South Carolina • Sensory

Deafness Benefits in South Carolina

People with Deafness in South Carolina can access federal and state benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, SNAP, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and special programs for Deafness.

Deafness may qualify for SSI or SSDI if it meets SSA criteria.
South Carolina offers Medicaid, SNAP, and ABLE accounts for people with disabilities.
Special programs help with employment, food, and financial independence.
You can apply for benefits online, by mail, or in person.
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 must have a qualifying disability and enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years) [^1].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources, including those who are Deaf and meet SSA’s disability definition [^2].
The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines disability as a condition that prevents substantial gainful activity (SGA) and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death [^3].
Deafness is considered a disability if it meets SSA’s hearing loss criteria, such as average hearing threshold of 90 decibels or greater in the better ear [^4].
You may also qualify for Medicaid if you receive SSI or meet income and disability requirements [^5].

In South Carolina, people who are Deaf may qualify for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, SNAP, and other state programs if they meet federal and state criteria [^6].
South Carolina Combined Application Project (SCCAP) allows SSI recipients to receive SNAP benefits without a separate application if they live alone or are responsible for their own meals and have no earned income [^7].
South Carolina offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS) for people with disabilities, including Deafness, if they meet eligibility requirements [^8].
The Palmetto ABLE Savings Program allows people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for needs-based benefits [^9].
South Carolina also provides vocational rehabilitation and employment services for people with disabilities, including those who are Deaf [^10].

How to apply in South Carolina

Check if you qualify for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, or SNAP based on your income and disability.
Gather documents: proof of Deafness, income, resources, and identity.
Apply online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office or SC DSS office.
For SNAP, SSI recipients may be eligible through SCCAP without a separate application [^7].
For Medicaid, apply through the SC Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) or your local DSS office [^8].

Step 1: Review eligibility for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, SNAP, and other programs. Use the SSI Income Estimator for help [^11].
Step 2: Gather required documents: medical records showing Deafness, proof of income, proof of resources, and identification.
Step 3: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office [^12].
Step 4: If you receive SSI, you may be eligible for SNAP through SCCAP. Complete the SCCAP application and mail it to DSS [^7].
Step 5: Apply for Medicaid through SCDHHS or your local DSS office. You may be automatically enrolled if you receive SSI [^8].
Step 6: For ABLE accounts, apply through the Palmetto ABLE Savings Program website [^9].
Step 7: Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments [^13].

Programs & Services

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash benefits for people with disabilities who have enough work credits [^1].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash benefits for people with disabilities and limited income and resources [^2].
Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities and low income [^5].
SNAP: Food assistance for low-income individuals and families [^14].
Ticket to Work: Employment support for people with disabilities [^15].

South Carolina Combined Application Project (SCCAP): Allows SSI recipients to receive SNAP benefits without a separate application if they meet criteria [^7].
Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including Deafness, if they meet eligibility requirements [^8].
Palmetto ABLE Savings Program: Allows people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for needs-based benefits [^9].
Vocational Rehabilitation: Employment services for people with disabilities, including those who are Deaf [^10].
SC Works: Employment services and support for people with disabilities [^16].

Money & Banking

The Palmetto ABLE Savings Program allows people with disabilities to save and invest money while maintaining eligibility for needs-based benefits [^9].
You can open an ABLE account online and contribute up to the annual limit.
Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, transportation, and personal support services [^9].

SSI income limits are set by the federal government and adjusted annually. In 2025, the federal benefit rate is $943 per month for an individual [^2].
Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size. Check with SCDHHS for current limits [^8].
SNAP income limits are based on household size and income. SSI recipients may be eligible for SNAP through SCCAP [^7].

Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to SSA and DSS to avoid overpayments [^13].
If you receive an overpayment, contact SSA or DSS to discuss repayment options [^13].
Overpayments can result from not reporting changes or from errors in processing. It’s important to report changes promptly [^13].

Tips & Gotchas

Need Help Applying?

Contact your local Social Security office or SC DSS office for help with applications.
Disability Rights South Carolina offers advocacy and information for people with disabilities [^17].

Stay Informed

Contacts

Social Security Administration
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Website
TTY available for Deaf and hard of hearing.
South Carolina Department of Social Services
Phone: 1-866-294-2167
TTY: 1-800-434-0221
Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Website
TTY available for Deaf and hard of hearing.
South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Phone: 1-844-868-0105
TTY: 1-800-434-0221
Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Website
TTY available for Deaf and hard of hearing.

FAQs

Can Deafness qualify for SSI or SSDI in South Carolina?
Yes, Deafness can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it meets SSA’s disability criteria and you meet income and work credit requirements. SSA evaluates hearing loss based on specific thresholds.
How do I apply for SNAP if I am Deaf and receive SSI?
If you receive SSI and meet SCCAP criteria, you can receive SNAP benefits without a separate application. Complete the SCCAP form and mail it to DSS.
What is the Palmetto ABLE Savings Program?
The Palmetto ABLE Savings Program allows people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for needs-based benefits. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses.
Can I work while receiving SSI or SSDI?
Yes, there are work incentives and programs like Ticket to Work that allow you to work while receiving benefits. Earnings may affect your benefits, so report changes to SSA.
How do I apply for Medicaid in South Carolina?
You can apply for Medicaid through SCDHHS or your local DSS office. If you receive SSI, you may be automatically enrolled.
What is SCCAP and how does it help?
SCCAP is a program that allows SSI recipients to receive SNAP benefits without a separate application if they meet certain criteria, such as living alone or being responsible for their own meals.
What services are available for employment support?

Official resources

SSA Disability Qualifications(federal)
SSI Eligibility(federal)
Medicaid Eligibility(federal)
SC DSS SNAP for Disabled(state_agency)
SCDHHS Medicaid Eligibility(state_agency)
Palmetto ABLE Savings Program(state_agency)
Apply for SSI/SSDI(federal)
Ticket to Work(federal)

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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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