Benefits Eligibility Guide
South Carolina Government Benefits
Find out which federal and state benefits you qualify for in South Carolina. Free, anonymous, and takes about 3 minutes.
Check My Eligibility →South Carolina Benefits Programs
Here are the major programs available to South Carolina residents.
Healthy Connections Medicaid (Medicaid)
Has not expanded Medicaid
Adults: up to 0% FPL
Children: up to 208% FPL
Pregnant: up to 194% FPL
SNAP (Food Assistance)
Gross income limit: 130% FPL
Net income limit: 100% FPL
Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE)
LIHEAP (Energy Assistance)
Income limit: 60% SMI
Helps with heating and cooling costs
SC Working Families Child Care Scholarship (Childcare)
Income limit: 85% SMI
Subsidized childcare for working families
Family Independence (FI) Program (Cash Assistance)
Lifetime limit: 60 months
Cash assistance for families with children
WIC (Nutrition)
Income limit: 185% FPL
For pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum individuals and children under 5
Healthcare.gov (ACA)
statePage.marketplaceType: statePage.federalExchange
statePage.phone: 1-800-318-2596
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I-CARE (Insurance Counseling Assistance and Referrals for Elders)
statePage.phone: 1-800-868-9095
Plus: ACA Health Insurance Subsidies, EITC, Child Tax Credit, SSI, SSDI, Pell Grants, VA Benefits, School Meals, Head Start, and more.
Our screener checks 20+ programs at once.
Check Your Eligibility in South Carolina
Answer a few questions and see which programs you may qualify for. No account needed.
Start Free Screening →South Carolina Benefits Guides
In-depth articles about specific programs in South Carolina.
How to Apply for SNAP in South Carolina
Step-by-step guide to applying for SNAP in South Carolina. Learn income limits, required documents, and how to apply online at DSS in 2026.
April 10, 2026
South Carolina ACA Eligibility 2026: Income Limits, Subsidies, and How to Apply
Find out if you qualify for ACA marketplace health insurance in South Carolina for 2026. Learn about income limits, premium subsidies, the coverage gap, and step-by-step application instructions.
April 1, 2026
How to Apply for Section 8 in South Carolina
Step-by-step guide to applying for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers in South Carolina. Learn about income limits, local housing authorities, waiting lists, and tips to improve your chances of getting rental assistance.
March 21, 2026
How to Apply for Medicaid in South Carolina (2026 Guide)
Learn how to apply for Medicaid in South Carolina, including income limits, eligibility rules, required documents, and step-by-step application instructions for Healthy Connections Medicaid.
March 9, 2026
South Carolina Medicaid Eligibility 2026: Income Limits, Programs, and How to Apply
Complete guide to South Carolina Medicaid eligibility in 2026. Learn about Healthy Connections income limits, covered programs, application steps, and the coverage gap in this non-expansion state.
March 4, 2026
South Carolina ACA Benefits and Coverage: Your Complete 2026 Guide
Learn about South Carolina ACA benefits and coverage, including essential health benefits, income limits for subsidies, how to apply on the marketplace, and what plans are available in SC for 2026.
February 20, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What government benefits am I eligible for in South Carolina?
South Carolina residents may qualify for programs including Healthy Connections Medicaid (Medicaid), SNAP (food assistance), LIHEAP energy assistance, childcare subsidies, tax credits like EITC and CTC, and more. Eligibility depends on your household size, income, and other factors. Use our free screener to check all programs at once.
How do I apply for Healthy Connections Medicaid in South Carolina?
You can apply for Healthy Connections Medicaid online at https://apply.scdhhs.gov/ or by calling 1-888-549-0820. South Carolina has not expanded Medicaid. Children may qualify up to 208% FPL and pregnant individuals up to 194% FPL.
How do I apply for SNAP (food stamps) in South Carolina?
Apply for SNAP online at https://benefitsportal.dss.sc.gov/ or call 1-888-549-0820. South Carolina uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility, so the gross income limit is 130% of the federal poverty level. Net income must be at or below 100% FPL.