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South Carolina Child Care Scholarship

A "how to" guide to help you navigate the application process for the South Carolina Child Care Scholarship.

What is the SC Child Care Scholarship?

The South Carolina Child Care Scholarship (also called the Working Families Child Care Scholarship) helps families pay for child care while parents work, attend school, or take part in job training. Payments go directly to approved child care providers through the state’s ABC Quality program.

Learn more here.

How do I apply for the Scholarship?

You must apply online using the South Carolina DSS Benefits Portal.

There are no paper, fax, or in-person applications available.

For help:

How long before I get help?

Once your application is approved and your provider submits a connection form, payments to providers typically start within 3–4 days after reporting attendance. Scholarships last for 52 weeks and can be renewed if you still qualify.

More details here.

What do the application steps look like?

  1. Check eligibility:

    • Work at least 15 hours per week or attend school/training

    • Meet income guidelines (85% of the State Median Income)

  2. Apply online:

  3. Choose a provider:

  4. Provider submits a Connection Form:

    • This connects your child to the scholarship program in the system

  5. Provider invoices DSS:

    • The state pays the provider directly each month

What documentation is required?

Child’s Information:

  • Birth Certificate

Proof of Work/School/Training:

  • Recent pay stubs

  • Work schedule

  • School or training enrollment letter

Proof of Income:

  • Pay stubs

  • Tax return

  • Benefit award letter (TANF, SNAP, SSI)

Residency & Citizenship:

  • Proof of SC address (like a lease, utility bill, or government mail)

  • U.S. citizenship declaration or legal status documentation

Common FAQs

1. Who qualifies?
Parents working 15+ hours/week, attending school, or in job training, with income at or below the state’s income guidelines, and children under 13 (or up to 19 with special needs).

2. Are other scholarships available?
Yes — additional programs support families who are experiencing homelessness, receiving TANF/SNAP, or dual-language learners.
See available options.

3. How much will families pay?
You may pay a small family fee based on income, typically around $6–$20 per child per week.

4. Can I pick my child care provider?
Yes — but they must be an ABC Quality-approved provider.

5. Is this a non-discrimination program?
Yes — no one is denied based on race, color, sex, age, disability, religion, or national origin.

Who do I contact about my application?