South Carolina Department of Social Services

DSS Extends Healthy Bucks Bonus Incentives

The South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) has announced an extension of the Healthy Bucks SNAP bonus incentive through September 30, 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges for farmers markets, independent farmers, and some of South Carolina’s most vulnerable residents. In response to these challenges, DSS will continue to increase the maximum Healthy Bucks SNAP incentive amount to $15.00 from DSS for eligible purchases through the end of September. Previously, DSS announced the increased maximum for this program on May 15, 2020 which was originally slated to expire on July 31, 2020.

CARES Act Gives Additional Funding for S.C. Head Start Programs

SC Head Start Programs have received $10,727,269 in federal funding through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. These funds will support Head Start services to Head Start eligible children under the age of 5 in South Carolina including summer learning virtual programs, technology and connectivity, telehealth programs and preparing classrooms and facilities for the new school year.

Director's Angle - July 2020

State Director Michael Leach's Commentary

SC DSS Honors March Employees of the Month

The South Carolina Department of Social Services Employee of the Month program recognizes staff whose work exemplifies our core principles: Competence, Courage and Compassion.

K-12 Students Who Normally Receive Free or Reduced-Price School Meals to Receive Federal Food Assistance

South Carolina has received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to implement a Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) program, providing a one-time benefit to help supplement family food costs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and prolonged school closures. As many as 467,000 K-12 students in South Carolina, who qualify for free or reduced-price meals (FRP), are expected to receive this benefit.

SC Approved to Implement Online Food Purchasing with SNAP Benefits Program Slated to Begin in late July

This week, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service announced approval of the SC Department of Social Services’ request to allow South Carolina SNAP recipients to use their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards for online purchases of eligible food items. July 31, 2020, is the anticipated date for this service going live in SC and, at this time, Walmart and Amazon are the only retailers authorized by USDA to implement online food purchasing in South Carolina.

News