SC 211

When you do not know which South Carolina program to call, dial 2-1-1. It is a free, confidential service that connects South Carolinians to health and social services during non-emergency crises and for everyday needs. You can also call 866-892-9211, or text your zip code to 211-211 to get connected to resources.

The phone and text service runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year, so help is there at any hour. One note: SC 211's email is only monitored on weekdays, so for urgent needs, call or text rather than email.

It connects people to the help that piles up together: food, housing, utilities, and healthcare, anywhere in the state, with no eligibility requirement to call. Give a short version of what is going on, and a specialist points you to programs near you.

You can also help yourself any time. Use SC 211's Search all resources tool online, or browse the resource guides on the website, which is the same information the specialists work from.

Know what 211 is and is not. It refers; it does not pay bills itself. The value is knowing which local agencies and funds near you have money or open intake right now, which changes month to month. It is operated by the United Way Association of South Carolina.

Pair 211 with the statewide front doors: the DSS Benefits Portal for SNAP and cash, apply.scdhhs.gov for Medicaid, and SC Thrive for enrollment help. For a suicidal or mental health crisis, call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, any hour.