Navigating child care costs can be challenging for working families. Fortunately, South Carolina offers the Child Care Scholarship Program, designed to make quality child care accessible and affordable. This program provides financial assistance to eligible families, directly supporting child care providers so parents can work, attend school, or participate in job training. Discover how the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) Child Care Scholarship can help your family and how to complete your child care program application.
Understanding the SC Child Care Scholarship Program
The Child Care Scholarship Program in South Carolina is a vital resource for working families. By directly paying child care providers, the program alleviates the financial burden of child care expenses for eligible parents. This support ensures that parents can maintain employment or further their education and job skills, contributing to household stability and economic growth. Participating providers benefit from timely payments, typically within 3-4 days of online submission, and gain access to additional resources and grants through ABC Quality, South Carolina’s quality rating and improvement system for early care and education programs. This robust network includes over 1,900 child care providers across the state, offering families a wide range of options.
Who Can Apply for the Child Care Scholarship? Eligibility Requirements
To access the SC Working Families Child Care Scholarship, families must meet specific eligibility criteria set by the South Carolina Department of Social Services. The primary requirements for parents or guardians are:
- Child’s Age: Applicants must have children between the ages of birth and 12 years old.
- Work or Education Commitment: Parents must be employed for a minimum of 15 hours per week or be enrolled in a school or job training program. This requirement underscores the program’s goal of supporting working families and those striving for self-sufficiency.
- Income Limits: Gross household income must be at or below 85% of the state median income level. To provide a clear example, for a family of four, the annual gross income must not exceed $83,446. This income threshold ensures that the scholarship reaches families with the most significant financial need.
Additional Eligibility Pathways
Beyond the standard age range, child care scholarships are also available to support older children in specific circumstances. Children aged 13 to 18 may qualify if they have documented disabilities, developmental delays, or are under foster care. These provisions demonstrate the program’s commitment to supporting vulnerable children and families with diverse needs.
Applying for the South Carolina Child Care Scholarship
Ready to take the next step? Applying for the Child Care Scholarship is a straightforward process through the DSS Benefits Portal. The online portal provides a user-friendly interface to guide you through the application process and allows you to check your eligibility and submit all necessary documentation.
Child Care Scholarship Applications
Need Assistance? Contact the Child Care Operations Center
For any questions regarding child care scholarship eligibility or the application process, the Child Care Operations Center is available to provide support and guidance.
Contact Information:
Child Care Operations Center
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Closed on State Holidays
Client Number: (800) 476-0199
Provider Number: (800) 262-4416
Complaint Line: (800) 763-2223
Mailing Address:
Child Care Scholarship Program
P.O. Box 100160
Columbia, SC 29202-3160
For email inquiries, please contact: [email protected]
The South Carolina Child Care Scholarship Program is dedicated to supporting working families and ensuring access to quality child care. Don’t hesitate to explore this valuable resource and begin your child care program application today to see if your family qualifies for assistance.
