If you live in South Carolina and have arthritis that limits daily activities or work, you may qualify for federal and state benefits. This guide explains SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and unique SC programs, with direct steps to apply, reported income limits, and tips to keep your benefits secure.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medical condition (like arthritis) that has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months or result in death. You also need enough work credits—most adults need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began[6]. You must have worked for at least 5 of the last 10 years, or less time if you are under 24[7]. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) has strict income and asset limits but no work history requirement. Both programs require medical proof of disability that prevents any substantial gainful activity (SGA)—earning more than the federal monthly limit can disqualify you from benefits[1]. Benefits increase each year with the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA)[1].
South Carolina does not set its own SSI or SSDI rules, but it does offer extra help for people with disabilities. If you get SSI, you may qualify for SNAP food benefits without a separate application through the South Carolina Combined Application Project (SCCAP)[2]. SCCAP is for SSI recipients who live alone and have no earned income[2]. The state’s Medicaid program covers people with disabilities who meet federal and state income limits. The Palmetto ABLE Savings Program lets you save money without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility, up to certain limits[5]. For job support, the Ticket to Work program connects you with free SC Works centers for training and work placement while protecting your benefits[4]. For advocacy and legal support, contact Disability Rights South Carolina[3]. State-specific information is limited; start with the South Carolina Department of Social Services and SC Works for local options[2][4].
For SSI or SSDI, start online at ssa.gov/benefits/disability or call 1-800-772-1213. Use the SSI Income Estimator to check if you qualify. If you get SSI, ask about SCCAP for SNAP at DSS.SC.gov. For Medicaid, apply at your county DSS office. For job help, find your nearest SC Works Center. For ABLE accounts, visit Treasurer.SC.gov.
To apply for SSI or SSDI, gather medical records, work history, and proof of income. File your application online at ssa.gov/benefits/disability or by phone at 1-800-772-1213. Expect to wait for a decision; appeals are common. If you get SSI, you can receive SNAP benefits without a separate application through SCCAP—just fill out the SCCAP form and mail it to DSS[2]. For Medicaid, contact your county DSS office with proof of disability and income. Use the Medicaid vs Medicare guide if you have both. For work support, visit a SC Works Center for the Ticket to Work program, which helps you stay on benefits while exploring employment[4]. If you have questions about overpayments, reporting changes, or need advocacy, contact Disability Rights SC[3]. For ABLE accounts, enroll online at Treasurer.SC.gov—these accounts help you save without risking SSI or Medicaid[5].
Federal programs for arthritis disability include SSI (low income/assets, no work history required) and SSDI (requires work credits). Medicare or Medicaid may cover health costs. The Ticket to Work program offers free job training and placement without immediately losing benefits[4]. Learn more about SSI vs SSDI differences and work incentives in separate guides[4].
South Carolina offers extra help for people with arthritis and other disabilities. If you receive SSI, you may qualify for SNAP food benefits through SCCAP without a separate DSS application[2]. The Palmetto ABLE Savings Program lets you save money without affecting SSI or Medicaid[5]. For job skills and placement, SC Works Centers provide free support through the Ticket to Work program[4]. Disability Rights South Carolina advocates for beneficiaries and helps resolve issues like overpayments or lost benefits[3]. South Carolina also has Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, but details are not listed in these sources—check with your county DSS for local options.
The Palmetto ABLE Savings Program lets South Carolinians with disabilities save and invest money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other needs-based benefits[5]. There are contribution and balance limits, so check the rules before opening an account. For more, see our ABLE Accounts guide.
SSI has strict income and asset limits, which are updated yearly. SSDI does not have asset limits, but your work history matters. In 2025, the ‘substantial gainful activity’ (SGA) limit is expected to increase slightly—making it possible to earn a bit more without losing benefits[1]. For SSDI, you need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years[6]. For SSI, all income and resources count.
If you are overpaid by Social Security, you must pay it back. Report all changes in your living situation, income, or resources to the SSA immediately to avoid overpayments. Disability Rights South Carolina can help if you have problems with overpayments or reporting[3]. See our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for more.
If you have a disability, including arthritis, the Palmetto ABLE Savings Program lets you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid—a key benefit for financial planning[5]. Check contribution limits and rules before you open an account.
If you receive SSI and live alone in South Carolina, you may qualify for SNAP food benefits without a separate DSS application—just use the SCCAP program for faster access to help[2].
Yes, but your monthly earnings must stay below the SGA limit. The Ticket to Work program offers free support so you can try working without immediately losing health coverage or cash benefits[4]. See our **SSI & SSDI Work Incentives** guide for details.
Palmetto ABLE accounts let you save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility. Other needs-based programs may have different rules, so check before opening an account[5].
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is for people with low income and assets, regardless of work history. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) requires work credits and a recent work history. See our **SSI vs SSDI** guide for more help.
Yes, but program details are not listed in these sources. Contact your county DSS office for info on Medicaid waivers, including Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)[See **Medicaid Waivers (HCBS)**].
You may have to repay the overpayment. Contact Disability Rights SC for help if you believe it was not your fault, or see our **Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes** guide.
Yes. SC Works Centers offer job training, resume help, and career counseling through the Ticket to Work program[4]. These services are free for SSDI and SSI recipients.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
Join thousands of families who trust Purple to protect their benefits
Purple is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by OMB Bank, Member FDIC.
Yes. If you live alone, receive SSI, and have no earned income, you may get SNAP automatically through SCCAP[2]. No separate DSS application is needed.
Disability Rights South Carolina provides information and advocacy for people with disabilities who need help with Social Security benefits or appeals[3].
Social Security benefits, including SSDI and SSI, increase each year with the COLA, so your payments keep up with inflation[1].
Denials are common and often due to missing medical records, work history, or income details. You can appeal and may need legal help. Contact Disability Rights SC for guidance[3].
