ConnectEBT South Carolina is the official website (ConnectEBT.com) and mobile app for managing a South Carolina EBT card, which holds SNAP food benefits and, in some cases, cash assistance. You use it to check your balance, review transactions, change your PIN, and lock or unlock your card. It is not where you apply for SNAP—applications are handled by the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) at benefitsportal.dss.sc.gov. ConnectEBT is operated by Conduent under contract with DSS. As of April 28, 2026, South Carolina blocks all out-of-state and online EBT transactions by default; you must unlock your card through ConnectEBT before making those purchases.
Quick Facts Table
Item
Information
Program
ConnectEBT South Carolina (EBT account-management portal and app; not a benefit program)
Agency
South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS); technology operated by Conduent
Eligibility
Active South Carolina EBT cardholders receiving SNAP or cash benefits. You do not apply for ConnectEBT itself.
Income Limits
No separate income limit for ConnectEBT. Income limits apply to the underlying SNAP benefit. For FY2027 (Oct. 1, 2026–Sept. 30, 2027): $1,729/month gross** for 1 person; **$3,575/month for 4.
Monthly Benefit
Not a cash benefit from ConnectEBT. SNAP maximum allotments for FY2027: $306** for 1 person; **$1,023 for 4.
ConnectEBT registration is generally immediate. SNAP applications: up to 30 days; expedited SNAP within 7 days for eligible households.
Renewal
No ConnectEBT renewal. SNAP recertification is handled through DSS.
Available States
South Carolina only (ConnectEBT supports other states, but each state has its own portal and rules).
Last Updated
October 2026
What Is ConnectEBT South Carolina?
ConnectEBT South Carolina is a free digital tool for managing an existing South Carolina EBT card—not a government benefit program. It is the official app and website endorsed by the South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) for SNAP and cash-assistance cardholders. The ConnectEBT app supports South Carolina alongside Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Montana, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Virginia.
The portal lets you:
Check your SNAP balance and cash balance (if applicable).
Review deposits and up to 12 months of transaction history.
Change your PIN.
Lock and unlock your EBT card to reduce skimming and cloning risk.
Set up email or text alerts for account changes.
Report a lost or stolen card and request a replacement.
ConnectEBT does not decide whether you qualify for SNAP or how much you receive. Eligibility and benefit amounts are set by DSS through the state’s benefits portal. ConnectEBT is the post-approval account-management layer.
Who Qualifies to Use ConnectEBT South Carolina?
You can use ConnectEBT South Carolina if you have an active South Carolina EBT card. There is no separate application or income test for the portal itself.
Receive cash assistance delivered through the EBT system, such as TANF in some cases.
Are the head of household or an authorized user of the EBT account.
You do NOT need ConnectEBT South Carolina if:
You are applying for SNAP but have not been approved and issued a card. Apply through the DSS Benefits Portal first.
You live in another state. Each state has its own EBT portal. ConnectEBT supports multiple states, but your account and card rules are tied to the issuing state.
You need to apply for Medicaid, TANF, or childcare assistance. Those applications go through DSS, not ConnectEBT.
Common exception: If your card is lost or stolen, you can call the 24-hour EBT customer service line or use ConnectEBT to request a replacement. The old card is canceled, and a new card is mailed.
Income Limits: The SNAP Rules Behind the EBT Card
ConnectEBT South Carolina has no income limit of its own. The income limits that matter are the SNAP income limits used by DSS to decide whether you qualify for the benefits loaded onto your EBT card.
South Carolina applies the federal default gross-income limit of 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) . The state does not use Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) to raise the gross income test, but it does eliminate the asset test for most households.
SNAP Income Limits for South Carolina, FY2027 (Oct. 1, 2026–Sept. 30, 2027)
Household Size
Gross Monthly Limit (130% FPL)
Net Monthly Limit (100% FPL)
Maximum SNAP Allotment
1
$1,729
$1,330
$306
2
$2,345
$1,804
$562
3
$2,960
$2,277
$808
4
$3,575
$2,750
$1,023
5
$4,191
$3,224
$1,217
6
$4,806
$3,697
$1,463
7
$5,421
$4,170
$1,616
8
$6,037
$4,644
$1,841
Each additional
+$616
+$474
+$225
Source: USDA SNAP FY2027 cost-of-living adjustments, as reflected in South Carolina eligibility resources.
Special Income Rules for Elderly or Disabled Households
If every member of the household is age 60 or older or has a disability, different rules may apply. Under South Carolina’s SNAP policy, these households may be evaluated primarily on net income rather than gross income in certain circumstances. If the household has assets over $4,500, the gross income test may still apply. The asset test is generally waived for most households under South Carolina’s categorical eligibility rules.
Important SNAP Exceptions in South Carolina
SCCAP (South Carolina Combined Application Project): If you receive SSI in the amount of $994** or **$1,014 and have no other income, you may qualify through SCCAP with simplified rules. You must live alone or purchase and prepare meals separately if living with others.
ESAP (Elderly Simplified Application Project): If all household members are 65 or older and the household has no earned income, you may qualify for simplified application and recertification rules.
ABAWD time limits:Able-bodied adults without dependents ages 18–64 are generally limited to 3 months of SNAP in a 36-month period unless they meet work requirements (at least 20 hours per week or an approved program) or qualify for an exemption.
Asset Limits
South Carolina has no asset or resource test for most SNAP households. The state uses broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE) in a limited form: it does not raise the gross income limit above 130% FPL, but it waives the asset test. Your bank balance, vehicle value, and other property generally are not counted for SNAP eligibility.
One exception: For households with a member age 60 or older or disabled, the policy manual references an asset threshold of $4,500 for purposes of the gross income test. In practice, most households are not subject to an asset test. If you are unsure, ask DSS during the application process.
ConnectEBT does not enforce or publish asset limits. Asset rules belong to SNAP, not to the portal.
Household Requirements
SNAP household rules are set by DSS and federal law, not by ConnectEBT. A SNAP household generally includes everyone who lives together and purchases and prepares food together.
Key household points:
The head of household receives one EBT card for the entire household.
Roommates who buy and cook food separately may be separate SNAP households.
A child living with a parent is generally in the parent’s household.
Students may face special eligibility rules and must meet a student exemption to qualify.
If you are unsure who should be included, DSS will review your household composition during the application and interview process.
Citizenship Rules
SNAP is limited to U.S. citizens and “qualified immigrants.” This is a federal rule, not a South Carolina–specific rule.
U.S. citizens qualify for consideration if they meet income and other rules.
Qualified immigrants may qualify, often after a waiting period. Qualified immigrant categories include:
Lawful permanent residents (green card holders).
Refugees.
Asylees.
Cuban or Haitian entrants.
Individuals granted withholding of removal.
Certain survivors of trafficking or domestic violence.
Certain individuals paroled into the U.S. for at least one year.
Compact of Free Association (COFA) migrants.
Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for SNAP. However, their U.S. citizen children may qualify, and benefits can be calculated for the eligible children only.
Immigration Eligibility for SNAP in South Carolina
Undocumented immigrants cannot receive SNAP for themselves. This is a categorical bar under federal law. South Carolina’s SNAP policy explicitly lists “ineligible non-citizens” among those who cannot participate.
Mixed-status families are common and important. A U.S. citizen child born to undocumented parents is a U.S. citizen and may qualify for SNAP if the household meets income rules. The parent can apply on behalf of the child, and the benefit is calculated using the eligible child’s information and the household’s income.
Qualified immigrants may face a five-year bar for SNAP. Lawful permanent residents generally cannot receive SNAP until they have been qualified immigrants for five years or meet an exemption. Refugees and asylees are generally exempt from the five-year bar, but federal rules in 2025–2026 have narrowed access for some lawfully present immigrants.
If you have questions about your immigration status and SNAP, contact DSS or a trusted immigration legal aid organization before applying.
State Differences: South Carolina–Only Portal, South Carolina–Only Rules
ConnectEBT South Carolina is for South Carolina EBT cards only. The ConnectEBT app supports multiple states, but your account, card, and benefit rules are tied to South Carolina.
Other states use different portals. Some states use ebtEDGE (FIS) or their own state-specific websites. If you move to another state, you will need to use that state’s EBT system and may need to reapply for benefits there.
Within South Carolina, rules are statewide. SNAP income limits and benefit amounts do not vary by county. DSS administers the program uniformly across all 46 counties.
Required Documents
To Register for ConnectEBT South Carolina
You do not need to upload documents to create a ConnectEBT account. You need:
Your South Carolina EBT card number (16 digits).
Your date of birth or other identifying information.
An email address or mobile phone number to create a login.
A User ID and password you create.
To Apply for SNAP Through DSS
You will generally need:
Photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport).
Social Security Numbers for household members applying.
Proof of income (pay stubs, SSI/SSDI letter, unemployment statement, pension letter).
Proof of South Carolina residency (lease, utility bill, mortgage statement).
Immigration documents if you are applying as a non-citizen.
Child care expenses and medical expense receipts if you want to claim SNAP deductions.
How to Register for ConnectEBT South Carolina: Step by Step
Select South Carolina if the website asks for your state.
Choose “Register Now” or “Create an Account.”
Enter your EBT card number and personal information to verify your identity.
Create a User ID and password.
Log in. Your SNAP balance, recent transactions, and card settings will appear.
Activate your card and select a PIN if you have not already done so. New cards must be activated by calling 1-800-554-5268, using the portal, or using the app.
How to Apply for SNAP in South Carolina
You cannot apply for SNAP through ConnectEBT. SNAP applications are handled by DSS.
Choose SNAP and any other programs you want to apply for (TANF, Medicaid, etc.).
Complete the online application.
Upload verification documents through the portal.
Complete an interview if DSS requires one.
Track your status in the DSS Benefits Portal.
Other ways to apply:
By phone: Call DSS Connect at 1-800-616-1309.
In person: Visit your local DSS county office.
By mail or fax: Submit a paper application to your county DSS office.
Online Application: What ConnectEBT Does and Does Not Do
ConnectEBT is not an application portal for SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF. It is an account-management portal for people who already have an EBT card.
What ConnectEBT does:
Shows your balance and transaction history.
Lets you change your PIN.
Lets you lock and unlock your card.
Lets you set up account alerts.
Lets you report a lost or stolen card.
Lets you request a replacement card.
What ConnectEBT does not do:
Accept SNAP applications.
Determine eligibility.
Approve or deny benefits.
Process recertifications.
Accept Medicaid or TANF applications.
If you need to apply or renew, use the DSS Benefits Portal. If you need to manage your card, use ConnectEBT.
Processing Time
ConnectEBT registration is generally immediate. Once you enter your card information and create a login, you can access your account.
SNAP application processing times in South Carolina:
Standard SNAP: Up to 30 days from the date DSS receives a complete application.
Expedited SNAP: Benefits within 7 calendar days for households that meet expedited criteria (very low income and resources).
ConnectEBT does not speed up or slow down a SNAP application. It only becomes useful after a card is issued.
Payment Schedule: When South Carolina SNAP Benefits Load
South Carolina SNAP benefits are deposited on a staggered schedule between the 1st and 16th of each month, based on the last digit of your DSS case number. Your date stays the same each month.
Last Digit of Case Number
EBT Deposit Date
1
1st
2
2nd
3
4th
4
6th
5
8th
6
10th
7
12th
8
14th
9 or 0
16th
Source: South Carolina SNAP payment schedule, based on case number digit.
Key details:
Benefits load between midnight and 6 AM on your scheduled date.
If your date falls on a state holiday, benefits post the prior business day.
No deposits occur on the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th, or 13th.
Your case number appears on your SNAP approval letter, any DSS benefit notice, or inside your MySCInfo account at myscinfo.dss.sc.gov.
Cash assistance through the EBT card generally follows a separate schedule set by the program. Check your notice or DSS portal for the cash deposit date.
Renewal Process: SNAP Recertification, Not ConnectEBT Renewal
ConnectEBT does not have a renewal process. Your SNAP benefits must be recertified through DSS.
Key recertification rules:
You must complete the renewal process before the end of your current certification period to receive uninterrupted benefits.
The process includes filing a renewal application, completing an interview if required, and providing required information and verification.
You can file the renewal through the DSS Benefits Portal, by mail, or at your local DSS office.
If you miss the deadline, your benefits may stop, and you may need to reapply.
ConnectEBT can help you monitor your balance during recertification, but it does not submit the renewal or extend benefits. DSS sends renewal notices; respond to them on time.
Reasons SNAP Applications Are Denied
Denials come from DSS, not ConnectEBT. Common reasons include:
Income over the SNAP gross or net limit.
Missing verification documents (no proof of income, ID, or residency).
Household composition not meeting SNAP rules.
Immigration status not qualifying for SNAP.
Failure to complete the interview or provide requested information.
Failure to comply with ABAWD work requirements (for able-bodied adults without dependents).
Student eligibility rules not met (students must qualify for a student exemption).
Drug felony conviction (South Carolina has retained the federal drug-felony ban for conduct after August 22, 1996).
Appeals Process
If your SNAP application is denied, reduced, or terminated, you have the right to a fair hearing. The appeal is handled by DSS, not ConnectEBT.
How to appeal:
Follow the instructions on your notice of adverse action.
Request a hearing within the deadline stated on the notice. SNAP fair hearing deadlines are typically 90 days from the date of the notice, but always check your specific notice for the exact deadline.
You can request a hearing in writing, by phone, or through the process described in your notice.
If you request a hearing before the effective date of a reduction or termination, your benefits may continue at the prior level while the hearing is pending.
ConnectEBT cannot accept or process appeals. If you appeal, continue using ConnectEBT only to monitor your card and balance.
Common Mistakes
Trying to apply for SNAP through ConnectEBT. Use the DSS Benefits Portal for applications and renewals.
Not unlocking your card for online or out-of-state purchases. Since April 28, 2026, South Carolina blocks these transactions by default. You must unlock through ConnectEBT or by phone before shopping online or traveling out of state.
Sharing your PIN or ConnectEBT password. No legitimate agency will ask for your password. Protect your login.
Ignoring recertification notices. Missing the renewal deadline can stop your benefits.
Not reporting changes in income or household size. You are required to report changes to DSS; failure to do so can create an overpayment.
Assuming stolen benefits will be replaced automatically. Report skimming or cloning immediately and request replacement through DSS.
Using the wrong state’s ConnectEBT portal. Make sure you are on the South Carolina recipient page.
Recent Changes (2025–2026)
Out-of-state and online transaction blocks took effect April 28, 2026. South Carolina DSS implemented enhanced fraud-prevention measures that automatically place all SC EBT cards in a “Block High Risk Transactions” status. Cards in this status cannot complete purchases outside South Carolina or online unless the cardholder first unlocks the card through ConnectEBT or the EBT customer service IVR. All in-state purchases continue to process normally.
Card locking and alerts expanded. The ConnectEBT app and website allow cardholders to lock their card everywhere, lock it outside South Carolina, or unlock it for all purchases. You can also set email or text alerts for account changes.
Federal replacement of stolen SNAP benefits remains available for qualifying thefts. South Carolina DSS has a process for replacement of benefits stolen through skimming, cloning, phishing, or similar fraudulent methods. You must report the theft and provide proof. The federal replacement authority has covered thefts occurring between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2024, under prior appropriations; check with DSS for current eligibility and documentation requirements.
FY2027 SNAP cost-of-living adjustment. Effective October 1, 2026, SNAP maximum allotments and income limits increased. The maximum allotment for one person is $306**, and the gross income limit for one person is **$1,729. For a family of four, the maximum is $1,023** and the gross limit is **$3,575.
Practical Examples: Who Might Qualify for South Carolina SNAP?
Household Situation
Monthly Gross Income
Household Size
Likely SNAP Outcome
Why
Family of 4 earning $42,000/year
$3,500
4
May qualify
Gross income is below the $3,575** gross limit for 4. Net income after deductions may also be below **$2,750.
Senior receiving SSI
$967 (individual SSI)
1
Likely qualifies
Income is far below the $1,729 gross limit. As an elderly household, only the net income test may apply.
Disabled worker receiving SSDI
$1,500
1
May qualify
Gross income is below $1,729. If disabled, the household may face only the net income test.
College student working part-time
$1,200
1
May qualify only if a student exemption applies
Students enrolled at least half-time must meet special student criteria (e.g., work 20 hours/week, receive work-study, have a disability, or care for a dependent).
Single mother with two children
$2,400
3
May qualify
Gross income is below the $2,960** limit for 3. Deductions for childcare and rent may bring net income below **$2,277.
Veteran with VA disability pension
$2,000
1
May qualify
Gross income is above $1,729 for a single person, so the veteran may not qualify unless a deduction lowers countable income or the household includes other members.
Retired couple with Social Security
$2,200
2
May qualify
Gross income is below $2,345 for 2. As an elderly household, the net income test may be the primary test.
Important: These are estimates only. DSS applies deductions and verification rules that can change the outcome. Use the DSS Benefits Portal or contact DSS for an official determination.
Comparison Tables
ConnectEBT South Carolina vs. Other EBT Management Tools
Feature
ConnectEBT South Carolina
ebtEDGE (used by some states)
State-specific portals
Official South Carolina tool
Yes
No
No
Check SNAP balance
Yes
Yes (in supported states)
Varies
Lock/unlock card
Yes
In some states
Varies
Block out-of-state/online by default
Yes (since April 28, 2026)
Varies
Varies
Change PIN
Yes
Yes
Varies
Report lost/stolen card
Yes
Yes
Varies
Apply for SNAP
No
No
No
Used in South Carolina
Yes
No
No
South Carolina SNAP at a Glance (FY2027)
Item
Detail
Gross income limit, 1 person
$1,729/month
Gross income limit, 4 persons
$3,575/month
Maximum allotment, 1 person
$306/month
Maximum allotment, 4 persons
$1,023/month
Asset test
No asset test for most households
Payment window
1st–16th of each month, based on case number digit
1. Is ConnectEBT South Carolina a government website? ConnectEBT South Carolina is a private platform operated by Conduent under contract with the South Carolina Department of Social Services. It is the official EBT management tool endorsed by DSS, but it is not a government agency and does not decide eligibility.
2. How do I check my South Carolina SNAP balance? Log in to connectebt.com/ebtconnect/recipient/SC/ or open the ConnectEBT app. Your SNAP balance and recent transactions appear on the dashboard. You can also call 1-800-554-5268 or check your last grocery receipt.
3. Can I apply for SNAP through ConnectEBT? No. ConnectEBT is for managing an existing EBT card. To apply for SNAP, use the DSS Benefits Portal at benefitsportal.dss.sc.gov or call 1-800-616-1309.
4. What is the ConnectEBT South Carolina customer service number? The EBT customer service number is 1-800-554-5268, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For general DSS questions, call DSS Connect at 1-800-616-1309.
5. How do I lock my South Carolina EBT card? Use the ConnectEBT app or website and select “Lock/Unlock Card.” You can choose “Lock My Card Everywhere,” “Lock My Card Outside of SC,” or “Unlock My Card.” The EBT call center can help you unlock a card, but it cannot help you lock one—you must use the portal or app to lock it.
6. Why is my South Carolina EBT card blocked for online purchases? Since April 28, 2026, South Carolina automatically blocks all out-of-state and online EBT transactions to prevent fraud. To make an online or out-of-state purchase, you must first unlock your card through ConnectEBT or by calling 1-800-554-5268. All in-state purchases work normally without unlocking.
7. What is the SNAP income limit for one person in South Carolina in 2026–2027? For FY2027 (Oct. 1, 2026–Sept. 30, 2027), the gross monthly income limit is $1,729** for one person. The net monthly limit is **$1,330, and the maximum allotment is $306.
8. Does South Carolina SNAP have an asset test? No, South Carolina does not apply an asset test for most SNAP households. Your savings, vehicle, and other resources generally are not counted. The state uses broad-based categorical eligibility to waive the asset test, even though the gross income limit remains at 130% FPL.
9. When do South Carolina SNAP benefits load each month? Benefits are deposited between the 1st and 16th of each month, based on the last digit of your case number. For example, case numbers ending in 1 receive benefits on the 1st; ending in 2 on the 2nd; ending in 3 on the 4th; and so on, through ending in 9 or 0 on the 16th.
10. I lost my South Carolina EBT card. What should I do? Call 1-800-554-5268 immediately to report it and request a replacement. You can also use ConnectEBT to request a replacement. Replacement cards are typically mailed within 5 to 7 business days. There is generally no fee for the first replacement; additional replacements may incur a fee.
11. Are stolen SNAP benefits replaced in South Carolina? South Carolina has a process for replacement of benefits stolen through skimming, cloning, phishing, or similar fraudulent methods. You must report the theft and provide proof using the DSS Affidavit of Stolen SNAP Benefits. Federal replacement authority has covered thefts in specified periods; check with DSS for current eligibility and deadlines.
12. Can college students get SNAP in South Carolina? Students enrolled at least half-time must meet special student eligibility criteria, such as working at least 20 hours per week, participating in work-study, having a disability, or caring for a dependent. Not all students qualify. South Carolina lists “ineligible students” among those who cannot participate in SNAP.
Key Takeaways
ConnectEBT South Carolina is the official app and website for managing a South Carolina EBT card, not a benefit program.
You cannot apply for SNAP through ConnectEBT. Apply through the DSS Benefits Portal (benefitsportal.dss.sc.gov) .
ConnectEBT lets you check your SNAP balance, review transactions, change your PIN, lock your card, and set account alerts.
South Carolina SNAP uses a 130% FPL gross income limit and has no asset test for most households.
FY2027 SNAP maximum allotments:$306** for 1 person; **$1,023 for 4.
South Carolina SNAP benefits are deposited between the 1st and 16th of each month, based on your case number digit.
Since April 28, 2026, out-of-state and online EBT transactions are blocked by default. You must unlock your card through ConnectEBT before making those purchases.
The ConnectEBT card-lock feature lets you lock your card everywhere, lock it outside South Carolina, or unlock it for all purchases.
SNAP applications are processed within 30 days, with expedited benefits within 7 days for eligible households.
Use official South Carolina resources: ConnectEBT South Carolina, the DSS Benefits Portal, and DSS at 1-800-616-1309.
If you are using ConnectEBT South Carolina for SNAP, you may also qualify for these programs. None are managed through ConnectEBT, but they serve overlapping populations.
Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income adults, children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities. Apply through the DSS Benefits Portal or HealthCare.gov.
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families): Cash assistance for families with children, administered by DSS through the Benefits Portal.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children): Nutrition support for pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5, administered by the South Carolina Department of Public Health.
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): Help with heating and cooling bills, administered through South Carolina’s community action agencies.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher: Rental assistance administered by local public housing agencies and HUD.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Federal cash assistance for aged, blind, or disabled individuals with limited income, administered by the Social Security Administration.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit: Federal tax credits administered by the IRS that can provide cash refunds to working families.
Summer EBT (Sun Bucks): Seasonal food benefits for school-aged children, administered by South Carolina in partnership with USDA.
Medicare Savings Programs: Help with Medicare premiums and cost-sharing for low-income Medicare beneficiaries, administered by the state.
Pell Grants and Federal Student Aid: Need-based college grants administered by the U.S. Department of Education.
