This week’s column will focus on the SC Department of Social Services, one of South Carolina’s largest agencies, with director Susan Alford providing information.
The Department of Social Services is one of South Carolina’s largest agencies with 3,785 employees and a $692 million budget. There is pride in its diversity, efficiency and effectively to provide to more than 800,000 South Carolina citizens.
The Mission is to efficiently serve citizens of South Carolina by ensuring the safety of children and adults who cannot protect themselves and assisting families to achieve stability through child support, child care, financial and other temporary benefits while transitory into employment.
The following services and programs are available:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): For over 30 years, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, has served as the foundation of America’s national nutrition net, working to end hunger and improve health of low-income people by helping families buy the food they need for a nutritionally adequate diet.
In South Carolina, more than 100,000 households depend on SNAP each month to get the food they need for good health. People of all ages use SNAP benefits. Families, people living alone, roommates, people who are homeless, Social Security, disability, child support or unemployment can often get SNAP benefits.
You can complete an application form for SNAP benefits at your local Department of Social Services and deliver or mail the application to your local DSS office. SNAP 2 Work is an employment and training program for SNAP recipients in South Carolina operated by DSS.
Family Independence Program: This is a time-limited program that assists families with dependent children when families cannot provide for their basic needs. The purpose is to assist low income families meet basic needs by providing cash assistance, supportive services and training, and employment opportunities. Low income families with dependent children may be eligible for these services.
Families must reside in South Carolina and willing to participate in the Family Independence Work Program. Complete application from local DSS sign and return to the local Department of Social Services. After eligibility determination, a case manager works with the family to develop a plan to achieve self-sufficiency within 24 months with services offered assessments, evaluations and screenings.
The SC ePAY Debit Card: This is used to access monies deposited into an ePAY account by DSS for eligible recipients. It is used anywhere MASTERCARD is accepted for bill payments. ePAY accounts are governed by the FDIC banking regulations.
South Carolina JUMP (Jobs Upfront Mean More): Applicants for South Carolina’s Family Independence must now complete the Jobs Upfront Mean More Pay Screening form. If an applicant is applying for Family Independence, you are required to participate in the Jobs Upfront Mean More Pay program, a work program designed to help find employment.
Based on information provided on the JUMP screening form and FI applications, SC Department of Social Services staff screen to determine who will be referred to JUMMP. If you are referred, you will be contacted by JUMMP staff for an appointment.
You must keep this appointment. The DSS staff determines eligibility and participation in JUMMP. Call 803-898-7237 for more information on Economic Services.
Daniel’s Law: This is the Safe Haven for Abandoned Infants Act. This state law provides pregnant women with an alternative to abandoning a newborn baby in potentially fatal circumstances such as in the dumpster.
Under the Safe Haven Act, an infant can be left with a hospital or a hospital outpatient facility, law enforcement agency, fire station, emergency medical services station or any staffed house of worship during the hours the facility is staffed.
The infant must be less than 30 days old, unharmed, and left by parent or other person acting for the parent. A baby left under these conditions will be placed in DSS foster care and adoption proceedings will be initiated immediately. Contact the local DSS office if additional information is needed.