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South Carolina • Chronic Illness
If you have heart disease in South Carolina, you may qualify for federal and state benefits like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and special programs. These benefits help cover medical costs, living expenses, and employment support. 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 heart disease, your condition must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. This means your heart disease must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA) 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 before your disability began. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for most people with disabilities[8].
In South Carolina, if you receive SSI, you may automatically qualify for SNAP food benefits through the South Carolina Combined Application Project (SCCAP) if you live alone or are responsible for your own meals and have no earned income. You can also get reduced admission fees at state parks and free hunting/fishing licenses if you are disabled and receiving SSI or SSDI. To qualify for these benefits, you must be a South Carolina resident and meet the state’s definition of disability, which generally matches the SSA’s definition[5]. South Carolina also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, which can help cover home and community-based services[2].
The Palmetto ABLE Savings Program lets South Carolina residents with disabilities save and invest money while keeping eligibility for needs-based benefits like SSI and Medicaid. You can use ABLE funds for qualified disability expenses, including medical care, education, housing, and transportation[6].
For SSI, the federal income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. The SGA limit for SSDI is $1,620 per month for most people with disabilities. These limits may change each year due to cost-of-living adjustments[8].
If you receive too much in benefits, the Social Security Administration may ask you to repay the overpayment. Report any changes in your income, living situation, or medical condition to avoid overpayments. If you get an overpayment notice, you can request a waiver or set up a repayment plan[3].
Contact Disability Rights South Carolina for free advocacy and help with Social Security applications and overpayments[3].
Open a Palmetto ABLE account to save money for disability expenses without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid[6][7].
Yes, heart disease can qualify for SSDI or SSI if it meets the Social Security Administration’s criteria for disability. Your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death[7].
You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local SSA office. You will need to provide medical records, work history, and proof of income and resources[7].
South Carolina offers Medicaid waivers, reduced state park fees, free hunting and fishing licenses, and the Palmetto ABLE Savings Program for people with disabilities[5][6].
Yes, you can work while receiving disability benefits, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit. The Ticket to Work program offers free employment support services to help you try working without losing your benefits[4].
If you receive SSI and live alone or are responsible for your own meals, you may automatically qualify for SNAP through the South Carolina Combined Application Project (SCCAP). Complete the SCCAP application form and mail it to the Department of Social Services[2].
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.
The SGA limit for most people with disabilities in 2025 is $1,620 per month. If you earn more than this, you may lose your SSDI benefits[8].
Yes, the Palmetto ABLE Savings Program allows South Carolina residents with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for needs-based benefits like SSI and Medicaid[6].
If you receive too much in benefits, the Social Security Administration may ask you to repay the overpayment. You can request a waiver or set up a repayment plan[3].
South Carolina residents with disabilities may get reduced admission fees at state parks and free hunting and fishing licenses. There are no special tax credits for heart disease, but you may qualify for other state benefits[5].
Contact your local SC Works Center to learn about the Ticket to Work program and other employment services for people with disabilities[4].
