$140B
Government benefits go unclaimed every year in the U.S.
White House OMB, 2023
9M
Older adults are eligible for benefits but not enrolled
NCOA/Urban Institute, 2024
~100M
Americans receive some form of government assistance
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, 2023
South Carolina Government Benefits Programs
Explore the main benefit programs available and find the ones that apply to your situation.
Available programs in South Carolina
SSDI in South Carolina - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI in South Carolina - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI is a benefit you already paid for through Social Security taxes on every paycheck. If a medical condition now keeps you from working, you may be owed a monthly payment based on your work history, not the severity of your condition. It is federal, so the rules are the same in South Carolina as everywhere else.
AVERAGE MONTHLY PAYMENT
$1,630
What the average disabled worker receives each month in 2026
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
HOW OFTEN CLAIMS ARE DENIED
2 in 3
First applications are usually denied, most are reversed on appeal, which is why getting it right matters
SSA
YOU CAN STILL WORK
$1,690/mo
The most you can earn from a job in 2026 and still qualify
SSA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Workers age 31 and older typically need to have worked at least 5 of the last 10 years and paid Social Security taxes
- People with a condition expected to last at least 12 months or be terminal
- The condition prevents substantial work, defined by the SSA's annual earnings limit (higher for people who are blind)
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. We handle the entire process for you, from the paperwork to every appeal. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Does SSDI approval lead to other benefits in South Carolina?
Yes. After 24 months on SSDI, you become eligible for Medicare regardless of age. This matters in South Carolina, which has not expanded Medicaid, so coverage for non-elderly adults is very limited.
How long does SSDI take in South Carolina?
South Carolina processes initial claims through its Disability Determination Services. An initial decision typically takes 3 to 6 months, with appeals taking a year or more if needed. The earlier you apply, the more back pay you may receive.
Can I work while applying?
Yes, as long as you stay under the SSA's monthly limit for substantial gainful activity. Going over that signals to the SSA that you're able to do substantial work.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SSI in South Carolina - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI in South Carolina - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI is monthly cash for people who are struggling to get by. You can qualify if you're disabled, blind, or 65 or older, and have very little income and few assets. Unlike SSDI, you don't need a work history, it's based on need. In South Carolina, getting SSI also opens the door to Healthy Connections Medicaid.
MONTHLY MAXIMUM
$994
The federal SSI payment for one person in 2026. South Carolina does not add a general cash supplement
SSA, 2026
SAVINGS YOU CAN KEEP
$2,000
The federal SSI resource limit. Your home and one car never count
SSA, 2026
QUALIFICATIONS
No work history needed
SSI is based on need, not your work record. People 65+, blind, or disabled can qualify
SSA
Who qualifies
- People who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older
- Those with very limited income
- Limited resources, with your home and one car not counting against the limit
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. SSI applications involve detailed financial records that trip people up, and one mistake can delay your case. We handle all of it for you. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Will I get Medicaid with SSI in South Carolina?
Yes. SSI approval automatically enrolls you in South Carolina Healthy Connections Medicaid. No separate application needed.
Does South Carolina add to my SSI payment?
Generally no. South Carolina does not pay a general cash supplement, so most recipients get only the federal amount. A state supplement exists only for people living in licensed community residential care facilities, through the Optional State Supplementation program.
Can I receive both SSI and SSDI?
Sometimes. If your SSDI payment is low enough, SSI can fill the gap up to the federal rate. This is called concurrent benefits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Veterans Benefits in South Carolina
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
Veterans Benefits in South Carolina
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
VA disability is tax-free monthly pay you earned through your service. If you have an injury or condition connected to your military service, you may be owed compensation every month. The VA assigns a rating from 0 to 100 percent that sets your payment, and many veterans are rated too low or denied at first.
MONTHLY PAY AT 100%
$3,938
What a veteran rated 100% with no dependents receives each month in 2026, tax-free
VA.gov, 2026
TAXES YOU OWE ON IT
$0
VA disability pay is never counted as taxable income by the IRS
IRS
SC PROPERTY TAX AT 100%
$0
Veterans rated 100% permanent and total pay no property tax on their home and up to 5 acres
SC Dept. of Revenue, 2026
Who qualifies
- Veterans who served on active duty or qualifying training (Guard and Reserve can count)
- Those with a current condition connected to their service
- Those discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
How to apply
The fastest way to get what you're owed is through Turnout. Our VA advocates build your claim from the start, catch rating errors, and fight back if the VA gets it wrong. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
How does the VA disability rating work?
The VA rates you from 0 to 100 percent based on how much your condition affects you. That rating sets your monthly payment. If you have more than one condition, they are combined, not simply added.
Does South Carolina offer extra benefits for disabled veterans?
Yes. South Carolina fully exempts property tax on the home and up to 5 acres, plus up to two vehicles, for veterans rated 100% permanently and totally disabled, and surviving spouses can qualify too. The South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs can help you file. This is separate from your federal VA compensation.
Can I get VA disability and Social Security at the same time?
Yes. They are separate programs with separate rules, so receiving VA disability does not reduce your SSDI.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Healthcare Advocacy in South Carolina
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare Advocacy in South Carolina
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare advocacy is one-on-one help getting the most out of your Medicare. Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older, and for some younger people on disability, and most plans cover more than people realize. A Turnout advocate works with you to understand your coverage, find the right specialists, manage your prescriptions, and cut your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there is no cost to you.
WHERE TURNOUT HELPS
All 50 states
Turnout's healthcare advocates work with people in every U.S. state
Turnout
WHAT IT COSTS YOU
$0
Your insurance pays for the advocacy, so there's nothing out of pocket for you
Turnout
ONE-ON-ONE TIME
Up to 6 hours a month
Free monthly sessions with your own dedicated advocate
Turnout
Who qualifies
- Anyone with Medicare, including Part B, or approaching eligibility at 65
- People who want help using their coverage, finding care, or cutting costs
- And more, including those reviewing or switching plans
How to apply
The fastest way to get the most from your Medicare is through Turnout. We pair you with a healthcare advocate who helps you understand your coverage, find specialists, manage prescriptions, and lower your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there's no cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What does a healthcare advocate do for you in South Carolina?
A healthcare advocate helps you understand and use your coverage, from finding specialists to managing prescriptions to lowering what you pay. With Turnout, the advocacy is covered by Medicare at no cost to you.
What's the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare is federal health insurance based mainly on age or disability, not income. Medicaid, called Healthy Connections in South Carolina, is based on income. Some people qualify for both, which covers nearly all of their health costs.
Is there free Medicare counseling in South Carolina?
Yes. South Carolina offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling through I-CARE, run by the South Carolina Department on Aging. A Turnout advocate can work alongside that free counseling to help you use your coverage and lower your costs.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Education Advocacy in South Carolina
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education Advocacy in South Carolina
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education advocacy is one-on-one help getting your child the school support they're entitled to. Under federal law, a child with a disability has the right to an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, a plan the school must follow and pay for. Evaluations get delayed and support gets watered down, and many families don't realize they can push back. A Turnout education advocate prepares with you, joins your IEP meetings, reviews the plan, and pushes for everything the law requires.
CONDITIONS THAT QUALIFY
13 categories
From autism to dyslexia to ADHD, federal law covers a wide range
IDEA / U.S. Dept. of Ed
HOW COMMON IT IS
1 in 7
Public school students receive special education under federal law
U.S. Dept. of Education
AN IEP IS
Legally binding
The school must deliver every service written in the plan, by law
IDEA
Who qualifies
- Children ages 3 to 21 enrolled in South Carolina public schools
- Have a qualifying disability under IDEA, including learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, speech delays, emotional disturbance, and more
- A disability that affects their ability to learn
How to apply
The fastest way to get your child the help they need is through Turnout. Our education advocates prepare with you, join your IEP meetings, and push the school for every service your child is entitled to. Reach out to get started.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?
An IEP provides specialized instruction and services for a child with a disability. A 504 plan provides accommodations, like extra time or seating changes, but not specialized instruction. A child who needs more than accommodations usually needs an IEP.
How fast does the school have to evaluate my child in South Carolina?
South Carolina schools must complete the initial evaluation within 60 calendar days of getting your written consent, then hold the meeting to develop the IEP within 30 days after your child is found eligible.
What does an education advocate do?
An education advocate helps you understand your child's rights, prepares with you before meetings, joins your IEP meetings, and pushes back when the school offers less than the law requires.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Medicaid in South Carolina (Healthy Connections)
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying South Carolina residents.
Medicaid in South Carolina (Healthy Connections)
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying South Carolina residents.
South Carolina Healthy Connections is the state Medicaid program, a joint federal and state program that covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and more for those who qualify, usually at no cost. South Carolina is a non-expansion state, so adult eligibility is limited to pregnant women, parents with very low income, people with disabilities, and seniors. Most childless adults do not qualify, even with no income.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
994,000+
South Carolinians enrolled in Healthy Connections Medicaid and CHIP as of October 2025 (approximate)
Medicaid.gov, 2025 (approx.)
MONTHLY PREMIUM
$0
Most enrollees pay nothing per month for full health coverage
SC Healthy Connections, 2026
PARENT INCOME LIMIT
62% FPL
One of the strictest parent limits in the country, about $1,412/mo for a family of three
SC Healthy Connections, 2026
Who qualifies
- Children in households up to 208% of the federal poverty level through Partners for Healthy Children
- Pregnant women up to 194% FPL, with 12 months of postpartum coverage
- Parents and caretakers with very low income (only about 62% of the federal poverty level)
- Adults 65 and older, blind, or with a qualifying disability
- SSI recipients are automatically enrolled
How to apply
Apply online at apply.scdhhs.gov, or call the Healthy Connections member help center at 1-888-549-0820. Have proof of income, identity, and South Carolina residency ready. Most decisions arrive within 45 days, longer if a disability determination is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Is Medicaid called something different in South Carolina?
Yes. South Carolina calls its Medicaid program Healthy Connections. It is the same federal program, run by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, with the same core benefits.
What if I earn too much for Medicaid but too little for marketplace subsidies?
Because South Carolina has not expanded Medicaid, parents earning above 62% but below 100% of the poverty level can fall into a coverage gap, with no Medicaid and no marketplace subsidy. Community health centers offer sliding-scale care if you land there.
Who qualifies for South Carolina Medicaid?
Children, pregnant women, very low income parents, seniors, and people with disabilities. Because South Carolina has not expanded Medicaid, most other adults do not qualify at any income.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SNAP in South Carolina
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP in South Carolina
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP helps qualifying South Carolina households buy groceries. Benefits are loaded each month onto a South Carolina EBT card and can be used at most grocery stores, Walmart, and many farmers markets. The program is run by the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS).
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
~500,000
South Carolinians received SNAP benefits in early 2026 (approximate)
SC DSS, 2026 (approx.)
MAX BENEFIT (FAMILY OF 4)
$994/mo
Federal maximum SNAP allotment for a family of four in FY2026
USDA, FY2026
HOW FAST APPROVAL HAPPENS
7 days
Expedited benefits for households with very low income or urgent need; standard processing up to 30 days
USDA / SC DSS, 2026
Who qualifies
- Households with gross income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in South Carolina
- Most adults age 16 to 59 must meet work requirements unless exempt
- Households with a member 60 or older or with a disability follow simpler income rules
How to apply
Apply online through the DSS Benefits Portal at dss.sc.gov, or in person at your county DSS office. A phone interview is required, but it can be done from home. Standard processing takes up to 30 days, with expedited benefits within 7 days for urgent need.
Frequently asked questions
I work full-time. Can I still qualify for SNAP in South Carolina?
Yes. Many working households qualify once deductions for rent, utilities, childcare, and earned income are applied. Income alone does not tell the full story.
How long does SNAP approval take in South Carolina?
Up to 30 days for a standard decision. If your household has very low income and limited resources, you may qualify for expedited benefits within 7 days. A phone interview is required but can be done from home.
Is there an asset or savings limit for SNAP in South Carolina?
For most households, no. South Carolina uses broad-based categorical eligibility, which removes the asset test for most applicants, though the 130% gross income limit still applies.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in South Carolina
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in South Carolina
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, helps pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5 eat well. It provides monthly benefits for healthy groceries, plus breastfeeding support and nutrition help. Many working families qualify, and being on Medicaid, SNAP, or Family Independence usually qualifies you automatically.
BABIES WIC REACHES
4 in 10
WIC serves about 4 in 10 of all infants born in the US
USDA, 2024
ON MEDICAID OR SNAP?
Auto-eligible
Being on Medicaid, SNAP, or Family Independence automatically meets WIC's income test
USDA
WHO IT'S FOR
Through age 5
Pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5
USDA
Who qualifies
- Pregnant women, new mothers, and caregivers of infants and children under age 5
- Households at or below 185% of the federal poverty level
- Families already receiving SNAP, Medicaid, or Family Independence are automatically income-eligible
- South Carolina residents, regardless of immigration status
How to apply
Call 1-855-472-3432 or your local WIC clinic to schedule an appointment, and start the online pre-application at dph.sc.gov. Bring ID for each family member applying, proof of South Carolina residency, and proof of household income or proof of Medicaid, SNAP, or Family Independence enrollment. If approved, you receive your South Carolina eWIC card and food benefits.
Frequently asked questions
What can you buy with WIC?
Healthy basics like milk, eggs, cereal, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and infant formula and baby food. The specific approved items are set by South Carolina's food list.
Can I get WIC if I have a job?
Yes. Many working families qualify. WIC's income limits are higher than people expect, and being on Medicaid or SNAP usually qualifies you automatically.
Which agency runs WIC in South Carolina now?
The South Carolina Department of Public Health runs WIC. Public health programs moved from DHEC to the new Department of Public Health in 2024, so some older materials may still say DHEC.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
LIHEAP in South Carolina
Assistance that helps cover your home energy bills and prevents shutoffs.
LIHEAP in South Carolina
Assistance that helps cover your home energy bills and prevents shutoffs.
South Carolina's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps qualifying households pay their heating and cooling bills, with payments made directly to the utility company. The program is federally funded and administered by the South Carolina Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) through local community action agencies. Cooling assistance matters in South Carolina, where summer heat and humidity drive up bills.
INCOME LIMIT
60% of state median
Households at or below 60% of the state median income can qualify for heating, cooling, and crisis help
SC OEO FFY2026 LIHEAP Plan
CRISIS HELP
Up to $1,000
Maximum emergency crisis benefit per service for households facing a shutoff, sent to your utility
SC OEO, 2026
PAID DIRECTLY
To your utility bill
The benefit is credited to your energy account, not paid to you as cash
SC OEO
Who qualifies
- South Carolina households with income under the state LIHEAP limit
- Renters and homeowners paying energy bills, or paying energy costs included in rent
- Priority given to households with older adults, young children, people with disabilities, or high energy burden
- Households on SNAP, Family Independence, or SSI are generally income-eligible
How to apply
Apply through your local community action agency, not OEO directly. Find your agency by calling 2-1-1 or visiting the OEO website. Bring a current utility bill, photo ID for household members, proof of income, and any disconnection notice. Funds are limited and first come, first served, so apply early. If approved, the benefit is credited to your utility account.
Frequently asked questions
How is the benefit paid? Do I receive a check?
No. LIHEAP payments go directly to your utility company. The benefit is credited to your account, reducing what you owe or preventing a shutoff. You will not receive cash.
Can renters apply, or only homeowners?
Both renters and homeowners can apply. If utilities are included in your rent, your local community action agency can confirm how the benefit applies.
Who runs LIHEAP in South Carolina?
The South Carolina Office of Economic Opportunity oversees LIHEAP, but you apply through the local community action agency that serves your county.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
ACA Subsidies in South Carolina
Federal subsidies that reduce the cost of health insurance for qualifying South Carolinians.
ACA Subsidies in South Carolina
Federal subsidies that reduce the cost of health insurance for qualifying South Carolinians.
ACA subsidies are federal tax credits that reduce the monthly cost of a health insurance plan bought through HealthCare.gov, the federal marketplace. South Carolina uses the federal marketplace rather than running its own. Because South Carolina has not expanded Medicaid, the marketplace is often the only coverage option for adults who do not fit a narrow Medicaid category.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
587K+
South Carolinians who selected a 2026 marketplace plan (approximate)
CMS / KFF, 2026 (approx.)
WHO QUALIFIES FOR SUBSIDIES
9 in 10
More than 89% of South Carolina marketplace enrollees receive premium tax credits that lower their cost
CMS, 2026
WHEN TO ENROLL
Nov 1 - Jan 15
Open enrollment for 2027 coverage; special enrollment is available year-round for qualifying life events
HealthCare.gov
Who qualifies
- South Carolinians without affordable employer coverage available
- Households earning at or above 100% of the federal poverty level
- Those not eligible for Medicaid, CHIP, or Medicare
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in South Carolina
How to apply
Apply online at HealthCare.gov. Enter household income, family size, and ZIP code to see your subsidy estimate and available plans, then compare by premium, deductible, and network. Enroll during open enrollment (Nov 1 to Jan 15) or after a qualifying life event like job loss, marriage, or the birth of a child. Free local enrollment help is available.
Frequently asked questions
What if I missed open enrollment?
You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you lost coverage, got married, had a baby, or had another qualifying life event. You have 60 days from the event.
What if my income is too low for ACA subsidies?
Apply anyway. HealthCare.gov screens for South Carolina Healthy Connections Medicaid. Because South Carolina did not expand Medicaid, adults below 100% of the poverty level who do not fit a Medicaid category may fall into a coverage gap with no subsidized option.
How much can I save with subsidies?
It depends on your income, household size, and plan. In South Carolina, more than 9 in 10 enrollees receive subsidies, applied automatically when you enroll through HealthCare.gov.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
TANF in South Carolina (Family Independence)
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
TANF in South Carolina (Family Independence)
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
Family Independence is South Carolina's version of TANF. It provides short-term cash to families with children who have very limited income. The cash is loaded onto an EBT card and can be used for basic needs like rent, utilities, food, and transportation. The program is run by the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) and comes with work requirements and time limits.
MAXIMUM MONTHLY BENEFIT
$449
The maximum cash grant for a family of three with no other income, effective October 2025. This is the benefit paid, which is lower than the income eligibility limit
SC DSS TANF State Plan, 2025
STATE TIME LIMIT
24 months
South Carolina limits cash assistance to 24 months in any 10-year period, on top of the 60-month federal lifetime cap
SC DSS TANF State Plan, 2025
INCOME ELIGIBILITY LIMIT
$2,053/mo
The gross monthly income limit for a family of three to qualify, which is different from the benefit paid
SC DSS TANF State Plan, 2025
Who qualifies
- South Carolina residents responsible for a child under 18 (or 18 and still in secondary school)
- Households with very low income (below the state gross income limit for their size)
- Adults must take part in work or training activities unless deferred
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens
How to apply
Apply online through the DSS Benefits Portal at dss.sc.gov, or in person at your county DSS office. New applicants complete a two-week job search unless they are disabled or 60 or older. If approved, benefits are loaded onto an EBT card.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I receive Family Independence in South Carolina?
South Carolina limits cash assistance to 24 months within any 120-month (10-year) period, and a 60-month federal lifetime cap also applies. Hardship exceptions exist for disability and other situations.
What's the difference between Family Independence and TANF?
They are the same thing. Family Independence is simply South Carolina's name for the federal TANF program, run by South Carolina DSS.
Can I receive Family Independence and SNAP at the same time?
Yes. Family Independence recipients are generally categorically eligible for SNAP and Medicaid. Applying through the DSS Benefits Portal can screen you for more than one program.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
EITC in South Carolina (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
EITC in South Carolina (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
The Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, is a tax break for people who work but earn low to moderate income. The federal credit is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe no federal tax. South Carolina also has its own state EITC, but starting with the 2026 tax year it is capped at $200 per return and is non-refundable, meaning it can only lower state tax you owe. You must file a tax return to claim either one.
FEDERAL CREDIT UP TO
$8,231
The 2026 federal maximum for workers with three or more children, with smaller credits for fewer or no kids
IRS, 2026
SOUTH CAROLINA'S CREDIT
$200 cap
Starting in tax year 2026, South Carolina caps its state EITC at $200 per return and keeps it non-refundable
SC Dept. of Revenue, 2026
FEDERAL IS REFUNDABLE
Cash back
The federal EITC is refundable, so you receive it even if you owe no federal tax
IRS
Who qualifies
- Workers with earned income from a job or self-employment
- Income within the federal limits for filing status and number of children
- Valid Social Security numbers for the worker, spouse, and any children
- And more, including limits on investment income
How to apply
You claim the EITC by filing a federal tax return, even if you don't normally have to file. To get the South Carolina credit, file a state return too. Free filing help is available through IRS-certified VITA volunteers.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get EITC without kids?
No kids needed. Workers without children can still qualify for a smaller federal credit, and having children increases the amount.
Does South Carolina have its own state EITC?
Yes, but it changed. South Carolina has a state EITC tied to the federal credit, but beginning with the 2026 tax year it is capped at $200 per return and is non-refundable, so it can only reduce state tax you owe.
Will getting EITC affect my other benefits?
Generally no. EITC refunds aren't counted as income for programs like SNAP or Medicaid, and there are protections so a refund doesn't immediately count against asset limits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Tax Credit in South Carolina
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
Child Tax Credit in South Carolina
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
The Child Tax Credit is a federal tax credit worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17, available to South Carolina families when they file their federal tax return. Up to $1,700 per child is refundable, meaning lower-income families can receive it as a direct payment even when they owe no federal tax. South Carolina does not have a separate state child tax credit, so the federal credit is what applies.
WHO IT'S FOR
Kids under 17
A federal tax credit for each qualifying child under 17 living at home
IRS
OWE LITTLE OR NO TAX?
Some comes back
Up to $1,700 per child is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe no federal income tax
IRS, 2026
WHO QUALIFIES
Most families
Most families with children qualify; the credit only phases out at higher incomes
IRS
Who qualifies
- Families with a qualifying child under 17 with a valid Social Security number
- Part of the credit comes back as a refund for families with at least $2,500 in earned income
- Full credit for incomes up to $200,000, or $400,000 for married couples
How to apply
You claim the Child Tax Credit when you file a federal tax return. You can claim it even if you don't normally file. Tax software and free filing help will walk you through it and fill in the right forms (Schedule 8812) for you.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need a Social Security number?
Yes. You, your spouse if filing jointly, and each qualifying child must have a valid Social Security number issued before the return due date.
What is the Additional Child Tax Credit?
The Additional Child Tax Credit is the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit. For 2026, up to $1,700 per child is refundable. You need at least $2,500 in earned income to qualify and claim it on Schedule 8812.
Does South Carolina have a state Child Tax Credit?
No. South Carolina does not have a state-level Child Tax Credit. It does offer a refundable Child and Dependent Care Credit for child care costs, but that is separate from the federal Child Tax Credit.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Care Assistance in South Carolina
Subsidized child care for working South Carolina families.
Child Care Assistance in South Carolina
Subsidized child care for working South Carolina families.
South Carolina's Child Care Scholarship Program helps working families pay for child care while parents work, attend school, or complete job training. It is funded by the federal Child Care and Development Fund and run by the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS). The program pays approved ABC Quality providers directly, with families paying a sliding-scale share based on income.
PARENT SHARE
Sliding scale
Families pay a copay based on income and family size; lower-income families pay little to nothing
SC DSS, 2026
INCOME LIMIT
85% of state median
Families can enter with income at or below 85% of the state median, about $87,000 a year for a family of four
SC DSS, 2026
NEW APPLICATIONS PAUSED
Since Dec 1, 2025
New Working Families applications are paused unless the family is in a protected group like TANF, homeless, or special needs
SC DSS, 2025
Who qualifies
- South Carolina residents with a child from birth to age 12, or older with special needs
- Parents who are working, attending school, or in job training at least 15 hours a week
- Households with income at or below 85% of the state median income
- Child is a U.S. citizen or has qualified immigration status
How to apply
Apply online through SCChildCare.org or contact the Child Care Operations Center at 1-800-476-0199. You will need proof of income, identity for parent and child, and documentation of your work or training schedule. As of December 1, 2025, new Working Families applications are paused unless you are in a protected category, so check current status before applying.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose my own child care provider?
Yes, as long as the provider is enrolled in South Carolina ABC Quality. Payments go directly to approved providers.
How much will I have to pay out of pocket?
A sliding-scale copay applies based on your income and family size. Lower-income families may pay little to nothing, while families near the income limit pay more.
Can I still apply if applications are paused?
It depends on your situation. As of December 2025, new Working Families applications are paused, but families in protected categories such as TANF, homeless, foster, or special needs can still apply. Check SCChildCare.org for the current status.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
