If you have Bipolar Disorder in South Carolina, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, as well as state programs for healthcare, food, and employment. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available.
To get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for Bipolar Disorder, your condition must prevent you from working for at least 12 months and meet the Social Security Administration's (SSA) medical criteria. SSDI requires work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs use the SSA's definition of disability, which includes severe mental health conditions like Bipolar Disorder that limit your ability to work or do daily activities [1].
In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for most people. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for SSDI or SSI [2].
In South Carolina, if you get SSI, you may automatically qualify for SNAP food benefits through the South Carolina Combined Application Project (SCCAP). You must live alone or be responsible for your own meals, and have no earned income to qualify for SCCAP [3].
South Carolina also offers special tax and fee benefits for people with disabilities. If you get SSI or SSDI, you can get reduced admission to state parks and free hunting and fishing licenses. You must be a South Carolina resident for at least one year to get free licenses [4].
The Palmetto ABLE Savings Program lets people with disabilities save money without losing eligibility for needs-based benefits like Medicaid or SSI [5].
The Palmetto ABLE Savings Program lets people with disabilities in South Carolina save and invest money without losing eligibility for needs-based benefits like Medicaid or SSI. You can use ABLE funds for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, and transportation. To open an account, visit the Palmetto ABLE website [5].
In 2025, the SGA limit for SSDI is $1,620 per month. For SSI, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple in 2025. South Carolina may have additional state-specific limits for Medicaid and SNAP. Always check with the agency for the most current limits [2][3].
If you get too much money from SSA, you may have to pay it back. Always report changes in income, living situation, or health to SSA to avoid overpayments. If you get an overpayment notice, you can request a waiver or set up a repayment plan [8].
Contact Disability Rights South Carolina for free help with disability benefits, overpayments, and reporting changes [8].
Open a Palmetto ABLE account to save money for disability expenses without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid [5].
Yes, Bipolar Disorder can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it meets SSA's criteria. You need medical records showing your condition limits your ability to work or do daily activities for at least 12 months [1].
You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at a local Social Security office. You'll need your Social Security number, medical records, and work history [1].
If you get SSI, you may automatically qualify for SNAP through SCCAP. You must live alone or be responsible for your own meals, and have no earned income to qualify for SCCAP [3].
Ticket to Work is a free program that helps people with disabilities get job training and employment services. You can keep Medicaid or Medicare while you work, and benefits are quickly accessible again if needed [7].
Yes, you can save money in a Palmetto ABLE account without losing eligibility for needs-based benefits like SSI or Medicaid. ABLE accounts are for qualified disability expenses [5].
Yes, always report changes in income, living situation, or health to SSA to avoid overpayments. If you get an overpayment notice, you can request a waiver or set up a repayment plan [8].
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.
People with disabilities in South Carolina can get reduced admission to state parks and free hunting and fishing licenses. You must be a resident for at least one year to get free licenses [4].
Yes, you can work and keep benefits through programs like Ticket to Work. There are work incentives that let you keep Medicaid or Medicare while you work, and benefits are quickly accessible again if needed [7].
If you have Bipolar Disorder and get SSI or SSDI, you may qualify for Medicaid. Apply through the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services [6].
The SGA limit for 2025 is $1,620 per month for most people. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for SSDI or SSI [2].
