Do both parents/significant other/spouses need to meet the qualifications of employment, school, or training to apply?
Yes, if it is a two-parent household, and both are living in the same home, both must meet the employment, school, or training requirements.
I am having problems uploading documents into my online Benefits Portal application, can I get assistance?
Please call: 1-800-476-0199 for assistance.
How do I check the status of my application?
Visit: benefitsportal.dss.sc.gov and login. You can look up your status by going to “track application” and typing in your reference number.
I have been approved for a Child Care Scholarship. How do I connect my child to a child care provider?
Send a connection form signed by you and your child care provider to connectionforms@dss.sc.gov. or fax to 1-800-310-5417.
What is the process for changing child care providers?
You may transfer from one provider to another provided you contact the Child Care Scholarship Program Control Center either by phone or in writing and receives approval prior to the transfer. The effective date of transfer is the first Monday following the seventh working day after the day the Control Center receives the phone call or receives the written notice. State holidays and weekends are not considered workdays in counting the seven days.
Note: Emails are accepted as written notification.
How will I know when I need to reapply for child care?
You will receive an end of service notice 60 days before current services end. At that time if funding is still available you may reapply.
How do I add a newborn/a child/spouse or go from half to full time, on my scholarship and connect to my provider?
For Amending your current online application for adding a spouse, a child or going from half time to full time, you must access your portal application to make those changes: https://benefitsportal.dss.sc.gov/#/login
- Modify what changes you need to make (adding a child or half time to full time).
- Upload any supporting documents (Employer Return to Work Letter, full time pay stubs, school schedules, etc.)
- Make sure you save the changes and submit the application.
NOTE: Your current or previous application only remains open to Amend for 10 months from your approval date.
If you are currently under 4kPlus siblings; contact email: 4kplus@dss.sc.gov.
I have moved, how do I update my address with the Child Care Scholarship Program?
To update your address, call 1-800-476-0199 or email: scchilcare@dss.sc.gov.
Why does the Child Care Scholarship Program require me to have a DSS Form 1247 filled out when my Veterans Affair physician has my current disability on file?
The Child Care Scholarship Program must have verification from a physician that the client or the second parent are either able to work, or temporarily or permanently unable to work. The DSS Form 1247 is our documentation to verify the ability to work or permanently unable to work.
