SNAP

Note: Navigators can help tenants apply for SNAP themselves or they can refer them to SC Thrive for assistance in filling out the application.

South Carolina Thrive:

Website: https://scthrive.org/for-you/feed-your-family/

SNAP application website: https://scmapp.sc.gov/AFB/AFBIntro.aspx

Phone: 800.726.8774.

The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) is the name of the Food Stamps Program. SNAP provides food assistance dollars to low-income households. SNAP benefits are distributed monthly on an EBT card (similar to a debit card) and can be used to purchase groceries. The amount of SNAP benefits a South Carolina household can receive is based on its income and expenses.

Tenants may be eligible for SNAP benefits if they:

• Buy and prepare food for yourself and your family.

• Their gross household income is less than 130% of the Federal Poverty Line. Click here for more information on the 2019 FPL.

There are many ways to apply for SNAP benefits:

• Apply online at the South Carolina SNAP (SCMAPP) website.

• Print a paper application from the DSS website and submit it via mail or fax. Keep a copy for your records and be able to provide proof of when you submitted the application, such as a certified mail receipt or fax confirmation.

• Apply in person at your county DSS office. Find the office here

• Contact SC Thrive for assistance with completing a SNAP application (see contact information above)

Required Documentation

To support a SNAP application, you will need to provide documentation of the identity of those living in your SNAP household, the household income, and expenses. Examples of documents that can support your application include:

• Proof of your identity and the identity of others in your SNAP household

  1. Driver’s license

  2. Social security card

  3. Birth certificate

• Proof of all income received by the SNAP household

  1. Pay stubs

  2. Child support received

• Proof of all expenses incurred by the SNAP household

  1. Rent receipts or mortgage statements

  2. Utility bills

  3. Childcare expenses

  4. Child support paid

  5. Medical expenses (Note: only applies if a household member is older than 60 or experiencing a disability

Depending on your circumstances, DSS may ask for other documents or information to support the SNAP application. It is important to be responsive to DSS’ requests so that the application is processed correctly. If tenants need help gathering the requested documentation to complete an application, DSS is supposed to help them do so.

HOW LONG SHOULD IT TAKE FOR DSS TO PROCESS A SNAP APPLICATION?

Under federal law, DSS has thirty (30) days to process your SNAP application, beginning on the date the application is submitted. If you are eligible for SNAP, you should have your EBT card and your first SNAP benefit within thirty days.

WHAT IF A TENANT NEEDS FOOD RIGHT AWAY?

DSS must process SNAP applications more quickly if the household is experiencing the following circumstances:

• If the household has less than $150 in gross monthly income and less than $100 in liquid resources*

OR

• If the household’s combined monthly gross income and liquid resources is less than the household’s monthly rent or mortgage plus utilities. This is often the case when a household member loses his or her job.

OR

• Migrant or seasonal farm worker households with little income and less than $100 in liquid resources

If these circumstances apply to the household, DSS must process the application and provide tenants with SNAP benefits within seven (7) calendar days of their SNAP application.

WHAT ARE TENANTS RIGHTS IF I DISAGREE WITH A DSS DECISION?

If you apply for SNAP and DSS turns you down, or if you disagree with any other decision that DSS makes about your SNAP case (like a reduction or termination of benefits) you have the right to a Fair Hearing. You must request a Fair Hearing within ninety (90) days of a DSS decision.