Groceries
Emergency Food Assistance Program
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) allows people in need to access food immediately through local food banks. Individuals or families with monthly income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level—see chart below—are eligible to get groceries through this program.
Emergency Food Assistance Program
Food Stamps/SNAP
The Food Stamp program provides funds to individuals and families to help with the cost of food. In South Carolina, Food Stamps are issued using Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT). Recipients are given a card that works like a debit card to use at the store.
If a person is eligible and Food Stamps are needed right away, they will be issued within seven days. Otherwise, they will be issued within 30 days. Be sure to let the agency know at the time of application if there is a critical need to have the stamps right away.
The income limit for SNAP is approximately 130 percent of the federal poverty level—see chart below.
You may complete an application for Food Stamps at your local Department of Social Services (DSS) or you may use the application form on the DSS Web site and deliver, mail, or fax the application to your local DSS office.
COVID-19 Financial and Community Resources
For more information regarding financial and community resources relating to COVID-19, South Carolina United Way's 211 is updating their website with agencies that may be able to help. In addition to the Aging Network, United Way's 211 provides information and referral services to help find the services you need.
Common Searches
Need help paying Medicare premiums?
Need help paying for utilities?
Need help paying funeral expenses?
Need a temporary financial stipend?
If you didn't find what you needed on this page, you can browse our services by category, or call your local Area Agency on Aging for more assistance—the phone number is in the sidebar of this page.