South Carolina is one of approximately 10 states that has not expanded Medicaid, meaning most returning adults have no path to health coverage through Medicaid unless they qualify through very narrow traditional categories. South Carolina also retains a lifetime SNAP ban for people convicted of a drug-related felony after August 22, 1996 -- one of the remaining states that has not removed or modified this restriction.
What South Carolina does provide through SCDC is substantial: a structured reentry program in which documents (birth certificate, Social Security card, DMV photo ID) and benefits for self-sustainability are obtained through SC Thrive before release, along with employment registration through the SC Department of Employment and Workforce and a WOTC Conditional Certification for each qualifying returning citizen.
Here is how the system works, where the gaps are, and what you need to do.
What SCDC Provides at Release
The South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC, doc.sc.gov) provides a structured reentry program for incarcerated individuals preparing for release. SCDC describes the pre-release process in two phases:
First six months before release: Classes covering job interview skills, completing job applications, dressing for success, and additional soft skills training. Necessary credentials -- birth certificates, Social Security cards, and DMV photo IDs -- are obtained. Benefits for self-sustainability upon release are arranged through SC Thrive. Preparation for transitional housing placement begins.
Last 18 months before release: Prison Industries work positions to build employment history, GED completion if needed, and vocational programs through Palmetto Unified School District (PUSD). PUSD educates and empowers participants to become employable, self-sufficient citizens.
SCDC also enrolls each qualifying returning citizen in the Department of Labor's Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program before release and provides a WOTC Conditional Certification to give to prospective employers. This certification provides participating businesses with tax incentives for hiring returning citizens.
Employment: The SC Department of Employment and Workforce provides registration for employability services before release, including job search assistance, career services, and workforce programs.
SPICE Program (Spiritual, Programmatic, Institutional, Community, Empowerment): An 18-week faith-based institutional program followed by a community-based supervision component. Participants are assigned community and church sponsors and mentors.
Manning Reentry/Work Release Center: A SCDC facility for minimum custody adult males that provides work release opportunities -- inmates work regular jobs in the public sector during the day before full release.
Contact SCDC Programs at SCDCPrograms@doc.sc.gov for programming questions.
SC Thrive: Benefits Before Release
SC Thrive (scthrive.org) is a statewide benefits access organization that assists SCDC and returning citizens in identifying and applying for benefits for self-sustainability before release. SC Thrive works inside SCDC facilities to help connect individuals to available benefits including Medicaid (for those who qualify under South Carolina's traditional Medicaid rules), SNAP (for those who qualify -- see SNAP section below), and other assistance programs.
SC Thrive operates a benefits screening tool and provides enrollment assistance. If you are nearing release, ask your SCDC case manager or transition coordinator whether SC Thrive has screened you for benefits eligibility and whether applications have been submitted before your release date.
Getting Your South Carolina State ID or Driver's License
South Carolina state IDs and driver's licenses are issued by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SC DMV, scdmvonline.com).
SCDC obtains DMV photo IDs as part of the pre-release credential process. Ask your SCDC case manager or transition coordinator directly about the status of your ID application before release.
If your ID was not processed before release, visit any SC DMV location. You will need documents establishing your identity, Social Security number, and South Carolina residency. Standard documents include a birth certificate or passport, your Social Security card, and proof of a South Carolina address. Your SCDC release documentation serves as a supporting identity document.
Getting Your Social Security Card
SCDC obtains Social Security cards as part of the pre-release credential process. Confirm with your SCDC case manager that this has been completed before release.
If your Social Security card was not obtained before release, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213, apply online at ssa.gov, or visit your nearest SSA office. Replacement cards are free. Bring your state ID and birth certificate.
Getting Your Birth Certificate
SCDC obtains birth certificates as part of the pre-release credential process. Confirm with your SCDC case manager that this has been completed before release.
If your birth certificate was not obtained before release and you were born in South Carolina, request a certified copy from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) Vital Records at scdhec.gov or by calling (803) 898-3630. The fee is currently $12 per copy.
If you were born in another state, contact that state's vital records office. Start this process early -- out-of-state requests can take time.
South Carolina Medicaid
South Carolina has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. As of 2025, South Carolina is one of approximately 10 remaining non-expansion states.
South Carolina Medicaid is administered by the SC Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS, scdhhs.gov; 1-888-549-0820). Eligibility is extremely limited for adults:
Parents with dependent children are eligible only at very low income thresholds.
People who qualify through disability (through the SSI/SSDI process) are eligible.
People who qualify through age (65+) are eligible.
Pregnant women are eligible under specific Medicaid categories.
There is no Medicaid pathway for most single adults or childless adults returning from incarceration in South Carolina. If you have dependent children and very low income, ask SC Thrive and your SCDC transition coordinator before release whether pre-release Medicaid enrollment can be initiated.
For free and low-cost health care after release, the SC Primary Health Care Association (scphca.org) operates community health centers statewide. FreeClinics.com also lists free and affordable health clinics in South Carolina.
SNAP: Food Assistance
South Carolina retains a lifetime SNAP ban for people convicted of a drug-related felony after August 22, 1996. People with felony drug convictions in South Carolina are not eligible for SNAP. This ban has not been modified or removed.
This ban applies to SNAP only. It does not affect Medicaid (for those who otherwise qualify) or other benefits.
If you have a drug felony conviction and need food assistance, contact your local SC DSS county office (dss.sc.gov) about other available food programs, or call 211 South Carolina (dial 211 or sc211.org) for food pantry and emergency food referrals. SC Harvest Hope Food Bank and Lowcountry Food Bank serve portions of the state; 211 can provide county-specific food resources.
Voting Rights in South Carolina
A felony conviction in South Carolina bars voting during incarceration and during any period of probation or parole. Voting rights are restored only upon completion of your full sentence including all probation or parole supervision.
Once all supervision is complete, you may register to vote at scvotes.sc.gov. Contact SC Legal Services (sclegal.org) or the South Carolina State Election Commission (scvotes.sc.gov) if you have questions about your specific eligibility.
SCDC and South Carolina Reentry Resources
SCDC Reentry Programs (doc.sc.gov/programs): Credential acquisition (birth certificate, Social Security card, DMV ID) through SC Thrive before release; SC DEW registration for employability services; WOTC Conditional Certification; Prison Industries work positions; PUSD vocational and GED programming; Manning Reentry/Work Release Center; SPICE program. Contact: SCDCPrograms@doc.sc.gov.
SC Thrive (scthrive.org): Benefits screening and enrollment assistance inside SCDC facilities before release; statewide benefits access for Medicaid (traditional), SNAP (for those who qualify), and other programs.
SC DHHS / South Carolina Medicaid (scdhhs.gov; 1-888-549-0820): Traditional Medicaid eligibility for parents with dependent children, disabled, elderly, pregnant women. Not expanded.
SC DSS / SNAP (dss.sc.gov): SNAP applications; note that drug felony convictions bar SNAP eligibility in South Carolina.
SC Primary Health Care Association (scphca.org): Community health centers statewide for free and low-cost medical care.
SC DMV (scdmvonline.com): State ID and driver's license.
SC DHEC Vital Records (scdhec.gov; 803-898-3630): Birth certificates; $12 per copy.
SC Legal Services (sclegal.org): Free civil legal assistance for eligible low-income South Carolinians, including benefit access, housing rights, and reentry matters.
SC Department of Employment and Workforce (dew.sc.gov): Employment services, job search assistance, workforce training.
211 South Carolina (sc211.org; dial 211): Statewide referrals to housing, food, health, and social services by county. Primary resource for food assistance if SNAP is unavailable.
Social Security Administration (ssa.gov; 1-800-772-1213): SSI and SSDI applications; SSA Reentry Benefits at ssa.gov/reentry/benefits.htm.
Frequently asked questions
Does SCDC help with ID documents before release?
Yes. SCDC's reentry program includes obtaining birth certificates, Social Security cards, and DMV photo IDs as part of the pre-release process, coordinated through SC Thrive. Ask your SCDC case manager or transition coordinator directly about the status of each document before your release date -- confirm they have been initiated and completed.
Can I get Medicaid after prison in South Carolina?
For most returning adults, no. South Carolina has not expanded Medicaid and remains one of approximately 10 non-expansion states as of 2025. Eligibility is limited to parents with dependent children at very low income, disabled individuals, elderly, and pregnant women. There is no Medicaid pathway for most single adults or childless adults. If you have dependent children and very low income, ask SC Thrive and your SCDC transition coordinator before release whether pre-release Medicaid enrollment can be initiated. Apply at scdhhs.gov or call 1-888-549-0820. For free health care, contact your nearest SC community health center at scphca.org or call 211 SC for referrals.
What is SC Thrive and how does it help returning citizens?
SC Thrive (scthrive.org) is a statewide benefits access organization that works inside SCDC facilities to help returning citizens identify and apply for benefits before release. SC Thrive operates a benefits screening tool and provides enrollment assistance for Medicaid (for those who qualify under South Carolina's traditional rules), SNAP (for those who qualify -- note the drug felony ban), and other available assistance programs. Ask your SCDC case manager whether SC Thrive has screened you and whether applications have been submitted.
Can I get SNAP after prison with a drug conviction in SC?
No. South Carolina retains a lifetime SNAP ban for people convicted of a drug-related felony after August 22, 1996. This has not been modified or removed. People with felony drug convictions are not eligible for SNAP in South Carolina. Contact your local DSS county office (dss.sc.gov) about other food programs, or call 211 South Carolina (dial 211 or sc211.org) for food pantry and emergency food referrals. SNAP bans only apply to SNAP -- they do not affect eligibility for Medicaid or other benefits.
Can I vote after prison in South Carolina?
Voting rights are not restored until you have completed your full sentence, including any period of probation or parole. You cannot vote while incarcerated or while on probation or parole for a felony conviction in South Carolina. Once all supervision ends, you may register to vote at scvotes.sc.gov. Contact SC Legal Services (sclegal.org) or the SC State Election Commission (scvotes.sc.gov) if you have questions about your eligibility.
How do I get my birth certificate in South Carolina?
SCDC obtains birth certificates as part of the pre-release process -- confirm with your case manager that this has been completed. If you were born in South Carolina and your birth certificate was not obtained before release, contact SC DHEC Vital Records at scdhec.gov or call (803) 898-3630. The current fee is $12 per copy. If you were born in another state, contact that state's vital records office early.
How do I replace my Social Security card in SC?
SCDC obtains Social Security cards as part of the pre-release process -- confirm with your case manager. If not completed, contact SSA at 1-800-772-1213, apply online at ssa.gov, or visit your nearest SSA office. Replacement cards are free. Bring your state ID and birth certificate. SSA reentry benefits information is at ssa.gov/reentry/benefits.htm.
What is the WOTC Conditional Certification from SCDC?
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) Conditional Certification is given to each qualifying returning citizen before release from SCDC. It is a certification from the SC Department of Labor that provides the individual's prospective employers with tax incentives for hiring them. Returning citizens who have received a WOTC Conditional Certification can present it to employers as evidence of their eligibility for the employer's tax credit. This can improve the returning citizen's competitiveness with employers who are aware of the WOTC program.
What benefits can I apply for after release in SC?
South Carolina Medicaid (scdhhs.gov; 1-888-549-0820) for parents with dependent children, disabled individuals, elderly, and pregnant women -- not expanded, so most single adults do not qualify. SNAP (dss.sc.gov) -- drug felony convictions bar eligibility; confirm current status. SSI or SSDI through SSA (1-800-772-1213) if you qualify through age or disability. Veterans' benefits through the VA if applicable. SC Primary Health Care Association (scphca.org) for free and low-cost health care statewide. 211 South Carolina (dial 211 or sc211.org) for county referrals to food, housing, and social services.
What reentry resources does SCDC provide?
SCDC (doc.sc.gov) provides: birth certificate, Social Security card, and DMV ID obtained through SC Thrive before release; SC DEW registration for employability services before release; WOTC Conditional Certification for each qualifying returning citizen; 18 months of Prison Industries work and vocational/GED programming through PUSD; Manning Reentry/Work Release Center for minimum custody males; SPICE faith-based program with community sponsors and mentors. SC Thrive (scthrive.org) provides inside-facility benefits screening and enrollment. SC Legal Services (sclegal.org) provides free legal help. 211 SC (sc211.org, dial 211) provides county referrals. ---
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