South Carolina EBT Card Balance: Easy Steps to Check your Balance
– South Carolina EBT Card Balance –
Food stamps are federal benefits, and the federal government sets rules on eligibility and payment rates. Nevertheless, it is up to each state to administer food stamps to its citizens. The name of the federal food stamp program is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The Department of Social Services (DSS) in South Carolina is responsible for implementing payments from the South Carolina Food Stamp. Often known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Plan (SNAP), the food stamps scheme.
You can apply online or print to apply for SNAP in South Carolina and fill out this PDF application and return it to your DSS county office.
When you are notified of eligibility, the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card will then be used to receive food stamps and cash benefits.
This card functions like a debit card, which makes it easier and quicker to issue food stamps. If you live in South Carolina and need help buying food or getting to know your balance, this article will help you and your families find help.
About South Carolina EBT Card
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ( SNAP) has served as the cornerstone of America’s national safety security net, working to end poverty and strengthen the health of low-income communities by helping families purchase the food they need for a nutritionally balanced diet.
Over 500,000 households in South Carolina rely on SNAP every month to get the food they need for healthy living. The SNAP benefits offer more purchasing power to an individual or family at the grocery store.
The benefits are not meant to cover all the food expenses of a household, but they will reduce the amount of income to be spent on food per month. SNAP is used for families, people living on their own, and people living with roommates.
People who are homeless can get SNAP benefits too. People of all ages are a part of SNAP.
What’s the South Carolina EBT Card?
- EBT = electronic benefits transfer.
- EBT card = a card that looks and works like a debit or credit card but is loaded with food stamps and/or cash benefits. You can use it at stores that accept EBT.
- You’ll get the South Carolina EBT Card once you’re approved for benefits.
- South Carolina’s EBT customer service number is 1-800-554-5268.
Eligibility Criteria
You must be a citizen of the state of South Carolina and meet certain income requirements to apply for this incentive plan. An person may only be disqualified from taking part in SNAP for a conviction of a drug-related crime committed after August 22, 1996.
To qualify, you must have an annual household income that is less than or equal to the following sums (before taxes):
| Annual Household Income Limits (before taxes) | |
| Household Size* | Maximum Income Level (Per Year) |
| 1 | $16,237 |
| 2 | $21,983 |
| 3 | $27,729 |
| 4 | $33,475 |
| 5 | $39,221 |
| 6 | $44,967 |
| 7 | $50,713 |
| 8 | $56,459 |
*For households with more than eight people, add $5,746 per additional person. Always check with the appropriate managing agency to ensure the most accurate guidelines.
South Carolina EBT Payment Schedule
The South Carolina EBT Card holds the food assistance benefits assigned to you each month. Your benefits will be deposited onto your EBT card according to the schedule below:
If your Food Stamps Benefit Was Approved before September 1, 2012
| If your Case Number ends in | Benefits are deposited on the |
| 1 | 1st of the month |
| 2 | 2nd of the month |
| 3 | 3rd of the month |
| 4 | 4th of the month |
| 5 | 5th of the month |
| 6 | 6th of the month |
| 7 | 7th of the month |
| 8 | 8th of the month |
| 9 | 9th of the month |
| 0 | 10th of the month |
If your Food Stamps Benefit Was Approved or you re-applied for benefits after September 1, 2012
| If your Case Number ends in | Benefits are deposited on the |
| 1 | 11th of the month |
| 2 | 2nd of the month |
| 3 | 13th of the month |
| 4 | 4th of the month |
| 5 | 15th of the month |
| 6 | 6th of the month |
| 7 | 17th of the month |
| 8 | 8th of the month |
| 9 | 19th of the month |
| 0 | 10th of the month |
Once your benefits are deposited into your account, you can begin using them with your South Carolina EBT card to purchase eligible food items.
Stores That Take EBT Online for Delivery
As you may know, a pilot program (Online Buying Pilot) has been introduced by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to encourage selected grocery stores to start accepting electronic EBT cards for grocery shopping, including delivery to your doorway.
The grocery stores listed below have been approved for the pilot which will give EBT cardholders the opportunity to buy food for delivery online.
- Amazon
- Dash’s Market
- FreshDirect
- Hart’s Local Grocers
- Hy-Vee, Inc.
- Safeway
- ShopRite
- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
- Wright’s Markets, Inc
Where can’t I use my South Carolina EBT Card?
You cannot use your South Carolina EBT Card at the following locations:
- Casinos
- Poker Rooms
- Card Rooms
- Smoke & Cannabis Shops
- Adult Entertainment Businesses
- Nightclubs/Saloons/Taverns
- Tattoo & Piercing Shops
- Spa/Massage Salons
- Bingo Halls
- Bail Bonds
- Racetracks
- Gun/Ammo Stores
- Cruise Ships
- Psychic Readers
Foods and Products Not Eligible for South Carolina EBT Card
- Hot foods from deli/foods to be eaten in store
- Vitamins or medication
- Pet food
- Paper or cleaning products
- Alcohol/tobacco products.
For a full list of approved food items, see the Food Stamps Eligible Food List here.
How to Check your South Carolina EBT Card Balance
There are three options for checking your South Carolina EBT Card balance. Here they are:
Option 1 – Locate Your Last Purchase Receipt
One of the best ways to check the balance of your South Carolina EBT Card is to find the most recent purchase receipt or ATM receipt (only for TANF receivers). You’ll find the current balance at the bottom of the receipt on your account. Be sure to save all of your recent EBT Card receipts to check your balance using this form.
Option 2 – Check Your Card Balance Via Phone
Another choice is by calling the South Carolina EBT Card Customer Service number at 1-800-554-5268 to check your card balance. Representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help you get your Card balance back in.
Make sure your EBT Card code, 4-digit PIN, and Social Security Number (SSN) are ready before you call. You must provide this information to receive your EBT card balance information.
Option 3 – Check Your South Carolina EBT Card Balance Online
The last way to check your balance on your South Carolina EBT Card is online. Using the Connect EBT website to find out your EBT Card balance online.
When you are on the web, enter your User ID and Password on the left side of the page, in the login section. To log in to your South Carolina EBT account, you must enter your User ID and Password. You’ll then be able to check your EBT balance.
South Carolina EBT Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of the most frequently asked questions about the South Carolina EBT Card.
1. If I Don’t Use All of The Benefits I Received This Month, Will These Benefits Still Be Available to Me Next Month?
Yes, benefits that are not used in the month issued will stay in the EBT account. You may use these benefits in the following months.
2. When do I get my South Carolina SNAP Benefits?
Food stamp benefits are deposited on your South Carolina EBT Card on the same day every month. Benefits can be accessed after 8AM on your scheduled benefit issuance day.
3. I Have Seen People Purchase Non-Food Items with An EBT Card. I Thought Snap Was only For Food?
Yes, SNAP benefits are only for food. With that said, some people do have an EBT card for their cash assistance benefits.
You can use cash assistance benefits to purchase food and non-food items. For information on cash assistance eligibility, contact your local government benefits assistance office.
4. What Do I Do if I Suspect Someone Has Stolen Benefits from My EBT Card Account?
If your card is lost, stolen or disabled, call the South Carolina EBT Card Customer Service Call number immediately at 1-800-554-5268.
After claiming that your card has been lost, stolen or destroyed, a new card will be mailed to you. Replacement cards are to be issued within three to five business days. You may also contact the caseworker at your nearest county DSS.
5. How Do I Report a Store or Person that I Think Is Misusing Food or Cash Benefits (committing Fraud)?
Misusing benefits on purpose is a federal crime. Additionally, if you misuse your benefits, they can be taken away. To report a store or person misusing benefits, click here.
6. Can I Go to A Bank Teller and Withdraw Money from My EBT Account?
No, you may only withdraw money from an ATM or through a cash-back/cash-only withdrawal at a participating store. Additionally, bank tellers do not have information or access to EBT accounts.
7. How do I use my South Carolina EBT Card?
For help using your South Carolina EBT Card, follow the instructions below:
- At the checkout lane, tell the clerk that you are using your EBT Card
- Swipe your card through the Point-of-Sale (POS) machine
- Choose “EBT” and enter your PIN number
- The cashier will process your transaction
8. Who Do I Contact if I Have Questions About My South Carolina EBT Card?
If you have questions about your South Carolina EBT Card please contact customer service by calling 1-800-554-5268. Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8AM-5PM.
9. How Much Will I Get on My EBT Card Each Month?
The amount of benefits you receive on your EBT Card each month is determined by your income and household size.
10. Can I Have Someone Else Help Me Shop Using My EBT Account?
Ask your local South Carolina Food Stamps caseworker about establishing your EBT account with an Authorized Representative (AR). The AR will have a separate card that contains its own account number and PIN.
Additionally, the EBT device will monitor at any time which card is being used. The AR will be granted access to all of your benefit account.
11. Can I Use My South Carolina EBT Card in Other Counties and Other States?
Your South Carolina EBT card can operate at any store or ATM in the United States that accepts EBT cards, as well as the District of Columbia, USA. And Guam and the Virgin Islands.
Furthermore, there are no rules against using the EBT card outside of the home state. You are however required to report any change of address to your local county public assistance office.
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