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South Carolina • Chronic Illness
If you have kidney disease in South Carolina, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI and SSI, as well as state programs for healthcare, food, and work support. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what help is available.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with kidney disease, your condition must meet the Social Security Administration's (SSA) definition of disability. This means your kidney disease must be severe enough to stop you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For SSDI, you need enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years). For SSI, your income and resources must be low. The SSA uses a medical guide called the Blue Book, and kidney disease is listed under Section 6.00 (Genitourinary Disorders). If your condition matches the listing, you may qualify automatically. If not, you may still qualify if your symptoms and limitations prevent you from doing any substantial work [1].
In South Carolina, if you qualify for SSI, you may also automatically qualify for SNAP (food stamps) through the South Carolina Combined Application Project (SCCAP). This means you can get SNAP benefits without a separate application if you receive SSI, live alone, or are responsible for your own meals, and have no earned income. South Carolina also offers Medicaid for people with disabilities, including those with kidney disease, if you meet income and asset limits. The state provides work support through the Ticket to Work program, which helps people with disabilities get job training and keep Medicaid or Medicare while working. If you need help managing your benefits, South Carolina has a Representative Payee Program to protect your funds [2][3][4][5].
The Palmetto ABLE Savings Program lets people with disabilities in South Carolina save and invest money without losing eligibility for needs-based benefits like SSI or Medicaid. You can use the account for qualified disability expenses, such as medical care, housing, and education. Contributions are tax-free, and earnings grow tax-free. The account is easy to open online and can help you build financial security while keeping your benefits [6].
It is important to report any changes in your income, living situation, or medical condition to the SSA. If you do not report changes, you may get an overpayment, which you will have to pay back. If you get an overpayment notice, contact the SSA right away to discuss your options. You can also get help from Disability Rights South Carolina if you have questions or need help appealing an overpayment [4].
Contact Disability Rights South Carolina for free help with Social Security benefits and overpayments. They can also help you appeal if your claim is denied.
Yes, if your kidney disease is severe enough to stop you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. You must meet SSA’s medical and work criteria.
In 2025, you can earn up to $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) without losing SSDI benefits. This is called the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit [3].
Yes, if you get SSI and meet the requirements, you may automatically get SNAP benefits through SCCAP without a separate application [2].
The Ticket to Work program helps people with disabilities get job training and support while keeping their Medicaid or Medicare benefits. It is free and voluntary [5].
Yes, you can save money in an ABLE account without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. The Palmetto ABLE Savings Program is available in South Carolina [6].
Yes, you must report any changes in your income, living situation, or medical condition to the SSA to avoid overpayments and keep your benefits [4].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
If you get an overpayment notice, contact the SSA right away to discuss your options. You can also get help from Disability Rights South Carolina if you need help appealing [4].
Yes, you can work part-time and keep your benefits if you stay under the SGA limit. The Ticket to Work program can help you get job training and support [5].
You can apply for Medicaid online at SC DHHS, by phone, or in person at your local DSS office. You will need to provide your income, resources, and medical information [8].
A Representative Payee is a person who manages Social Security benefits for someone who cannot manage them on their own. This helps protect your funds and ensure they are used for your needs [4].
