South Carolina Family Independence (TANF Cash Assistance)
Last updated August 2026
Family Independence, or FI, is South Carolina's TANF cash program for families with children. The grant is modest: a maximum of $229 a month for one child, $308 for two children, and $388 for three. Apply online through the DSS Benefits Portal, in person at a county DSS office, or by mail or fax; call 1-800-616-1309 to request forms.
Be clear-eyed about the size. Family Independence is a small bridge, not an income, so the real value is often the services that come with it, not the check alone.
The program is built around a plan. DSS works with your family to design a path toward family stability within 24 months, providing case management, employment training, childcare help, and transportation support. Unless you are exempt, adults must meet work participation requirements.
Two obligations come with the grant. Adults are subject to time limits, and applicants and recipients must cooperate with the Department on child support as a condition of eligibility. Build both into your expectations.
Understand the two different clocks. The 24-month figure is the family-stability work-plan window, not a hard benefit cutoff. Separately, federal TANF law caps assistance at a 60-month lifetime limit for adults.
Because the cash is small, stack the rest. SNAP reaches far more households on friendlier rules, Medicaid covers the children through Partners for Healthy Children, and 2-1-1 tracks local emergency funds. Report changes in income, household size, or circumstances promptly to avoid overpayments.
Phone 1-800-616-1309
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Families with children who are South Carolina residents and meet an income and resource test
- Most adults take part in a TANF work program, and state and federal time limits apply to how long you can receive cash
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply at the DSS Benefits Portal, in person, or by mail; call 1-800-616-1309 for forms.
- 2
Provide proof of income, your children's information, and residency.
- 3
Cooperate with child support and set up your family-stability work plan.
- 4
Report income and household changes promptly to avoid overpayments.
What to have ready
- ID and Social Security numbers for the adults applying
- Proof of income for the household
- Proof that a child lives with you. Your county office confirms the full list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
How much does Family Independence pay?
A maximum of $229 a month for one child, $308 for two, and $388 for three. It is a modest cash benefit.
How long can I get it?
Federal TANF law caps assistance at a 60-month lifetime limit for adults. Separately, South Carolina structures a 24-month family-stability work plan, which is not itself a cutoff.
What do I have to do to keep it?
Unless exempt, adults meet work participation requirements, and everyone must cooperate with child support as a condition of eligibility.
What else should I apply for?
SNAP and Healthy Connections Medicaid, both of which reach more households. The same DSS portal handles SNAP, and 2-1-1 finds local emergency help.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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