South Carolina Food Stamps Program
Even though it ceased long ago to use stamps or coupons, many people still refer to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program as "food stamps." SNAP helps families and individuals with financial problems to afford enough food by providing a monthly allotment of benefits. The U.S. Department of Agriculture funds and oversees SNAP, while states administer the program and share in its management costs. In South Carolina, SNAP is available through the Department of Social Services.
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Residency Requirements
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In order to receive SNAP, you must be a resident of South Carolina. You and the other members of your household who are applying must also be citizens or legal residents of the United States. Supplying proof of your citizenship or legal immigration status and Social Security numbers is a common part of the application process. Legal immigrants must generally have lived in the U.S. for five years, although there are exceptions for the disabled, refugees and children.
Income Limits
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How much your household earns each month also determines SNAP eligibility in South Carolina. You cannot exceed two sets of income tests and still receive SNAP. The first is the gross income threshold, which is the total amount of income your household makes per month. The second is the net threshold, which is the amount of funds left after allowable deductions. Current federal poverty guidelines set the thresholds. SNAP standards set by the Department of Agriculture place the SNAP gross income limit at 130 percent of the federal poverty guideline and the net income at 100 percent.
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Applying for SNAP
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If you would like to check in advance if you might be eligible for SNAP, you can use the state of South Carolina's online SNAP benefits calculator. You will not know for sure if you or your household qualifies for SNAP until you apply, however. South Carolina residents can pick up applications at their local Department of Social Services offices. You can also download them from the DSS website's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program page. Once completed, you will need to submit the application by returning it in-person or sending it to the DSS by mail or fax.
Benefits
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After your household is approved for benefits in South Carolina, you will receive a Quest electronic benefits transfer card, which you can use like an ATM card to buy food from approved vendors. You will be able to check your account balance by calling the state's SNAP customer service line or by accessing your account through JPMorgan Chase's EBT Account site. You can use SNAP to purchase any food meant for humans, including baby formula, nutritional supplements and weight loss products. You cannot purchase hot foods meant to eat in the store, tobacco, pet food or alcohol.
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