HIV/AIDS Benefits in South Carolina

To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, your HIV/AIDS must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. This means your condition must prevent you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA) and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For 2025, SGA is $1,620 per month for most people, or $2,700 for those who are legally blind. If your HIV/AIDS meets these criteria, you may be eligible for monthly cash benefits and health coverage [1].

SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs have strict medical and financial rules [2].

In South Carolina, people with HIV/AIDS who qualify for SSI or SSDI may also be eligible for state-specific benefits. For example, if you receive SSI, you may automatically qualify for SNAP (food stamps) through the South Carolina Combined Application Project (SCCAP) if you live alone or are responsible for your own meals and have no earned income [3].

South Carolina also offers reduced admission fees at state parks and free hunting and fishing licenses for people with disabilities, including those receiving SSI or SSDI. These benefits are based on the same definition of disability used by the SSA [4].

Additionally, South Carolina has Medicaid waivers and other programs for people with disabilities, which may provide home and community-based services [5].

• Check if your HIV/AIDS meets SSA disability criteria.
• Apply for SSI or SSDI online, by phone, or at a local SSA office.
• If approved for SSI, you may automatically qualify for SNAP through SCCAP.
• Contact local agencies for help with Medicaid, SNAP, and other benefits.
• Explore work incentives and ABLE accounts for saving and working [6].

• Step 1: Review SSA’s disability criteria for HIV/AIDS. If your condition prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI [2].
• Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI. You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local SSA office. You will need medical records and proof of income and resources [2].
• Step 3: If approved for SSI, you may be automatically enrolled in SNAP through the SCCAP program if you live alone or are responsible for your own meals and have no earned income. You will receive a set amount of SNAP benefits each month [3].
• Step 4: Apply for Medicaid if you have low income and limited resources. You can apply online at scdhhs.gov or through your local Department of Social Services office [5].
• Step 5: Contact local agencies for help with other benefits, such as reduced state park fees or free hunting and fishing licenses. You may need to provide proof of disability, such as an SSI or SSDI award letter [4].
• Step 6: Explore work incentives and ABLE accounts. The Ticket to Work program can help you find employment while keeping your benefits. ABLE accounts let you save money without losing needs-based benefits [6].

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash benefits for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly cash benefits for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes and are now disabled.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and limited resources.
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): Food benefits for people with low income.
• Ticket to Work: Free employment services for people with disabilities who want to work [2].

• SCCAP (South Carolina Combined Application Project): If you receive SSI and meet certain criteria, you may automatically qualify for SNAP benefits without a separate application [3].
• Medicaid Waivers: Programs that provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including those with HIV/AIDS [5].
• Reduced State Park Fees: South Carolina residents with disabilities may enter state parks and use campsites at reduced rates. The annual SC State Park Passport is available at half price [4].
• Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses: People with disabilities who receive SSI or SSDI may obtain South Carolina hunting and fishing licenses at no cost. These licenses must be renewed every three years, except for those with quadriplegia or paraplegia, who may receive a lifetime license [4].
• Palmetto ABLE Savings Program: Allows individuals with disabilities to save and invest money while maintaining eligibility for needs-based benefits [6].

The Palmetto ABLE Savings Program in South Carolina allows individuals with disabilities to save and invest money without losing eligibility for needs-based benefits like SSI or Medicaid. You can open an ABLE account if you became disabled before age 26 and meet other criteria. Contributions to an ABLE account are not counted as income or resources for SSI or Medicaid purposes, up to certain limits [6].

For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. South Carolina may have additional state-specific limits for Medicaid and SNAP. Income from work may affect your benefits, but work incentives can help you keep some benefits while you work [2].

If you receive too much in benefits, the Social Security Administration may ask you to repay the overpayment. You must report changes in income, resources, or living arrangements to avoid overpayments. If you have trouble repaying, you can request a waiver or payment plan [7].

• South Carolina Department of Social Services
  Phone: 1-866-722-2228

  Website

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

  Email: [email protected]

  Website

  For advocacy and information on disability benefits.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSI, SSDI, and work incentives.

• Can I get SSI or SSDI if I have HIV/AIDS?

  Yes, if your HIV/AIDS prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must meet SSA’s medical and financial criteria [2].

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

  You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local SSA office. You will need medical records and proof of income and resources [2].

• Can I work while receiving SSI or SSDI?

  Yes, you can work part-time and keep some benefits. The SSA has work incentives that let you keep cash and health benefits while you try to work. For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for most people [2].

• Do I qualify for SNAP if I get SSI?

  If you receive SSI and live alone or are responsible for your own meals and have no earned income, you may automatically qualify for SNAP through the SCCAP program in South Carolina [3].

• What other benefits are available for people with HIV/AIDS in South Carolina?

  South Carolina offers reduced state park fees, free hunting and fishing licenses, Medicaid waivers, and the Palmetto ABLE Savings Program for people with disabilities, including those with HIV/AIDS [4][6].

• How do I apply for Medicaid in South Carolina?

  You can apply for Medicaid online at scdhhs.gov or through your local Department of Social Services office. You will need proof of income, resources, and disability [5].