Childcare Subsidies in South Carolina
Financial assistance programs to help South Carolina families pay for daycare and childcare.
South Carolina ABC Child Care Voucher
SC First Steps and 4K program for at-risk children.
Am I Eligible?
How to Apply for Child Care Assistance in South Carolina
Application Process
Apply for South Carolina's ABC Child Care Voucher program through the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) at your local county DSS office or online at scvoucher.org. The online portal is available but some counties still prefer in-person applications. Documents needed include proof of income, SC residency, Social Security numbers, child birth certificates, and verification of work or education activity (at least 20 hours/week). Processing takes 2-4 weeks.
Co-Pay Structure
South Carolina's co-pay is based on family income and size. The income ceiling is $48,168 for a family of four. Families at the lowest income levels pay nominal co-pays ($5-$10/week). The sliding scale increases to $60-$80/week near the ceiling. South Carolina assesses co-pays per child but with a sibling discount. Families using ABC Quality rated providers (the state's QRIS) at Level B+ or higher may receive enhanced benefits.
Waitlist Reality
South Carolina has experienced significant waitlists, particularly in the Midlands (Columbia) and Upstate (Greenville/Spartanburg) regions. Wait times of 3-6 months have been common. The Lowcountry (Charleston) region has also seen intermittent waitlists. Priority is given to TANF families and child protective services cases. The waitlist fluctuates based on state and federal funding levels. Call your county DSS for current status.
Additional Programs in South Carolina
South Carolina's First Steps 4K program provides free pre-K for at-risk 4-year-olds through both public schools and private child care centers. The Full-Day 4K program in public schools is expanding. Head Start is available in most counties. The SC Child Early Reading Development and Education Program (CERDEP) provides pre-K in some districts. ABC Quality (the state QRIS) rates providers on an A-B+ scale. Palmetto Pre-K is a newer initiative expanding access. SC also offers a state Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.
Tips for South Carolina Parents
Apply for First Steps 4K alongside the ABC Voucher for your 4-year-old; First Steps is free and has its own application through your local First Steps partnership. If you are on the waitlist, explore Head Start as an interim option, as it is free and more readily available. Choose an ABC Quality rated provider (B+ or higher) for better quality. Call your county DSS every 2-3 months to check waitlist status. If you are a single parent, emphasize this on your application, as some counties prioritize single-parent families.
Federal Programs Available Everywhere
Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit
Claim 20-35% of childcare expenses on your federal taxes.
Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA)
Employer-sponsored pre-tax account for childcare expenses. Reduces taxable income.
Head Start / Early Head Start
Free federally funded program for children from low-income families. Head Start: ages 3-5. Early Head Start: birth to 3.
Eligibility: At or below federal poverty level (family of 4: ~$31,200 in 2024).
See Daycare Costs in South Carolina
Compare childcare prices across 46 counties in South Carolina. Center-based infant care averages $7,732/year.
View South Carolina daycare costs →