If you are affected by the Federal Government Shutdown, here are South Carolina-based resources available to you right now. This guide keeps things simple: manage cash flow, secure food and health coverage, keep your utilities on, and protect your housing.
NOTE: This information is gathered from public internet sources. Programs change; always click through, confirm details, and beware of scams (no fees to apply for SNAP, Medicaid, UI, housing, or 2-1-1). If something looks off, call the official numbers on the linked sites to verify before sharing personal info. This is not legal, financial, or life advice; seek licensed professionals for help.
🕐 What to do first (10-minute plan)
- Cash flow triage: File or reopen your Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim through the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) at dew.sc.gov and certify weekly online.
- Food & health coverage: Apply for SNAP (Food Assistance) and Medicaid through the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) and Healthy Connections portals. Check eligibility for WIC through the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).
- Keep the heat and lights on: Apply for LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) through Community Action Agencies or SC Office of Economic Opportunity. Contact Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, or Santee Cooper for hardship and payment programs.
- Housing stability: Get rent and mortgage help through the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority (SC Housing) and HUD South Carolina.
- One-stop referrals: Dial 2-1-1 South Carolina or visit sc211.org for local help with food, shelter, utilities, and legal aid.
🔗 Links & Resources (South Carolina)
Income & Jobs
South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW):
🔗 https://dew.sc.gov/
File or Reopen Claim:
🔗 https://dew.sc.gov/individuals
SC Works (Job Search & Training):
🔗 https://www.scworks.org/
Food Access
SNAP (Food Assistance):
🔗 https://dss.sc.gov/assistance-benefits/snap/
Apply for Benefits Online:
🔗 https://scmapp.sc.gov/
WIC (Women, Infants & Children):
🔗 https://scdhec.gov/health/wic-women-infants-children-program
Feeding the Carolinas (Food Banks):
🔗 https://feedingthecarolinas.org/
Health Coverage
Medicaid & Healthy Connections:
🔗 https://www.scdhhs.gov/
Apply for Medicaid:
🔗 https://apply.scdhhs.gov/
Community Health Centers:
🔗 https://www.scphca.org/find-health-center
Heat, Utilities & Weatherization
LIHEAP (Energy Assistance):
🔗 https://oeo.sc.gov/energyassistance
Weatherization Assistance Program:
🔗 https://oeo.sc.gov/weatherization
Dominion Energy Assistance:
🔗 https://www.dominionenergy.com/south-carolina/billing/billing-options/assistance
Duke Energy Programs:
🔗 https://www.duke-energy.com/home/billing/special-assistance
Santee Cooper Customer Assistance:
🔗 https://www.santeecooper.com/My-Account/Bill-Payment-Assistance.aspx
Housing
South Carolina Housing Finance and Development Authority (SC Housing):
🔗 https://www.schousing.com/
HUD South Carolina:
🔗 https://www.hud.gov/states/south_carolina
Rental & Mortgage Assistance:
🔗 https://www.schousing.com/Home/Resources
One-stop referrals
2-1-1 South Carolina:
🔗 https://www.sc211.org/
Community Action Partnership of South Carolina:
🔗 https://www.scacap.org/
Legal Help
South Carolina Legal Services:
🔗 https://sclegal.org/
South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service:
🔗 https://lrs.scbar.org/
Disability Rights South Carolina:
🔗 https://www.disabilityrightssc.org/
Appleseed Legal Justice Center:
🔗 https://www.scjustice.org/
Crafted by JobsInMyState.com in support of fellow Americans.