Dyslexia Benefits in South Carolina: 2025 Guide

• To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security, have a disability that prevents you from working for at least 12 months, and meet the 20/40 work credit rule.
• For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your disability must meet Social Security’s definition.
• Dyslexia is considered a disability if it severely limits your ability to work or perform daily activities for at least 12 months.
• The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a medical listing for learning disabilities, including dyslexia, to determine eligibility.
• You must provide medical evidence, such as evaluations from doctors or psychologists, showing how dyslexia affects your ability to work or function.
• If approved, you may receive monthly cash benefits and access to Medicaid or Medicare.

Source: SSA Disability Qualifications

• In South Carolina, individuals with dyslexia who receive SSI are automatically eligible for SNAP benefits through the South Carolina Combined Application Project (SCCAP), without needing to apply separately at the DSS office.
• To qualify for SCCAP, you must receive SSI, live alone or be responsible for your own meals, and have no earned income.
• South Carolina also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, which can provide home and community-based services.
• The Palmetto ABLE Savings Program allows individuals with disabilities to save money while maintaining eligibility for needs-based benefits.
• Special tax and fee benefits are available, such as reduced admission to state parks and free hunting and fishing licenses for those receiving SSI or SSDI.
• The Ticket to Work program helps people with disabilities find employment and training while keeping their benefits.

Source: SC DSS SCCAP, SC Medicaid Waivers, Palmetto ABLE, SC Tax and Special Benefits

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• If approved for SSI, you may automatically qualify for SNAP through SCCAP.
• Apply for Medicaid waivers if you need home and community-based services.
• Consider opening an ABLE account to save without losing benefits.
• Contact SC Works for employment support through the Ticket to Work program.

• Step 1: Collect all necessary documents, including medical records, proof of income, and identification.
• Step 2: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. Provide detailed information about how dyslexia affects your ability to work.
• Step 3: If approved for SSI, you may automatically qualify for SNAP benefits through the South Carolina Combined Application Project (SCCAP). Complete the SCCAP application form and mail it to the DSS office.
• Step 4: Apply for Medicaid waivers if you need home and community-based services. Contact your local DSS office for information and application forms.
• Step 5: Consider opening a Palmetto ABLE account to save money while maintaining eligibility for needs-based benefits.
• Step 6: If you want to work, contact SC Works to learn about the Ticket to Work program and other employment support services.
• Step 7: Report any changes in income or living situation to the SSA and DSS to avoid overpayments.

Source: SSA Apply for Benefits, SC DSS SCCAP, SC Medicaid Waivers, Palmetto ABLE, SC Works Ticket to Work

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash benefits for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash benefits for those with limited income and resources.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income individuals with disabilities.
• Medicare: Health coverage for those who have received SSDI for 24 months.
• SNAP: Food assistance for low-income individuals and families.
• Ticket to Work: Employment support and training for people with disabilities.

Source: SSA Programs

• South Carolina Combined Application Project (SCCAP): Automatic SNAP eligibility for SSI recipients.
• Medicaid Waivers: Home and community-based services for people with disabilities.
• Palmetto ABLE Savings Program: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.
• Reduced admission fees at state parks for people with disabilities.
• Free hunting and fishing licenses for people with disabilities.
• Ticket to Work: Employment support through SC Works.

Source: SC DSS SCCAP, SC Medicaid Waivers, Palmetto ABLE, SC Tax and Special Benefits, SC Works Ticket to Work

• The Palmetto ABLE Savings Program allows individuals with disabilities to save and invest money while maintaining eligibility for needs-based benefits.
• You can contribute up to $18,000 per year (2025 limit) and the account grows tax-free.
• Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, and transportation.
• If you receive SSI, the first $100,000 in an ABLE account is not counted as a resource.

Source: Palmetto ABLE

• For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple.
• The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for SSDI in 2025 is $1,620 per month for most people and $2,700 for those who are legally blind.
• Earning above the SGA limit may affect your SSDI benefits.
• SNAP eligibility is based on household income and size.

Source: SSA COLA 2025

• Report any changes in income, living situation, or employment to the SSA and DSS to avoid overpayments.
• Overpayments can result in repayment or benefit suspension.
• Keep records of all income and expenses related to your disability.
• If you receive an overpayment notice, contact the SSA or DSS immediately to discuss repayment options.

Source: SSA Overpayments

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

  Website

  For questions about SSDI, SSI, and work incentives.
• South Carolina Department of Social Services
  Phone: 1-800-768-5858

  Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

  For questions about SNAP, SCCAP, and Medicaid waivers.
• SC Works
  Phone: 1-866-626-6847

  Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

  For employment support and Ticket to Work program.

• Can dyslexia qualify for disability benefits in South Carolina?

  Yes, dyslexia can qualify for SSDI or SSI if it severely limits your ability to work or perform daily activities for at least 12 months. You must provide medical evidence to support your claim.

• How do I apply for SSI or SSDI in South Carolina?

  You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. Provide detailed information about how dyslexia affects your ability to work.

• What is the income limit for SSI in South Carolina in 2025?

  The federal income limit for SSI in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. State-specific limits may vary slightly.

• Can I work while receiving SSDI or SSI in South Carolina?

  Yes, you can work part-time, but your earnings must be below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for most people.

• What is the Ticket to Work program in South Carolina?

  The Ticket to Work program helps people with disabilities find employment and training while keeping their benefits. Contact SC Works for more information.

• How do I get SNAP benefits if I receive SSI in South Carolina?

  If you receive SSI, you may automatically qualify for SNAP through the South Carolina Combined Application Project (SCCAP). Complete the SCCAP application form and mail it to the DSS office.