South Carolina’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, helps supplement the food budget of low-income households. Payments are distributed in two separate batches, depending on when you first started receiving benefits. The day you receive benefits also depends on the last digit in your case number.

See: What Is the Highest Income Level for Food Stamps in 2023?
Explore: 3 Ways Smart People Save Money When Filing Their Taxes
SNAP Benefits: How Long Do They Last?

Although SNAP is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the program is administered at the state level. In South Carolina, it is run by the Department of Social Services (DSS), which deposits monthly benefits onto South Carolina electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards.

To apply for SNAP in the Palmetto State, visit the DSS Benefits Portal. You can also apply in person, by mail or by faxing a completed application to your DSS county office. To check your SNAP eligibility, select “Am I Eligible” on the DSS Benefits Portal.

EBT cards come with additional perks, such as discounts on certain products and services. SNAP recipients can sign up for an Amazon Prime EBT discounted subscription for almost 50% off. Your EBT card can also be used for free or discounted admission to hundreds of museums, aquariums and zoos in South Carolina and nationwide.

Related: SNAP Benefits Grant You Discounted Instacart+ Membership

If you file a new SNAP application, benefits are available the day following your case approval. After that, benefits are sent out on the same day every month between the 1st and the 19th. The day you receive your SNAP benefits depends on the last digit of your case number.

If you started receiving benefits after Sept. 1, 2012, this is when to expect your February 2023 SNAP payment:

If you started receiving SNAP benefits continuously before Sept. 1, 2012, here is the February 2023 schedule:

EBT cards can be used at most grocery stores and certain retail locations. You can also use your SNAP EBT card at participating farmers’ markets to purchase fresh produce through the state’s Healthy Bucks program. SNAP recipients who purchase at least $5 with their EBT card at participating locations will receive $15 in Healthy Bucks tokens to purchase fresh fruits and veggies.

You can use SNAP benefits to purchase the following food items:

• Fruits and vegetables

• Meat, poultry and fish

• Dairy products

• Breads and cereals

• Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages

• Seeds and plants that produce food for the household to eat

Take Our Poll: How Do You Think the Economy Will Perform in 2023?
Find: How Thrifty Food Plan Affects Yearly SNAP Benefits

There are limitations on what you can purchase with your SNAP benefits. EBT cards cannot be used to purchase alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, vitamins, medicines, supplements, live animals and other non-food items. South Carolina doesn’t participate in the Restaurant Meals Program, which means your EBT card cannot be used to purchase hot meals.

More From GOBankingRates

• 10 Do's and Don'ts of Costco Shopping

• Explore GOBankingRates' 2023 Banking Resource Center

• The 10 Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards for 2023

• Experts: 4 Safest Places To Keep Your Savings

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: When South Carolina SNAP Benefits Are Sent in February 2023