In a Nutshell

Known for its coastal beauty, historic charm, and thriving culture, South Carolina is also home to a significant number of residents facing financial hardships. With 14% of households living below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), many struggle to keep up with rising costs, unpredictable job markets, and economic uncertainties.

Fortunately, a wide range of state and nonprofit programs assist South Carolinians in navigating these hurdles. From food to healthcare and emergency expenses, these initiatives can ease some of the financial pressure for families throughout the Palmetto State.

Explore the resources and financial assistance programs available in South Carolina and discover valuable pathways toward a brighter future.

Government Assistance Programs in South Carolina

South Carolina offers several government assistance programs to guide residents through financial hardships. These programs aim to improve economic stability, providing critical resources such as cash aid, medical assistance, and childcare funding.

Cash Assistance Programs

Cash assistance programs in South Carolina offer temporary support for low-income families and individuals, encouraging residents to work toward self-sufficiency.

  • Previously referred to as Family Independence
  • Time-limited financial assistance for low-income families with dependent children facing economic hardship
  • Offers support services, training, and employment opportunities to encourage families to achieve self-sufficiency and stability
  • Formerly known as Food Stamps
  • Increases the food purchasing power of low-income households by providing nutrition assistance
  • Benefits are issued via an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system, allowing recipients to use EBT cards at participating food stores

South Carolina Stimulus Checks

  • Currently, there are no new stimulus checks available for South Carolina in 2024
  • The state offers various tax credits to help residents lower their income tax burden and potentially increase their tax refunds
  • Residents can claim credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC), and the Two Wage Earner Credit

Medical Assistance

South Carolina’s medical assistance programs ensure individuals and families receive the necessary care and support to maintain their health and well-being.

  • South Carolina’s Medicaid program for eligible residents, including children, parent and caretaker relatives, pregnant women, seniors, and individuals with disabilities
  • Covers some or all medical expenses, such as hospital visits, prescriptions, medical equipment, and more
  • Provides uninsured individuals with access to health insurance plans not covered by their job, Medicare, Medicaid, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
  • Plans available in the Health Insurance Marketplace® cover essential health benefits, including emergency services, hospitalization, and prescription medications
  • Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program for eligible women aged 21 to 64 who are underinsured or lack health insurance 
  • Supplies no-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings, including exams, mammograms, and follow-up services

Pregnant and Single Mother Programs

Access to support can make a big difference for pregnant women and single mothers seeking a brighter future for their families. South Carolina offers programs that provide valuable resources, helping moms nurture a healthy start for their children.

  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and young children 
  • Provides breastfeeding resources, educational classes, immunization referrals, and support for infant care
  • Offers resources for first-time moms, including the Nurse-Family Partnership, in-home postpartum visits, and immunizations for both mothers and infants
  • Focuses on health and preventive care to ensure both moms and newborns receive vital early support

Child Care Services

South Carolina provides child care services, ensuring children receive quality care and early education while parents work, attend school, or complete job training.

  • Formerly known as the SC Voucher Program
  • Covers child care costs for low-income families, enabling parents to work or study
  • To qualify, parents must have children under 12, work at least 15 hours weekly or attend school/training, and meet gross income requirements
  • Free preschool education, health, and nutrition services to children ages five and below from low-income families
  • Offers support to infants, toddlers, and expectant mothers, fostering early learning and development to prepare kids for school success

Food Assistance

South Carolina’s food assistance programs help residents in financial need access fresh, nutritious food options and resources.

  • SNAP recipients can receive extra fresh fruits and vegetables when they buy produce at participating Healthy Bucks vendors
  • Program runs year-round, though availability may vary based on seasonal farmers and market schedules
  • Supplies low-income seniors with vouchers for fresh produce from local farmers’ markets, increasing access to healthy food
  • Eligible participants must be 60 or older, meet income requirements, and reside in one of the 46 participating counties

Assistance for Veterans

The South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs (SCDVA) supports veterans, service members, and their families across the state. Through various programs, SCDVA helps secure all federal and state services and benefits, ensuring that South Carolina’s veterans receive the recognition, resources, and care they deserve.

Main services include:

  • Healthcare Services: Eligible veterans have access to VA healthcare facilities nationwide
  • Disability Compensation: Monthly tax-free benefits for service-connected injuries or conditions
  • Home Improvements & Structural Alterations (HISA): Financial support for medically necessary home improvements or structural changes to veterans’ primary residences
  • Pension: Income benefit for wartime veterans aged 65+ or younger veterans permanently disabled by non-service conditions
  • Legal Assistance: Free legal help through the Lawyers Serving Warriors® (LSW) program for disability-related issues across all service areas

Elderly and Disabled Adult Programs

South Carolina offers all-encompassing support programs focusing on independence for seniors and adults with disabilities. With a range of tailored options, these programs empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives with the assistance they need.

  • Develops health-focused programs that support seniors to live independently, with better quality-of-life and wellness outcomes
  • Provides caregiver support and advocacy for residents in long-term care, ensuring families have access to community resources and assistance
  • Offers tailored, in-home support to promote independence for disabled residents at any stage of life
  • Facilitates skill-building, employment, and day programs to help individuals gain work experience

Utility Bill Assistance

For low-income South Carolinians, staying on top of utility bills can be challenging, especially during peak heating and cooling seasons. Through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the state offers essential support to help households manage rising energy costs by covering a portion of their bills.

Assistance options include:

  • Utility Bill Payment Assistance – Covers part of home heating or cooling costs to ease financial strain
  • Energy Crisis Assistance – Offers emergency support during energy-related crises, such as unexpected disconnection threats 
  • Weatherization and Energy Repairs – Provides home repairs and weatherization services to improve energy efficiency and reduce future utility expenses

Assistance for Unemployment

South Carolina provides several resources to support residents facing unemployment, from financial relief to employment programs focused on long-term stability.

  • Temporary wage replacement for eligible individuals who’ve lost their jobs or experienced reduced hours
  • Offers up to 20 weeks of benefits, with weekly amounts averaging $236 and a maximum of $326
  • The South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) Employment Services Division helps residents find jobs while developing essential skills for in-demand careers
  • Focuses on promoting self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on government assistance

Housing and Homelessness Assistance

  • Rent Relief & Eviction Resources: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers guidance on programs providing homeless prevention, rapid rehousing, and financial assistance
  • United Way Services: SC residents can dial 2-1-1 for assistance with finding local resources for employment, rent, utility support, and more
  • Homeless Shelters Directory: A comprehensive list of emergency, general, and transitional shelters in South Carolina (many may have waiting lists, so it’s best to call ahead)

Transportation Assistance

Divorce and Other Legal Assistance

  • The South Carolina Bar can connect individuals with attorneys or legal aid providers for assistance (it does not directly represent clients)
  • South Carolina Legal Services (SCLS) offers free civil legal assistance to low-income residents on issues like housing, family law, and consumer rights

Nonprofit Assistance Programs in South Carolina

Nonprofit organizations support South Carolinians through challenging times, offering resources that meet basic needs. From food assistance to emergency housing, these nonprofits play a vital role in fostering resilience and building stronger communities across the Palmetto State.

  • Online platform connecting families with free and reduced-cost local programs and social services
  • Provides resources including childcare, education, food, housing, and employment
  • Resource hub offering help with public assistance, including food, healthcare, and financial wellness
  • Services include benefits screenings and application assistance
  • Partners with four food banks to distribute food to pantries, shelters, and other aid programs across SC
  • Focuses on helping alleviate hunger and providing essential nutritional resources to South Carolinians

How Do You Get Financial Help in South Carolina?

South Carolinians facing financial challenges can access numerous assistance programs for help with essentials like food, housing, and healthcare. However, these resources may only partially address the burden for those managing more substantial debt, like credit card balances or medical expenses. That’s where partnering with a trusted debt relief company like TurboDebt can be a decisive step toward lasting relief.

TurboDebt provides effective South Carolina debt relief programs to meet our client’s needs. In 2023 alone, our personalized options helped thousands of SC clients save up to 55% of their total debt before fees.

Here’s why TurboDebt is a top choice:

  • No upfront fees to get started
  • Potential savings of 50% or more on your total debt (before fees) with our debt settlement program
  • Become debt-free in as little as 12–48 months
  • No new loans or lines of credit as part of your debt relief program
  • Top-rated customer service, supported by over 17,000+ 5-star TurboDebt reviews from satisfied clients

Don’t get caught in the endless cycle of debt! Contact TurboDebt for a free consultation and discover if you’re eligible for our relief program, which can bring you closer to financial freedom.