South Carolina • Speech/Language

Aphasia Benefits in South Carolina: 2025 Guide

People with aphasia in South Carolina may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key programs for 2025.

Aphasia may qualify for SSI or SSDI if it severely limits work.
South Carolina offers Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts for people with disabilities.
The Ticket to Work program helps with job training and support.
SSI recipients in SC may automatically qualify for SNAP.
Reporting changes is important to avoid overpayments.

Last reviewed: 2025-11-06

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Eligibility

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. Aphasia must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months [^1].
For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your disability must meet Social Security’s definition. Aphasia is considered a speech/language disorder and may qualify if it severely limits daily activities [^1].
In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals. Earning above this may affect your benefits [^1].
Family members may also qualify for benefits if the disabled person is a spouse, ex-spouse, or child [^1].

In South Carolina, people with aphasia who receive SSI may automatically qualify for SNAP benefits through the South Carolina Combined Application Project (SCCAP) if they live alone or are responsible for their own meals and have no earned income [^2].
South Carolina offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, which can help pay for home and community-based services. These waivers may be available for those with aphasia if they meet financial and functional criteria [^3].
The Palmetto ABLE Savings Program allows people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for needs-based benefits like SSI or Medicaid [^5].
The Ticket to Work program is available in South Carolina for people with disabilities who want to work. It provides job training, counseling, and support services [^4].

How to apply in South Carolina

Check if you meet federal eligibility for SSI or SSDI.
Gather medical records and proof of income.
Apply online at SSA.gov or visit a local Social Security office.
If you get SSI, you may automatically qualify for SNAP in SC.
For Medicaid waivers, contact your local Area Agency on Aging or Disability Rights South Carolina.
For ABLE accounts, visit the Palmetto ABLE website.

Step 1: Review eligibility for SSI or SSDI. Aphasia must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. You’ll need medical records and proof of income.
Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You may need to provide detailed medical evidence of your aphasia.
Step 3: If approved for SSI, you may automatically qualify for SNAP in South Carolina through SCCAP. Complete the SCCAP application form and mail it to the address provided [^2].
Step 4: For Medicaid waivers, contact your local Area Agency on Aging or Disability Rights South Carolina. They can help you apply for home and community-based services.
Step 5: To open an ABLE account, visit the Palmetto ABLE website and follow the instructions to enroll [^5].
Step 6: If you want to work, consider the Ticket to Work program. Contact your local SC Works Center for job training and support services [^4].
Step 7: Report any changes in your income, living situation, or health to the Social Security Administration to avoid overpayments [^3].

Programs & Services

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people who can’t work due to a disability. Aphasia may qualify if it prevents substantial work for at least 12 months [^1].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources who have a disability. Aphasia may qualify if it severely limits daily activities [^1].
Medicaid: Provides health coverage to people with disabilities who meet income and resource limits. Medicaid can help pay for medical care, therapy, and home services [^1].
Medicare: Available to people who receive SSDI after a 24-month waiting period. Medicare covers hospital and medical services [^1].
Ticket to Work: A free program that helps people with disabilities find jobs and training. Participants can keep Medicaid or Medicare while working [^4].

South Carolina Combined Application Project (SCCAP): If you receive SSI, you may automatically qualify for SNAP benefits without a separate application. You must live alone or be responsible for your own meals and have no earned income [^2].
Medicaid Waivers: South Carolina offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities. These waivers can help pay for home and community-based services, such as personal care, therapy, and assistive technology [^3].
Palmetto ABLE Savings Program: Allows people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for needs-based benefits like SSI or Medicaid. Accounts can be used for qualified disability expenses [^5].
Ticket to Work: South Carolina partners with the federal Ticket to Work program to help people with disabilities find jobs and training. Services include career counseling, job training, and resume development [^4].
Disability Rights South Carolina: Provides information and advocacy for people with disabilities. They can help with questions about benefits, overpayments, and employment services [^3].

Money & Banking

The Palmetto ABLE Savings Program allows people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for needs-based benefits like SSI or Medicaid. You can use the account for qualified disability expenses, such as therapy, assistive technology, and education [^5].
To open an ABLE account, visit the Palmetto ABLE website and follow the instructions to enroll. There are annual and lifetime contribution limits, but the account can grow tax-free [^5].

For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual. Some states have higher limits, but South Carolina follows the federal standard [^1].
For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you must not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,620 per month in 2025 [^1].
For SNAP, if you receive SSI in South Carolina, you may automatically qualify for SNAP benefits through SCCAP if you have no earned income [^2].

It’s important to report any changes in your income, living situation, or health to the Social Security Administration. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay [^3].
If you receive an overpayment notice, contact the Social Security Administration to discuss repayment options. Disability Rights South Carolina can provide information and advocacy if you have questions about overpayments [^3].

Tips & Gotchas

Need Help Applying?

Contact Disability Rights South Carolina for free information and advocacy about disability benefits, overpayments, and employment services [^3].

Save Without Losing Benefits

Open a Palmetto ABLE account to save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid [^5].

Contacts

Disability Rights South Carolina
Phone: 1-866-275-7273
TTY: 1-866-275-7273
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Website
Provides advocacy and information for people with disabilities in SC.
South Carolina Department of Social Services
Phone: 1-800-768-5801
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Website
Handles SNAP, Medicaid, and other assistance programs.

FAQs

Can aphasia qualify for disability benefits in South Carolina?
Yes, aphasia may qualify for SSI or SSDI if it severely limits your ability to work or perform daily activities. You’ll need medical evidence to support your claim [^1].
How do I apply for SSI or SSDI with aphasia?
You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You’ll need medical records and proof of income to support your application [^1].
What is the income limit for SSI in South Carolina?
The federal SSI income limit is $943 per month for an individual in 2025. South Carolina follows the federal standard [^1].
Can I get SNAP benefits if I receive SSI in South Carolina?
Yes, if you receive SSI and live alone or are responsible for your own meals, you may automatically qualify for SNAP benefits through SCCAP [^2].
What is the Palmetto ABLE Savings Program?
The Palmetto ABLE program allows people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for needs-based benefits like SSI or Medicaid. Accounts can be used for qualified disability expenses [^5].
What is the Ticket to Work program?
The Ticket to Work program helps people with disabilities find jobs and training. Participants can keep Medicaid or Medicare while working and receive support services [^4].
How do I avoid overpayments on my disability benefits?

Official resources

Social Security Disability Eligibility(federal)
SCCAP Application for SNAP(state_agency)
Palmetto ABLE Savings Program(state_agency)
Social Security Administration(federal)
South Carolina Department of Social Services(state_agency)

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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

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