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South Carolina • Chronic Illness
If you have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in South Carolina, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, plus state programs for food, work, and savings. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), your condition must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. This means your COPD must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For SSDI, you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. The SSA uses a medical listing for respiratory disorders, including COPD, to decide if your condition is severe enough for benefits[7].
In South Carolina, if you qualify for 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. The state also offers special discounts for state parks and free hunting/fishing licenses for people with disabilities, including those receiving SSI or SSDI. To get these, you must be a South Carolina resident and meet the SSA’s definition of disability, which COPD can meet if it prevents substantial gainful activity for at least 12 months[2][5].
The Palmetto ABLE Savings Program lets people with disabilities in South Carolina save and invest money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, and transportation. Contributions are limited each year, and there are rules about how much you can save. This program is a good option if you want to save for the future without risking your benefits[6].
For SSI, the income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for SSDI is $1,620 per month in 2025. If you earn more than these amounts, you may lose benefits. However, there are work incentives and special rules that let you keep some benefits while you work[8].
If your income, work, or living situation changes, you must report it to the Social Security Administration. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. If you get an overpayment notice, contact the SSA right away. You can ask for a waiver or set up a payment plan[3].
Contact Disability Rights South Carolina for free help with Social Security benefits and overpayments. They can also help you find local resources and answer questions about your rights[7].
The Palmetto ABLE Savings Program lets you save money for disability-related expenses without risking your SSI or Medicaid eligibility[6].
Yes, COPD can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it meets the SSA’s definition of disability. This means it must be severe enough to prevent you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You must also meet the SSA’s medical criteria for respiratory disorders[7].
You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need medical records, work history, and personal information. If approved for SSI, you may automatically get SNAP through SCCAP[2][7].
South Carolina offers SNAP food benefits through SCCAP, the Palmetto ABLE Savings Program, SC Works Ticket to Work for job training, and discounts for state parks and free hunting/fishing licenses for people with disabilities[2][4][5][6].
Yes, you can work while getting disability benefits. There are work incentives and special rules that let you keep some benefits while you work. The SGA limit in 2025 is $1,620 per month for SSDI. If you earn more, you may lose benefits, but there are exceptions[8].
Report any changes in your income, work, or living situation to the Social Security Administration. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. If you get an overpayment notice, contact the SSA right away[3].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
The Palmetto ABLE Savings Program lets people with disabilities in South Carolina save and invest money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, and transportation[6].
Yes, if you are a South Carolina resident and receive SSI or SSDI, you can get free hunting and fishing licenses. You must recertify your disability every three years, unless you have a lifetime disability[5].
If you receive SSI or SSDI, you qualify for reduced admission fees at South Carolina state parks. You can get the annual State Park Passport at half price. This applies to residents who are disabled or blind[5].
The Ticket to Work program is a free service that helps people with disabilities connect with job training and employment services. You can keep Medicaid or Medicare while working, and benefits are quickly accessible again if needed[4].
If you get SSI, you may automatically get SNAP through SCCAP. If not, you can apply by mail to SCCAP at the South Carolina Department of Social Services. You must live alone or be responsible for your own meals and have no earned income[2].
