Grants for Single Mothers in South Carolina: 2026 Full Guide

1

SC resident with proof of address like a utility bill, lease, or official mail

2

Primary caregiver of at least one minor child

3

Income within program limits — most programs use 100 to 200% of the federal poverty level

4

Valid SC ID and Social Security Number for you and your child

5

Proof of income from two recent pay stubs, a benefits letter, or last year’s tax return

6

Child’s birth certificate or custody papers

Section 8 / Housing Choice Voucher Program

SCSHA

You pay 30% of your income toward rent. The voucher covers the rest. That is the whole idea. It is the most commonly used rent assistance south carolina single mothers and it works with private landlords, not just public housing. Most counties have a waitlist, so the sooner you apply the sooner your name moves up.

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)

SC DCA

Covers emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, and short-term rent for single moms facing eviction or homelessness. This moves faster than most grants for single mothers in South Carolina. Call 211 the same day if your housing situation is urgent because local Community Action Agencies can often help within days.

USDA Section 504 Home Repair Grant

Rural SC

Own a home in rural SC and need repairs you cannot afford? Grants for single mothers in South Carolina up to $10,000 for homeowners 62 and older, loans up to $40,000 for anyone younger. Covers roof problems, busted heating, and safety hazards. Not many single moms know this one exists.

Palmetto Home Advantage: Down Payment Help

SC Housing

Gives you 0%, 3%, or 4% of your loan amount as a zero-interest second mortgage forgiven after 10 years. Income limit $135,750. No first-time buyer requirement. Works with FHA, conventional, VA, and USDA loans, a real path to homeownership for single mothers in South Carolina.

Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)

Tax Credit

Up to 30% of your mortgage interest comes back as a federal tax credit, capped at $2,000 per year. This is not a deduction — it comes directly off your tax bill every year you own the home. Ask your SC Housing-approved lender about it when shopping for a mortgage.

South Carolina Homebuyer Program

SC Housing

SC Housing’s main loan program with 30-year fixed rates for first-time and move-up buyers. Stack it with Palmetto Home Advantage and the MCC to cover your down payment and reduce your tax bill at the same time. Together, these housing grants for single mothers in South Carolina make buying a home realistic on one income.

Federal Pell Grant

Federal Grant

With these federal Pell grants for single mothers in South Carolina, single moms often get the full amount because having a child in their household lowers their expected contribution on the FAFSA. Up to $7,395 a year and never has to be paid back. This should be the first thing you apply for if you are going back to school.

SC Need-Based Grant (Public Colleges)

State Grant

Up to $3,500 a year for full-time students at public SC colleges. Separate from the SC Tuition Grants Program. Your FAFSA triggers it automatically at most public schools, but call your financial aid office to confirm it is on your award letter because it is easy to miss.

Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTA)

Technical College

These education grants for single mothers in South Carolina provide up to $1,100 a year for students at two-year SC technical colleges. It stacks on top of your Pell Grant, so you can receive both. Good option if you want a nursing certificate, IT diploma, or any trade credential while still working full time.

Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF)

K-12

$7,634 per child for 2026-2027, usable for private school tuition, homeschooling, tutoring, and approved education costs. Income at or below 500% FPL. Only about 15,000 slots statewide and they go fast. If applications are closed, bookmark the site and check back because a new round does open.

Amber Grants for Women

Business Owners

One woman wins $10,000 every month for her business. Single moms win this regularly. No minimum revenue, no fee to apply, thus the best grants for single mothers in south calorina to start a business. If you sell anything or run any kind of side work in South Carolina, spend 15 minutes on this application every month.

Family Independence Program (TANF)

SC DSS

Monthly cash for single mothers with low income and dependent children: $229/month (1 child), $308 (2 children), $388 (3 children) with no other income. Limited to 24 months in any 10-year period. If you have a sudden job loss or crisis, ask SC DSS specifically about the Emergency Assistance component when you call.

SNAP Food Assistance

Food

These food grants for single mothers in South Carolina provide monthly grocery money on an EBT card. 2026 maximums: $785/month for a family of 3 and $994 for a family of 4. If your situation is very low income, you can request an expedited review and get a decision within 24 hours. Apply online with no office visit required.

WIC: Women, Infants and Children

Food + Nutrition

WIC grants for single mothers in South Carolina give free food, formula, and nutrition support for pregnant and postpartum moms, plus kids under 5. Income cutoff around 185% FPL, which is higher than most programs. If you already get SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid, you qualify for WIC automatically. A lot of single moms miss this one. Add it to whatever else you receive.

M.O.M. Financial Empowerment Grant

Emergency Cash

Up to $200 in emergency cash assistance for single mothers SC only; no payback required. Designed for sudden crises like eviction notices, lost paychecks, or medical bills. First-come, first-served. The application is just an email, so do not wait if you need it.

Community Action Agencies / Palmetto CAP

Emergency Help

One-time emergency help for single-mom crises: overdue rent, utility shutoffs, security deposits, food, and prescriptions. When you call, tell them exactly what you need because these offices often have access to programs not listed anywhere online. Worth a call even if you are not sure you qualify.

National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast

School Meals

These grants for single mothers in South Carolina give free school meals for K-12 kids at or below 130% FPL; reduced-price meals up to 185%. Every SC public school participates. If your kids are already on SNAP or Medicaid, they are likely auto-certified with no separate application needed. Confirm with your child’s school each fall.

Medicaid (Healthy Connections SC)

Health

Full health coverage with no monthly premium for most qualifying families. Doctor visits, prescriptions, dental, and hospital care are included. If you are on TANF or SNAP, you likely qualify automatically for medical grants for single mothers in South Carolina. Many single moms get denied once and never try again — check your eligibility even if you were turned away before, because limits change.

LIHEAP: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Utilities

These utility grants for single mothers in South Carolina pay your energy bill directly to your utility company. SC maximums: roughly $850 for heating and $775 for cooling, up to $1,000 for crisis situations. Year-round crisis help is available for shutoffs. Regular applications open in early January, and funds are gone in weeks; apply the first day they open.

Weatherization Assistance Program

Free Home Upgrades

Free insulation, weatherstripping, and appliance upgrades that permanently cut your monthly energy bill. Unlike a one-time payment, the savings keep coming every month. Ask about this utility bill help South Carolina single mothers in the same call when you apply for LIHEAP — the same agencies handle both.

SC Child Care Scholarship Program (Working Families)

Paused

Previously called ABC Child Care. Paid daycare costs directly to your licensed provider for working single moms or those in school. New applications have been paused since December 2025 due to a funding gap. Existing families keep benefits until they expire.

First Steps 4K: Free Pre-Kindergarten

Age 4

Free high-quality pre-K for eligible 4-year-olds across South Carolina. If your child is turning 4 and the Child Care Scholarship is paused, this covers a full school day at no cost. Spots fill by spring so apply early in the year.

Head Start and Early Head Start

Ages 0-5

Free early education, health screenings, and meals for children from birth through age 5. One of the few programs that covers infants and toddlers, not just preschool age. Pregnant moms also qualify for these childcare grants for single mothers in South Carolina. Income at or below 100% FPL or receiving public assistance.

Local Charity Organizations in South Carolina

Nonprofits

These local organizations handle emergency help when nothing else comes through fast enough.

• Raising Up the Lowcountry Foundation: Serves Charleston-area single moms with emergency funds and hands-on coaching to stabilize their situation.
• Salvation Army SC: Covers rent, utility bills, and food assistance at locations across every major SC city.
• Catholic Charities of SC: Provides emergency financial help to anyone in need, regardless of faith or background.
• Family Promise SC: Focuses on keeping families with children housed through deposits, short-term shelter, and stable housing support.
• United Ministries: Greenville-based, offers financial help, job training, and long-term support for single mothers building independence.
• SC Thrive: Free online screener showing every state and local benefit you qualify for — use this before calling anywhere else.