South Carolina SNAP Calculator (FY 2026)

Estimate your household's eligibility for Food Assistance based on the official USDA guidelines for Oct 2025 - Sep 2026.

How to Use This Calculator
  1. Household Size: Enter the total number of people who buy and prepare food together.
  2. Elderly/Disabled Status: Select 'Yes' if anyone in your household is age 60+ or receives disability benefits. These households have different rules.
  3. Gross Monthly Income: Enter your household's total income from all sources before any taxes or deductions are taken out.
  4. Housing & Utility Costs: Include your total monthly rent/mortgage, property taxes, home insurance, and utility bills (heating, electricity, water, phone).
  5. Dependent Care Costs: Enter amounts paid for child or adult care that are necessary for a household member to work, look for work, or attend school.
  6. Medical Expenses: This only applies to elderly or disabled household members. Enter their total out-of-pocket medical expenses that are over $35 per month.
  7. Countable Assets: Enter the total value of resources like cash, and money in checking, savings, or investment accounts. Do not include the home you live in or most retirement accounts. Note: South Carolina has no asset limit for most households due to BBCE.
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Elderly or Disabled Household Questions

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Disclaimer: This is an informational estimator and not an official application or guarantee of benefits. Calculations are based on FY 2026 federal guidelines. South Carolina uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility, which eliminates the asset test for most households and may expand income limits. The final eligibility decision is made by the South Carolina Department of Social Services. You are encouraged to apply to get an official determination.

How the South Carolina SNAP Calculator Works (FY 2026)

The South Carolina SNAP Calculator above provides an estimate of your household’s eligibility and monthly SNAP (Food Stamps) benefit amount using official USDA and South Carolina DSS rules for the period October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

What the calculator checks

The calculator evaluates three main factors:

  1. Household Size
    Everyone who buys and prepares food together is counted.

  2. Income Rules

    • Gross Income Test (usually 130% of the Federal Poverty Level)

    • Net Income Test (100% of the Federal Poverty Level after deductions)

    • Special expanded rules apply if all adult household members are age 60+ or disabled

  3. Allowable Deductions

    • 20% earned income deduction

    • Standard deduction (based on household size)

    • Dependent care costs (child or adult care needed for work or school)

    • Medical expenses over $35/month (elderly or disabled members only)

    • Housing and utility costs (with shelter caps unless elderly/disabled)

Important: South Carolina generally does not enforce an asset limit for most SNAP households. Assets are shown for informational purposes only and do not automatically disqualify you.

Real Example: South Carolina SNAP Benefit Calculation

Household Example

  • 3 people

  • No elderly or disabled members

  • Gross monthly income: $2,300

  • Rent & utilities: $1,200

  • Earned income only

  • No dependent care or medical expenses

Step-by-step

  • Gross income limit for 3 people: $2,888 → Pass

  • Earned income deduction (20%): −$460

  • Standard deduction: −$209

  • Adjusted income: $1,631

  • Shelter deduction applied

  • Net income calculated

  • Max benefit for 3 people: $785

  • Household contribution (30% of net income): subtracted

Estimated SNAP benefit: About $400–$450/month

Every household is different. Use the calculator above for the most accurate estimate.

South Carolina SNAP Income Limits and Maximum Benefits

(Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sept 30, 2026)

Use the calculator above for your exact estimate.
The table below shows maximum limits and benefits only.

House SizeGross Income Limit (130% FPL)Net Income Limit (100% FPL)Maximum Monthly SNAP Benefit
1$1,696$1,305$298
2$2,292$1,763$546
3$2,888$2,221$785
4$3,483$2,680$994
5$4,079$3,138$1,183
6$4,675$3,596$1,421
7$5,271$4,055$1,571
8$5,867$4,513$1,789
Each  person+$596+$459+$218

Special Rule:
Households where all adult members are elderly (60+) or disabled may qualify under expanded income rules up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.

South Carolina EBT Payment Schedule

South Carolina SNAP benefits are deposited monthly onto your EBT card based on the last digit of your case number.

Monthly Deposit Dates

  • Case number ending in 0 or 1 → 1st–3rd

  • Case number ending in 2 or 3 → 4th–6th

  • Case number ending in 4 or 5 → 7th–9th

  • Case number ending in 6 or 7 → 10th–13th

  • Case number ending in 8 or 9 → 14th–19th

Benefits roll over month to month, but unused funds may be removed after extended inactivity.

Helpful Tip

You can receive balance and deposit alerts by signing up for ConnectEBT text notifications.

Work Requirements Checker (ABAWD Rules)

Some adults must meet work requirements to keep SNAP benefits.

You may be subject to work rules if you:

  • Are age 18–64

  • Have no dependent children

  • Are not pregnant or disabled

Requirement

You must work or participate in approved activities for at least 80 hours per month (about 20 hours per week).

Common Exemptions

  • Pregnant

  • Disabled or medically unfit

  • Veteran

  • Homeless

  • Caring for a disabled household member

If you do not meet work requirements and are not exempt, SNAP may be limited to 3 months in a 36-month period.

SNAP Application Checklist (South Carolina)

Preparing documents ahead of time can speed up approval and help you qualify for expedited SNAP (within 7 days).

Required Documents

  • Government-issued photo ID

  • Proof of South Carolina residency

  • Social Security numbers (or proof of application)

Income Verification

  • Pay stubs from the last 4 weeks

  • Benefit award letters (SSI, Social Security, unemployment)

Housing & Expenses

  • Rent or mortgage statement

  • Utility bills (electric, gas, water)

  • Childcare or adult care receipts

  • Medical expense receipts (if elderly or disabled)

Expedited SNAP (7-Day Processing)

You may qualify for faster benefits if:

  • Gross income + cash on hand is under $150 OR

  • Rent and utilities exceed income OR

  • You are a migrant or seasonal farm worker with low resources

How to Apply for SNAP in South Carolina

You can apply anytime using one of the following methods:

  • Online: South Carolina DSS Benefits Portal

  • Phone: DSS Connect Call Center — 1-800-616-1309

  • In Person: Local DSS Office

Applying is always free. Using this calculator does not submit an application.

Final Note

This calculator and guide are designed to help you understand your potential SNAP eligibility using the most current 2025–2026 rules. Final decisions are made by the South Carolina Department of Social Services.

Use the calculator above, gather your documents, and apply — many eligible households are surprised to learn they qualify.

Frequently Asked Questions 2025

How do I know if I qualify for SNAP in South Carolina in 2025?

You qualify if your gross monthly household income is at or below 130% of federal poverty level ($1,695 for one person in 2025-26). Reviewing the south carolina snap income limits is important as households with elderly or disabled members may qualify under expanded limits. Check dss.sc.gov or use a SNAP calculator for personalized eligibility.

What income counts when applying for SNAP in South Carolina?

Countable income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and disability payments. Self-employment income is reduced by 40%. Certain government subsidies like Section 8 rent assistance don't count.

Does South Carolina have asset limits for SNAP eligibility?

South Carolina has no asset limit for most households—a major advantage. Households with elderly or disabled members must have under $4,500 in countable assets only if they don't meet the gross income test. Your home and one vehicle are never counted.

How long does a South Carolina SNAP application take to process in 2025?

Standard processing takes up to 30 days from application submission. Knowing how to apply for snap in south carolina correctly ensures you provide all evidence, which helps if you need expedited approval within 7 days for food crises. Online applications typically process faster than paper submissions.

What documents do I need to apply for SNAP in South Carolina?

Bring proof of identity, Social Security number, residency (lease or utility bill), income (pay stubs or benefit letters), and citizenship or immigration status. Additional documents may be needed for medical expenses, childcare costs, or disability verification.

How much will my SNAP benefits be using a calculator in 2025-26?

Maximum benefits depend on household size (one person: $298/month; family of four: $994/month). Your actual benefit = maximum amount minus 30% of your net monthly income. Net income = gross income minus allowable deductions (rent, utilities, medical costs, childcare).

What does a SNAP calculator actually calculate?

Calculators estimate income eligibility and potential monthly benefit amounts based on your household size, gross income, and deductions. They don't assess all eligibility factors like resources, work requirements, or immigration status—use results as estimates only.

When will my SNAP benefits be available on my EBT card in South Carolina?

Benefits are deposited between the 1st and 19th of each month based on your case number's last digit. New applicants receive benefits the day after approval. Existing recipients get deposits on the same date monthly—check dss.sc.gov or text alerts via connectebt.com.

Does SNAP have work requirements in South Carolina in 2025-26?

Adults aged 18–64 without dependents (ABAWDs) must work at least 80 hours monthly to receive benefits beyond three months in a 36-month period. Exemptions apply for pregnant individuals, veterans, homeless persons, students, and those with medical disabilities.

Can I use my SNAP benefits to buy groceries online in South Carolina?

Yes. Major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Instacart accept SNAP EBT online in South Carolina. You can only purchase SNAP-eligible food items; delivery fees and non-food items require a separate payment method.
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