09/18/2026
🚨 IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR SOUTH CAROLINA FAMILIES! 🚨
The Working Families Child Care Scholarship wait list is expected to open to the public on October 1, 2026! This is the program many families know as the ABC Child Care Voucher or ABC Scholarship.
Families who are not currently in a federally protected category will be able to place their names on the waiting list for assistance with child care expenses.
✅ WHO MAY QUALIFY?
• Children must be between birth and age 5 and not enrolled in kindergarten.
• Assistance will be limited to two children per household.
• The parent or caregiver must be working, attending school, participating in job training, or temporarily or permanently disabled.
• Proof of work, school, training, or disability will be required.
• The household must meet the new income requirements.
• Once approved, eligible children may receive up to 12 months of child care assistance.
💰 NEW INCOME LIMITS
The following is the maximum gross household income allowed when first applying. Gross income means income before taxes and other deductions.
• Household of 1: $2,538/month or $30,450/year
• Household of 2: $3,318/month or $39,820/year
• Household of 3: $4,099/month or $49,189/year
• Household of 4: $4,880/month or $58,559/year
• Household of 5: $5,661/month or $67,928/year
• Household of 6: $6,441/month or $77,297/year
• Household of 7: $6,588/month or $79,054/year
• Household of 8: $6,734/month or $80,811/year
Families who are already approved may continue receiving assistance if their income increases, as long as it does not exceed the program’s higher “exit income” limit and all other requirements continue to be met.
💳 IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT COPAYMENTS
A family’s DSS copayment will be based on household size and gross monthly income.
Families whose income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level will not be assigned an income-based copayment by DSS.
However, a $0 DSS copay does not always mean that child care will be completely free. The scholarship may cover all or only a portion of the provider’s tuition. Families may still be responsible for:
• The difference between the scholarship payment and the child care provider’s regular tuition
• Registration, enrollment, supply, late-payment or other fees not covered by the scholarship
• Any additional charges required under the provider’s policies
Parents should speak directly with their chosen child care provider to find out whether they will have a remaining weekly balance.
⚠️ PLEASE UNDERSTAND:
Joining the waiting list does not guarantee that your family will receive a scholarship. DSS will begin selecting families from the waiting list as funding becomes available.
If your family is selected:
📧 You will receive a special application link by email.
🏫 You must already have a child care provider selected and a space secured.
📄 You must complete the application and submit all required documents.
⏰ You will have only 15 calendar days to complete everything and confirm enrollment with your child care provider. This is a firm deadline!
Please use an email address and telephone number that you check regularly, and make sure all of your contact information is correct.
🌟 Wonderful Beginnings Child Development Center accepts ABC Child Care Scholarships, and we are ready to welcome your family!
If you are interested in selecting Wonderful Beginnings as your child’s provider or would like more information, please contact us:
📞 843-821-3111
📧 [email protected]
Please share this important information with a South Carolina parent who may need assistance paying for child care! 💙
Eligibility, scholarship amounts and final approval are determined by South Carolina DSS/ABC Quality and are subject to available funding.
