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The Department of Social Services (DSS) is a cabinet agency with the State Director appointed by the Governor of South Carolina with the advice and consent of the Senate. 

Through its Division of Economic Services, DSS administers economic assistance programs including the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, which provides employment and training for people receiving cash assistance. The Department administers food assistance programs in every county in South Carolina. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal benefit to assist low-income citizens in the purchase of food.

DSS provides protective services for children and vulnerable adults.

The Department of Social Services provides protective services for children and vulnerable adults, adoption, and foster care services. It administers federal Title IV-B Child Welfare Services and Title IV-E Foster Care and Adoption Assistance programs. 

Additionally, a commodities program distributes supplemental food through a network of food banks. Other food programs provide financial assistance for child and adult care providers, homeless shelters, and summer feeding sites for children.  

Reports on abuse and neglect.