplace help in your language, use SCDHHS and HealthCare.gov.
Tribal‑specific resources: Catawba Nation citizens in York County can contact Catawba Nation Family Services (803‑366‑4792) and the ISWA Development Corporation (Housing) for housing assistance options. Combine with local SC Works services.
Rural single moms with limited access: If a center is far, start online with SC Works Online Services and ask your library to serve as a connection point (many counties list “connection points” on the SC Works centers map). For utilities complaints where co‑ops or municipal systems are involved, still call ORS Consumer Services for guidance.
Single fathers: All programs here—UI, SNAP/TANF, Medicaid, training, LIHEAP—apply equally to single dads who meet the rules. Use DSS for SNAP/TANF and DEW for UI; call SC 2‑1‑1 for local family resources.
Language access: Ask for free interpretation at SC Works, DSS, and SCDHHS. TTY users can reach ORS at 1‑877‑889‑8337.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing the work‑search link: Not connecting your SCWOS searches to your UI claim stops payments. Make sure you log two job views in SCWOS every week before you certify in MyBenefits.
- Waiting to file UI: The waiting week is unpaid, so a late claim can push your first paid week back. File in MyBenefits the day you separate.
- Not reporting part‑time earnings: You can keep up to 25% of WBA without a reduction, but you must report gross earnings. Review DEW’s rules.
- Applying everywhere but food banks: SNAP can take days; pantries help now. Check Harvest Hope and Lowcountry Food Bank.
Reality Check — Delays and Funding Limits
- Housing vouchers: SC Housing reports 3–5 year waits when lists are open; most counties use HUD PHAs with similar delays. Don’t plan on a voucher to solve this month’s rent. See SC Housing HCV and HUD’s PHA list.
- LIHEAP: Energy funds can run out mid‑season. Apply early and keep your bill under “arrangement” with the utility while you wait. Use the OEO LIHEAP page for your agency contacts.
- UI timing: You won’t be paid for the waiting week. After each weekly certification, processing may take up to three business days. Watch your MyBenefits dashboard.
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
| Need | Where to go | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Insurance | DEW – MyBenefits | 1‑866‑831‑1724 |
| Work search & job centers | SC Works centers • SCWOS | — |
| Food & cash (SNAP/TANF) | DSS Benefits Portal | 1‑800‑616‑1309 |
| Medicaid/CHIP | SCDHHS Healthy Connections | 1‑888‑549‑0820 |
| Utility complaints | ORS Consumer Services | 1‑800‑922‑1531 |
| Energy bill help (LIHEAP) | OEO – LIHEAP | — |
| Statewide resource line | SC 2‑1‑1 | 1‑866‑892‑9211 |
Application Checklist — Screenshot‑friendly
- Photo ID: SC license/state ID or other government photo ID. Use SCDHHS upload or DSS portal to submit.
- Social Security numbers: For you and kids; bring cards if you have them. Programs: DEW UI, DSS SNAP/TANF.
- Proof of address: Lease, utility bill, or mail. Needed for DSS and OEO/LIHEAP.
- Income/layoff proof: Last pay stubs, layoff letter, or employer contact for DEW. Report all gross weekly wages when certifying.
- Bills & child expenses: Rent, utilities, child care invoices for SNAP/TANF and SC Voucher.
If Your Application Gets Denied — Troubleshooting
- UI denial: File a timely appeal. Mail DEW Appeal Tribunal, P.O. Box 995, Columbia, SC 29202, or fax 803‑737‑0287. Keep certifying weekly during appeal. See DEW appeals. Ask SCLS for legal advice if needed.
- SNAP/TANF denial: Ask DSS for a fair hearing in writing by the date on your notice. Use the DSS contact page for your county fax/email. Get help from SC Bar Lawyer Referral.
- Medicaid denial: Appeal with SCDHHS Division of Appeals and Hearings (instructions in your notice; general hearings line 1‑800‑763‑9087). See SCDHHS contacts.
- Utility dispute unresolved: File an informal complaint with ORS and, if needed, a formal complaint with the PSC.
County‑Specific Notes Worth Knowing
- HCV waitlist coverage: SC Housing’s voucher program only covers Clarendon, Colleton, Dorchester, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lee, and Lexington; other counties use local PHAs—check HUD’s PHA directory. Wait times can run 3–5 years.
- LIHEAP agencies differ by county: Charleston area uses Palmetto CAP; the Upstate uses SHARE; the Midlands use Wateree CAA; the Waccamaw region uses Waccamaw EOC. Call first to check intake days.
- Language services: SC Works offers free interpreters; see the Babel Notice. Ask DSS and SCDHHS for interpreters or translated notices.
FAQs (South Carolina job loss — single mothers)
How fast will I get my first UI payment: After you file and serve the unpaid waiting week, payments process up to three business days after each weekly certification. Make sure your two SCWOS job searches are logged before certifying. See DEW – Manage Weekly Benefits and DEW work search rules.
What’s the maximum South Carolina UI pays: $326 per week before taxes, up to 20 weeks per benefit year, based on your wages. Read the DEW WBA page.
Do I have to take a much lower‑paying job: In the first 8 paid weeks of unemployment, “suitable work” usually must pay at least 90% of your prior wage; after 8 weeks, at least 75%. See DEW eligibility basics.
Can I keep UI if I work part‑time: Yes, report gross earnings weekly; you can earn up to 25% of your WBA with no deduction. Details are on DEW – How UI Works.
How much SNAP could I qualify for in 2025: USDA’s FY2025 maximums for a 3‑person family are 768,and768, and 975 for four, with other sizes in the table above. See USDA FY2025 COLA.
How do I get child care help while job‑hunting: Apply for SC Voucher through ABC Quality and ask your SC Works counselor if WIOA can help with supportive child care during training.
Can I delay a winter power shutoff for medical reasons: Yes, a physician‑signed certificate can delay shutoff for 30 days, renewable up to 3 times during December–March. Call your utility and read ORS’s consumer rights. See Electric Bill of Rights.
Is there free job training for in‑demand careers: Yes. SC•WINS covers up to $5,000/year for high‑need programs at 16 technical colleges, and Workforce Scholarships for the Future fills remaining costs after other aid. Start at SCTCS SC•WINS and Workforce Scholarships.
I’m a veteran—who can help me now: Visit SC Works for veterans’ priority and call SCDVA 1‑803‑734‑0200 to connect with a County Veterans Service Officer for claims, housing, and jobs.
I don’t speak English well—can I still get help: Yes. SC Works provides interpreters and translated vital info at no cost; see its Babel Notice. DSS and SCDHHS also offer language access if you request it.
Who advocates for people with disabilities facing service barriers: Call Protection & Advocacy (P&A) 803‑782‑0639 (TTY available). For VR services, call SCVRD 1‑800‑832‑7526.
Tables — Program Details at a Glance
Unemployment Insurance — what to expect
| Topic | Key details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility basics | No‑fault job loss, able/available for work, accept suitable work, complete weekly work search in SCWOS. |
| Weekly benefit | 42–42–326 (before taxes). |
| Max weeks | Up to 20 payable weeks per benefit year. |
| Work search | At least two SCWOS job searches weekly, linked to your claim. |
| Payment timing | Up to 3 business days after weekly certification. |
Sources: DEW How UI Works, WBA, Manage Weekly Benefits, Search for Work.
Food and cash — what’s realistic
| Program | Max benefit example | Typical decision time |
|---|---|---|
| SNAP (3 people) | 768/month;4people768/month; 4 people 975/month (FY2025). | 7 days (expedited) or up to 30 days (regular). |
| TANF Family Independence | 229(1child),229 (1 child), 308 (2), $388 (3) per month. | Varies by county; ask DSS for timeline. |
Sources: USDA FY2025 SNAP, DSS TANF, DSS SNAP overview.
Health coverage after job loss — compare fast
| Option | When to choose | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| COBRA | Need same doctors/benefits and can afford full premium + 2%. | DOL COBRA |
| Marketplace SEP | Prefer lower premiums with subsidies; 60‑day window from loss of coverage. | HealthCare.gov SEP |
| Medicaid (adults) | If parent/caretaker and income is very low; check income charts. | SCDHHS eligibility |
| Medicaid/CHIP (kids/pregnancy) | Higher limits for children and pregnant women; often free. | SCDHHS eligibility |
Sources: DOL, HealthCare.gov, SCDHHS eligibility pages.
Child care & training — stack the help
| Program | What it covers | Apply |
|---|---|---|
| SC Voucher (SC DSS) | Up to 52 weeks of care at ABC Quality providers. | ABC Quality Scholarships |
| WIOA Supportive Services | May cover child care, transportation, tools during training. | SC Works (WIOA) |
| SC•WINS Scholarship | Tuition/fees/materials up to $5,000/year for high‑need programs. | SCTCS SC•WINS |
| Apprenticeship Carolina | Paid training + classes; employer may claim tax credit. | Apprenticeship Carolina |
Sources: ABC Quality, SC Works, SCTCS, Apprenticeship Carolina, SC Works tax credit page.
Spanish summary — Resumen en español
Aviso: esta traducción fue preparada con herramientas de IA. Verifique siempre los detalles en los enlaces oficiales.
Si perdió su trabajo en Carolina del Sur, primero presente su solicitud de desempleo en MyBenefits (DEW) y haga dos búsquedas de trabajo cada semana en SCWOS. Para comida rápida, solicite SNAP y pida “expedite” si califica. Para evitar cortes de servicios, llame a su empresa y después a ORS 1-800-922-1531; también pida ayuda de energía (LIHEAP) a través de su agencia del condado en OEO. Para seguro de salud, compare COBRA, HealthCare.gov y Medicaid. Para cuidado infantil, vea SC Voucher y capacitación gratis con SC•WINS y SC Works/WIOA. Si necesita ayuda local, marque SC 2‑1‑1.
About This Guide
Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.
This guide uses official sources including:
- S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW)
- S.C. Department of Social Services (DSS)
- S.C. Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS)
- S.C. Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS)
- S.C. Office of Economic Opportunity (LIHEAP)
- SC Works / WIOA
- S.C. Technical College System – SC•WINS
- Apprenticeship Carolina
- USDA FNS – SNAP FY2025 COLA
- U.S. Department of Labor – COBRA
Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.
This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur – email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.
Disclaimer
This guide is information, not legal or financial advice. Always confirm current program rules and funding before applying. Program amounts and timelines can change by county and funding availability. When in doubt, call the agency number linked in each section and document who you spoke with, the date, and what was said.
🏛️More South Carolina Resources for Single Mothers
Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in South Carolina
- 📋 Assistance Programs
- 💰 Benefits and Grants
- 👨👩👧 Child Support
- 🌾 Rural Single Mothers Assistance
- ♿ Disabled Single Mothers Assistance
- 🎖️ Veteran Single Mothers Benefits
- 🦷 Dental Care Assistance
- 🎓 Education Grants
- 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
- 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
- 🔧 Job Training
- ⚖️ Legal Help
- 🧠 Mental Health Resources
- 🚗 Transportation Assistance
- ⚡ Utility Assistance
- 🥛 WIC Benefits
- 🏦 TANF Assistance
- 🏠 Housing Assistance
- 👶 Childcare Assistance
- 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
- 🚨 Emergency Assistance
- 🤝 Community Support
- 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
- 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
- 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
- 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
- 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
- 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
- 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
- 👩💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
- 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
- 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
- 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
- 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
- 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery
