South Carolina Financial Assistance Programs

South Carolina Assistance Programs.  There are government, state, local, and charity programs that bring aid to needy families in South Carolina.  These programs are important to struggling families, seniors, the disabled, and children.  If you have been struggling financially, please continue reading to find the help you need.

Organizations like the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and Community organizations receive funding every year to help the less fortunate.   If funding is not available in one organization, you will be referred to another organization that can help.  Don’t get discouraged in your attempt to get help.  Keep looking and keep asking questions that will lead you to the assistance you need.

South Carolina Family Independence (FI) Program

This program’s goal is to help struggling families reach stability and self-sufficiency. Block grants are given by the federal government and facilitated by state poverty organizations. Grants are given to help:

• Provide help to needy families with children
• Promote job training and employment and
• Maintaining the family unit through marriage.

To receive help from this program, you must be a US citizen, national, legal alien, or permanent resident and qualify financially.

South Carolina Weatherization Assistance Program

This government Home Weatherization subsidy assists elderly, disabled, and low-income homeowners, with necessary home repairs. Grants are to make home repairs, help with energy conservation, and maintain the property’s health and safety.  To qualify for the help, you must be a resident of the state, and you must have a gross family income at or below Federal Guidelines.  (More Info Here)

South Carolina Child Care Program

The Department of Social Services in South Carolina facilitates the childcare assistance program. It is now called ABC Child Care or ABC Program. The goal of the program is to make child care in the state affordable and accessible. These grants also assist families with family stability and self-sufficiency.  Vouchers are provided to families that qualify financially.   These vouchers are used to pay approved healthcare workers and centers for child care.   (Help with Childcare)

South Carolina Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP is a federally funded incentive program that is assistance program helps low-income families in South Carolina by paying heating and cooling bills.  They also help pay past due utility bills to prevent disconnection of services.  Each year qualified families receive a check to go toward heating and cooling bills.  (LIHEAP Assistance)

 TANF  South Carolina Assistance for Families

TANF is given to qualified low-income families with children under the age of 18. This grant includes a cash grant to pay bills. Families receiving TANF can enroll in educational programs that can improve income, also job readiness. Childcare assistance is provided when parents work or attend school.  (Apply for TANF Assistance) This assistance is given for a period of two years.

SNAP Nutrition Education Program

SNAP Nutrition Education Program helps low-income families to provide healthy meals to their families. They also offer education to teach how to make healthy food choices and prepare nutritious meals. They offer recipes, education, grocery store tours. They also provide SNAP education to other government agencies.

The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

SFMNP – This program runs from May to October to help low-income seniors purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at roadside and farmer’s markets. Seniors or given $25 broken down into 5 $5 checks to shop for produce. The program serves 25,000 seniors in South Carolina.

If you live in South Carolina and already receive government assistance, please ask your Department of Social Service or Agencies on Aging for checks to buy produce. The program is currently available in 37 counties, and funding is limited so inquire in March.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

TEFAP helps low-income families in South Caroling with emergency food. They work with local food banks and pantries such as Golden Harvest, Harvest Hope, Lowcountry, and Second Harvest Food Banks. Individuals and families must have a gross income of at or below 150% at or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Food includes typical food found at a local food pantry.  (Foodbanks)

South Carolina Assistance Programs – American Indian

Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program (Section 184)

This program helps make homeownership possible for Native American residents of Tribal Lands.  They offer guaranteed mortgage loans from private banks. To qualify, you must be a Native American Indian trying to purchase a home as a primary dwelling.  You or a family member must be enrolled in a federally recognized American Indian tribe or Alaska Native village. Loans are fixed-rate loans for mortgages 30 years or less.  For more information, please call 202-219-0740.

Vocational Rehabilitation Services Projects for American Indians with Disabilities

This program gives assistance to the tribal peoples to help American Indians living with disabilities and live on Federal and state reservations. This program aims to help those with disabilities with job preparation and to strengthen abilities with the goal of employment. Each person receives a specialized plan with reasonable goals to achieve.  For more info.  301-443-5204.

Job Placement and Training

This South Carolina assistance program provides job training and employment resources, and opportunities for American Indians. To qualify, you must be a native American Indian, underemployed, unemployed, or about to lose your job. You or at least one member of your family must be enrolled in an American Indian tribe or Alaska Native village.  Please call 202-219-5270.

Managing Agency
U.S. Department of the Interior

South Carolina Assistance from Local Charities

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army provides Nursing, Meal programs, Food Pantry, Emergency Shelter, Eviction Prevention, School clothes for children, and free toys for Christmas.

Catholic Charities

This faith-based organization offers help with If you are facing eviction or disconnection of utilities, they can help you. Other outreaches include  Social services, job preparation, pregnancy support, foster care, adoption services, disaster relief, and more.

St. Vincent de Paul

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a non-profit ministry that offers varied assistance like utilities and rent, clothing, thrift store, holiday meals, food distribution, housing assistance, prescription assistance, eviction prevention. (more info)