How to Apply for TANF in South Carolina
South Carolina's TANF program includes a notable option for relative caregivers: if you're caring for a child under 18 who isn't your own (a grandchild, niece, nephew, or other qualifying relative), you can choose a TANF Child-Only grant where your own income and resources don't count against the child's benefit, or you can opt to be included in the benefit group yourself. Applications go through the DSS Benefits Portal, the same online system used for SNAP, and the maximum monthly grant is modest — $229 for one child, $308 for two, and $388 for three. Caseworkers aim to help families reach stability within 24 months through employment training, child care, and transportation support.
This site is an independent, non-government TANF directory and isn't affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by any state or federal government agency. Always verify details directly with the official agency before visiting or applying.
Quick Answer
In South Carolina, you apply for TANF through Department of Social Services, online or by phone. DSS processes South Carolina TANF applications within 30 days of the date you filed your application.
What You'll Need
- Proof of the child in your care being under 18
- Household income and resource information (if applying as part of the benefit group)
- Proof of relationship to the child, for caretaker relatives
- Cooperation with child support enforcement procedures
- A completed application submitted online, in person, by mail, or by fax
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Apply online, in person, by mail, or by fax
Apply through the DSS Benefits Portal at benefitsportal.dss.sc.gov, visit your local county DSS office in person, or submit a completed paper application by mail or fax to your county office.
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Decide on a Child-Only grant if you are a relative caregiver
If you're caring for a relative's child under 18, choose whether to apply for a TANF Child-Only grant (your income isn't counted) or to include yourself in the benefit group (your income and resources are counted).
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Cooperate with child support requirements
TANF applicants and recipients must cooperate with the Department on child support procedures as a condition of eligibility.
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Meet with your assigned caseworker
A caseworker is assigned to each family to assess needs, screen for additional services, and build a plan toward family stability, generally within 24 months.
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Participate in employment and training activities
Adults receiving TANF cash assistance for themselves are offered employment training, placement, child care, and transportation while in training, and are subject to TANF participation requirements and time limits unless exempt.
Submit Your Application
Need help before your application is processed?
DSS processes South Carolina TANF applications within 30 days of the date you filed your application. If your family needs money sooner, most states offer a faster, one-time emergency payment.
See emergency & one-time assistance →Compare Other States
TANF rules, income limits, and benefit amounts are set state by state. These share South Carolina's census region — useful if you're moving, or comparing how another state runs the same program.
Helpful Guides
TANF Eligibility & Frequently Asked Questions
Income limits, time limits, and work requirements, answered in plain language.
Learn more →How Much Does TANF Pay? Benefit Amounts Explained
How your payment is calculated, a real worked example, and how the amount scales by family size.
Learn more →TANF Income Limits by State
See each state's own income limit and maximum monthly benefit, side by side.
Learn more →How to Use Your TANF EBT Card
How to withdraw cash, avoid ATM fees, and what to do if your card is lost or stolen.
Learn more →TANF Work Requirements Explained
Hours, activities, exemptions, and how strictly states actually enforce this.
Learn more →What Is TANF?
What the program covers, who runs it, and how it varies by state.
Learn more →TANF Kinship Care & Relative Caregiver Benefits
Child-only TANF grants for grandparents and relatives raising a child — and how they differ from a regular case.
Learn more →TANF vs. SNAP: Is TANF the Same as Food Stamps?
How the two programs differ, and whether you can get both.
Learn more →