Epilepsy Benefits in South Carolina: 2025 Guide

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources and meet Social Security's definition of disability. In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for most people with disabilities. If your epilepsy prevents you from working at this level, you may qualify for federal disability benefits [^1][^2].

In South Carolina, people with epilepsy who receive SSI are automatically eligible for SNAP benefits through the Combined Application Project (SCCAP), as long as they meet certain household and income rules. You may also qualify for Medicaid waivers if your epilepsy requires long-term care or support services. South Carolina also offers free or reduced-cost hunting and fishing licenses, and reduced admission to state parks for those with qualifying disabilities, including epilepsy. To qualify, you must be unable to perform substantial gainful employment due to your medical condition, which matches the Social Security definition of disability [^3][^4][^5].

• Check if you meet federal SSI/SSDI eligibility for epilepsy.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online at ssa.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• If approved for SSI, you may be automatically enrolled in SNAP through SCCAP.
• Apply for Medicaid waivers if you need long-term care or support.
• Explore ABLE accounts to save without losing benefits.
• Contact SC Works for employment support and Ticket to Work services.

• Step 1: Review eligibility for SSI/SSDI. Epilepsy must prevent substantial work for at least 12 months. See the SSA Blue Book listing for epilepsy (Section 11.02) for details [^1].
• Step 2: Apply for SSI/SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need medical records and work history.
• Step 3: If approved for SSI, you may be automatically enrolled in SNAP through SCCAP if you live alone or are responsible for your own meals and have no earned income. Otherwise, apply separately at your local DSS office [^3].
• Step 4: Apply for Medicaid waivers if you need long-term care or support services. Contact the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services for waiver applications [^6].
• Step 5: Open a Palmetto ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility [^7].
• Step 6: If you want to work, contact SC Works or the Ticket to Work program for free employment services and support [^8].
• Step 7: Report any changes in income, living situation, or medical status to Social Security to avoid overpayments [^9].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people with epilepsy who have a qualifying work history.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with epilepsy who have limited income and resources.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities, including epilepsy, who receive SSI or meet other criteria.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people with disabilities after 24 months of SSDI.
• Ticket to Work: Free employment services for people with disabilities who want to work [^1][^8].

• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): South Carolina offers Home and Community-Based Services waivers for people with epilepsy who need long-term care or support. These waivers can cover personal care, respite, and other services.
• SNAP (Food Stamps): People with epilepsy who receive SSI may be automatically enrolled in SNAP through SCCAP if they meet household and income rules.
• Palmetto ABLE Savings Program: Allows people with epilepsy to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
• Reduced State Park Fees: People with epilepsy who are unable to work due to their condition may enter state parks and use campsites at reduced rates.
• Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses: People with epilepsy who receive SSI or SSDI may get free hunting and fishing licenses from the Department of Natural Resources [^3][^4][^5][^7].

The Palmetto ABLE Savings Program allows people with epilepsy in South Carolina to save and invest money while maintaining eligibility for SSI and Medicaid. You can use ABLE funds for disability-related expenses like medical care, education, and housing. Contributions are tax-free, and earnings grow tax-free. See the state treasurer's website for details and to open an account [^7].

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 in 2025, but South Carolina may have additional state supplements. Income from work, investments, and other sources can affect your benefits. Use the SSI Income Estimator tool to see how your income affects your benefits [^1][^2].

If your income, living situation, or medical status changes, you must report it to Social Security. Failure to report changes can result in overpayments and loss of benefits. If you receive an overpayment notice, contact Social Security or Disability Rights South Carolina for help resolving the issue [^9][^10].

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

  Website

  Apply for SSI/SSDI, report changes, get benefit information.
• South Carolina Department of Social Services
  Phone: 1-866-222-2254

  Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

  Website

  Apply for SNAP, Medicaid, and other assistance programs.
• Disability Rights South Carolina
  Phone: 1-866-275-7273

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

  Website

  Free advocacy and information for people with disabilities.

• Can epilepsy qualify for SSI or SSDI in South Carolina?

  Yes, if your epilepsy prevents you from working at the Substantial Gainful Activity level for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must meet Social Security's medical and work history requirements [^1][^2].

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

  You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need medical records and work history to support your claim [^1].

• Are there special benefits for people with epilepsy in South Carolina?

  Yes, South Carolina offers Medicaid waivers, SNAP, reduced state park fees, and free hunting and fishing licenses for people with epilepsy who meet eligibility rules [^3][^4][^5].

• Can I work while receiving SSI or SSDI for epilepsy?

  Yes, you can work, but your earnings must stay below the SGA limit. Social Security offers work incentives like Ticket to Work to help you earn income without losing benefits [^8].

• How do I avoid overpayments for SSI or SSDI?

  Report any changes in income, living situation, or medical status to Social Security. If you receive an overpayment notice, contact Social Security or Disability Rights South Carolina for help [^9][^10].

• Can I save money without losing SSI or Medicaid?

  Yes, you can open a Palmetto ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility [^7].