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South Carolina

Review State Benefits/Programs

In South Carolina, veterans and members of the National Guard have access to state-funded education benefits. The South Carolina National Guard offers the College Assistance Program and Tuition Grant, providing financial assistance for tuition costs at eligible colleges and universities in the state. Additionally, the state provides the Veterans' Education and Training Assistance program, offering a monthly allowance to help cover educational expenses for eligible veterans. The South Carolina GI Bill Tuition Assistance is also available to assist eligible veterans with a portion of their tuition costs. These state-funded programs aim to support veterans, National Guard members, and their families in pursuing higher education in South Carolina. For more information and specific eligibility criteria, it is advisable to contact the South Carolina Division of Veterans' Affairs or visit their official website.
  • Offers Tuition programs for National Guard
    • South Carolina National Guard Tuition Assistance Program (SCNG TAP). The SCNG TAP provides eligible members of the South Carolina National Guard with financial assistance to cover a portion of their tuition expenses at eligible South Carolina colleges and universities. The program is administered by the South Carolina National Guard Education Services Office. Under the SCNG TAP, eligible South Carolina National Guard members may receive up to a specified dollar amount per credit hour, up to a maximum annual limit. The program has specific eligibility criteria and application processes. We recommend contacting the South Carolina National Guard Education Services Office or the South Carolina National Guard Recruiting Office to get detailed information about the current program, eligibility requirements, and application procedures for state-funded tuition assistance for National Guard members in South Carolina. They will be able to provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the available benefits and opportunities.
  • Offers College Tuition waivers for Veterans
  • Tuition Programs to Spouses & Dependents
    • South Carolina participates in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. This compact ensures that military-connected children, including spouses and dependents, have access to educational opportunities and certain benefits, including in-state tuition rates. It's important to note that specific eligibility criteria and application processes may vary. We recommend contacting the South Carolina National Guard or the Veterans Services Office at your chosen college or university in South Carolina to get detailed information about the current programs, eligibility requirements, and application procedures for tuition assistance for military spouses and dependents. They will be able to provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the available benefits and opportunities in South Carolina.
  • Offers Military Spouse Interstate License Recognition
    • (State must recognize military spouse license) State agencies shall issue temporary licenses to military spouses licensed in good standing in another state, so long as the military spouse submits to a criminal record check if the same is standardly required. Said temporary license expires after one year and cannot be renewed. State agencies shall, within 15 days of receipt of an application, issue full licenses to military spouses licensed in good standing in another state with substantially equivalent requirements as South Carolina. Said full licensure does not apply to attorneys or educators.
  • Participates in CDL Even Exchange Program (Knowledge Test Waiver) as of May 2022
South Carolina provides resources and programs to support veteran-owned businesses. The Office of Small and Minority Business Contracting and Certification (OSMBCC) provides certification services for veteran-owned businesses, helping them gain recognition and access to procurement opportunities. The South Carolina Small Business Development Centers (SC SBDC) offer business counseling, training, and resources for veteran entrepreneurs, while the South Carolina Military Department (SCMD) provides information on government contracting, training programs, and connections to other veteran business owners. South Carolina also offers various financing programs to support veteran-owned businesses, including loans, grants, and assistance in accessing capital for business development and expansion. The state provides procurement opportunities specifically for veteran-owned businesses through initiatives and set-aside programs that give priority consideration to veteran-owned businesses when awarding government contracts To access the specific resources and benefits available for veteran business owners in South Carolina, I recommend visiting the official websites of the South Carolina Office of Small and Minority Business Contracting and Certification (OSMBCC) at https://osmba.sc.gov/, the South Carolina Small Business Development Centers (SC SBDC) at https://www.scsbdc.com/, and the South Carolina Department of Commerce at https://sccommerce.com/. These websites should provide information on programs, certifications, financing options, counseling services, and other resources available for veteran entrepreneurs. Additionally, you may consider reaching out to local veteran organizations, chambers of commerce, or the local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in South Carolina for further assistance and guidance tailored to veteran business owners in the state.
  • Preferred Vendor Status, Certification Program, or State Procurement Program
    • South Carolina Division of Small and Minority Business Contracting and Certification website
  • Business Resource and Education Programs
  • Offers or proposed SSBCI CAP and OCSP Funding Programs
    • - State Department: South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority Business Development Corporation of South Carolina InvestSC, Inc.
      - Program Types: Loan Participation Program Equity Capital Program (Funds)
      - Program Names: South Carolina SSBCI Loan Participation Program South Carolina SSBCI Venture Capital Program
      - Contact Information: NGreen@BDCofSC.org hhuntley@investsc.org
In South Carolina, veterans, military spouses, and dependents can benefit from various state tax, land, and real estate programs. These include property tax exemption for disabled veterans and surviving spouses, income tax exemption for military retirement income, homestead exemption to reduce property tax liability, and a deduction for military retirement income. These initiatives aim to provide financial relief and support to eligible individuals and families. It is recommended to consult the South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs for detailed information on eligibility and program specifics.
  • Offers property tax exemptions for Disabled Veterans
    • 100% disabled veterans and persons over the age of 65 are eligible for property tax exemptions as determined by the state assembly. The South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs instructs those seeking such benefits to contact their local tax authority for more details on their specific situation. (Disability Rating to Qualify: 100%)
  • Offers complete homestead property tax exemption for 100 percent disabled veterans and surviving spouses
  • Offers reduced tax or tax exemption for military retirement pay
    • Pensions can be duducted in the following ways: Under 65 $17,500 per year, Age 65+ $30,000 per year,
  • Offers a Military Family Relief Fund or Program
    • Program Name: The South Carolina Military Family Relief Fund (SCMFRF)
      Program Description: The South Carolina Military Family Relief Fund (SCMFRF), signed into law in 2004 by Governor Mark Sanford, provides monetary grants to families of South Carolina National Guard members and South Carolina residents serving in the U.S. Armed Forces Reserve components who were called to active duty as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
      Eligible Groups: - Veterans / Service Members
      - Military Families
      - Surviving Families
      - Wounded / Injured
In South Carolina, there are several state programs, preferences, and benefits available for veterans, guard members, and reserve members in terms of employment. Veterans are granted a preference in public employment, giving them an advantage in the hiring process for state and local government positions. The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) provides specialized employment services for veterans through the Veterans' Employment and Training Services (VETS) program, offering job search assistance, resume writing, interview preparation, and career counseling. The Palmetto Military Support Group focuses on connecting veterans, military spouses, and transitioning service members with employment opportunities, providing resources, job fairs, and networking events. Additionally, South Carolina's Workforce Innovations and Opportunities Act (WIOA) programs offer funding for training and employment services, assisting eligible veterans and individuals with barriers to employment in accessing job opportunities and enhancing their skills. These state programs and preferences aim to support and assist veterans, guard members, and reserve members in their employment endeavors, recognizing their service and contributions to the state of South Carolina.
  • Offers Military Service Credit in Retirement System
    • The South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) and the Police Officers Retirement System (PORS) provide provisions for military service credit for eligible members. Here are some key points about military service credit in the South Carolina Retirement System and Police Officers Retirement System: Eligibility: To be eligible for military service credit, you must be a member of the South Carolina Retirement System or the Police Officers Retirement System and have served in the military. Types of Military Service Credit: SCRS and PORS offer two types of military service credit: a. Vesting Credit: If you served in the military before becoming a member of SCRS or PORS, you may be eligible to receive vesting credit. This credit counts towards the total years of service needed to become vested in the retirement system. b. Benefit Credit: You may also be able to purchase benefit credit for your military service. This credit can increase your retirement benefit calculation. Cost and Calculation: The cost of purchasing military service credit and the calculation method can vary. It is typically based on actuarial calculations and considers factors such as the length of your military service and your salary. It's important to note that the specific rules, eligibility criteria, and costs for military service credit in the South Carolina Retirement System and Police Officers Retirement System may vary. It's advisable to contact SCRS or PORS directly for detailed information and personalized guidance regarding military service credit in South Carolina.
  • Offers Veteran Designation on Driver License
  • Offers Vehicle Privilege or License Tax and Registration Fee Exemption
Veterans can potentially benefit from a range of state recreation programs and benefits. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended you contact the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs or the Department of Parks and Recreation.
  • Offers discounted or free Hunting & Fishing Licenses
  • Offers State Parks Admission/Camping Discounts and Waivers

Information

Capital

Columbia

State Population

4,042,341

Veteran Population

353,056

Veteran Population Percentage

8.73%

Veteran Benefits

16

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