If you’re facing financial hardship in South Carolina, there are a number of resources to explore. While there are no new updates about South Carolina stimulus checks in 2024, you can still take advantage of federal benefit programs, such as unemployment benefits, rental assistance, SNAP, and Social Security.

South Carolina also has a number of tax credits that can help you lower your income tax and even receive a larger tax refund. Read on to learn more about how these tax credits work, how to apply for them, and how much money you can get.

Is There a Stimulus Check in 2024 for South Carolina?

There are no new stimulus checks for South Carolina residents in 2024. Any news you may have heard of a fourth round of stimulus checks from the IRS is completely false since neither Congress nor President Biden have any plans for issuing any stimulus payments through the American Rescue Plan or the CARES Act, versions 1 & 2.  

South Carolina inflation relief payments were sent out in December 2022 and March 2023 to eligible taxpayers at that time. There have been no updates about any one-time South Carolina inflation or COVID-related stimulus checks for 2024. There are no other tax rebate payments planned for 2024, either.

South Carolina Stimulus Check 2024

South Carolina doesn’t have a state-level Child Tax Credit (CTC). However, you can still claim the state-level Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC), and the Two Wage Earner Credit.

How Do South Carolina Stimulus Checks Work?

Tax credits can reduce your income tax liability on a dollar-for-dollar basis. This means that you may be able to get a larger tax refund or, at the very least, reduce the income tax you owe. The credits can be refundable or non-refundable. 

With a refundable tax credit, you’ll get a check for any amount left over once your taxes due are reduced to zero. Non-refundable tax credits can reduce your taxes due to zero, but no further, and you won’t get a check for any surplus left over.

Tax refunds aren’t stimulus programs, but they can help put money back into the pockets of those with low and moderate incomes, providing tax relief to those who qualify.

Who Is Eligible for South Carolina’s Stimulus Checks?

All South Carolina taxpayers who qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) are automatically eligible for the state’s EITC.

The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) is available to those who have to pay someone else to take care of their children or dependents while they work. You can qualify for your state CDCTC if you qualify for the federal credit. However, spouses filing separately are ineligible. Here are a few basic eligibility requirements to claim the CDCTC:

  • You must have earned income from employment or self-employment.
  • Married couples must file a joint tax return.
  • Your child must not be over the age of 13.
  • You must have paid someone else for the care of your child or dependent so you could study or work full-time.
  • Your dependents must be unable to care for themselves.  
  • Your child or dependent must have lived in your home for at least half of the tax year.

The Two Wage Earner Credit is only available to those whose filing status is "married filing jointly." You can’t claim this credit if your filing status is "head of household," "qualifying surviving spouse," "married filing separately," or "single." Both spouses must have earned income taxed by South Carolina to qualify for the tax credit.

How Much Do You Receive and When?

The South Carolina EITC is non-refundable and is 125% of the federal credit. The state CDCTC is fully refundable and is 7% of the expenses eligible for the federal credit. The maximum credit amount is $210 for one child and $420 for two or more children.

For the tax year 2023 in South Carolina, the Two Wage Earner Credit is 0.7% of the qualified earned income of the taxpayer that has the lower income or $50,000. The maximum credit amount is $350 for joint filers.

How To Track the Status of Your South Carolina Stimulus Checks

You won’t get a South Carolina stimulus check even if you claim tax credits. These credits are applied to your tax bill, and they may increase your refund amount.

It may take the South Carolina Department of Revenue up to eight weeks to process and issue refunds if you file electronically. Allow extra time for paper returns. Amended refunds may take more than 12 weeks. You’ll receive the refund in your bank account through direct deposit or paper check.

You can check the status of your refund payment online using the Where’s My Refund tool.

How To Apply for South Carolina’s Stimulus Checks

You’ll need to file your state individual income tax return to claim one or more of the Palmetto State’s tax credits like EITC, CDCTC, and Two Wage Earner Credit. You don’t need to take any other action.

You can use tax preparation software, hire a tax professional to file your taxes for you, or explore free tax filing programs offered by the IRS. You may qualify for Free File, VITA, or TCE if you’re a low or moderate-income filer.

Applying for Financial Assistance in South Carolina

While there are no new South Carolina stimulus checks in 2024, there are other options available. The federal government offers a wide range of benefits if you need assistance with housing, healthcare, or food.

Start by filling out the questionnaire on the Benefit Finder tool. Depending on your answers, the tool will provide you with a list of benefits that you may be eligible for.