SCDSS announces end to additional SNAP benefits
South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) is announcing an end to the federally-approved Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) emergency allotments (supplements) toall South Carolina households effective January31, 2023. Since March 2020, the assignment of emergency SNAP allotments (supplements) has brought allauthorizedhouseholds up to the maximum benefit allotment, based on household size.January2023has been approved by the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Services as South Carolina’s ‘transition’ month, prior to going back to normal SNAP benefit allotments for all households. Effective February1, 2023, all SNAP householdswill go back to receiving their regular monthly benefit amount.For example:•2-person SNAP household whose regular SNAP allotment is $250a month*.•Prior to February1, 2023, the household was eligible to receive an additional $266 in emergency allotmentswhich brought them up to the maximum benefit amountfor a two-person household which is $516.•Effective February1st, this SNAP household will receive $250a month.* SNAP allotment amounts vary depending on household size, income, countable household expenses, and other federal eligibility requirements.A household’s regular SNAP benefits will not change as a result of the emergency allotments ending. Emergency allotments are not subject to fair hearings.Beginning January 3, 2023, SNAP recipients will be able to view their regular monthly SNAP benefit amount and their emergency allotment amount online, at https://benefitsportal.dss.sc.gov/#/eai/eaiinquiryMore than 308,000 households, representing more than 626,000 clients, are currently receiving SNAP in South Carolina as of November2022.