Help for Low-Income Families in South Carolina
- The Family Independence (FI) program provides low-income families with cash assistance. The program is South Carolina's version of the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). In addition to monetary assistance, participants in the program can receive job training, employment opportunities and other supportive services such as gas vouchers. The program is only available to adults with minor children in the home. Due to the time limit on assistance from the program, emphasis is placed on becoming self-sufficient.
- Low-income families who need assistance with purchasing food can receive help through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Participants in the program are able to purchase food using an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. The card is conveniently used in grocery stores in the same way as a debit card. According to the South Carolina Department of Social Services, more than 100,000 people receive assistance from SNAP. The program is designed to help low-income families with minor children, disabled and elderly persons.
- Children 18 years of age and younger can receive meals throughout the summer months through the Summer Food Assistance Program. The goal of the program is to ensure that children from low-income families receive nutritious meals while school is out. The program provides breakfast, lunch, supper and snacks at various locations throughout South Carolina. Meals are served at schools, churches and community centers. To participate in the program, children do not need to apply, they just need to show up during designated times.
- Housing choice vouchers are available for low-income families in South Carolina who need assistance with paying monthly rent. A family's income may not exceed 50 percent of the average income in the county in which they want to reside. In South Carolina, the program is administered through the local public housing authorities. After an application is submitted for the program, an applicant is placed on a waiting list that can last up to five years.