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South Carolina • Mental Health
People with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in South Carolina may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, as well as state programs for healthcare, food, 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 OCD, your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from working. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step process to decide if you are disabled. You must show that your OCD symptoms are long-lasting, severe, and stop you from doing substantial work. You also need medical proof, such as doctor’s notes and treatment records. For SSDI, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes. For SSI, your income and assets must be low. Both programs require that your disability is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death [6].
In South Carolina, people with OCD who get SSI or SSDI may also qualify for extra help. If you get SSI, you can automatically get SNAP food benefits through the South Carolina Combined Application Project (SCCAP) if you live alone or buy and prepare meals for yourself and have no earned income. You may also qualify for Medicaid, which covers healthcare costs. South Carolina also offers the Palmetto ABLE Savings Program, which lets people with disabilities save money without losing benefits. The state’s Department of Employment and Workforce runs the Ticket to Work program, which helps people with disabilities find jobs and keep their benefits while they work [2][4][5].
The Palmetto ABLE Savings Program lets people with disabilities in South Carolina save money without losing SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. You can save up to $18,000 per year (2025 limit) and the money can be used for disability-related expenses. To qualify, you must have a disability that started before age 26. You can open an account online at the Palmetto ABLE website [5].
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual. In South Carolina, you may get more if you have certain expenses. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,470 per month in 2024 and will likely increase in 2025. For SNAP, if you get SSI, you may qualify automatically through SCCAP if you have no earned income [2].
If your income, living situation, or health changes, you must report it to the Social Security Administration. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. If you get an overpayment notice, contact Disability Rights South Carolina for help. You can also ask for a waiver if you can’t pay back the overpayment [3].
Disability Rights South Carolina offers free help with Social Security applications, overpayments, and employment issues. Contact them for support.
Yes, if your OCD is severe enough to stop you from working, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You need medical proof and must meet income or work history rules. South Carolina also offers extra help like SNAP and Medicaid for people with disabilities.
Gather medical records, decide if you need SSI or SSDI, and apply online at SSA.gov or at a local office. You will need to provide personal info, work history, and medical evidence. The process can take several months.
SSI is for people with low income and assets who can’t work due to disability. SSDI is for people with a work history who paid Social Security taxes. Both require that your OCD is severe and long-lasting.
Yes, you can try working through programs like Ticket to Work. There are work incentives that let you keep benefits while you test your ability to work. If you earn more than the SGA limit, your benefits may stop.
The amount depends on your income, work history, and which program you get. SSI pays up to $943 per month in 2025. SSDI pays more if you worked and paid taxes. Both may get cost-of-living increases each year.
Yes, if you get SSI and meet SCCAP rules, you can get SNAP food benefits automatically in South Carolina. You must live alone or buy and prepare meals for yourself and have no earned income.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing benefits. You can get one if your OCD started before age 26. The Palmetto ABLE program is for South Carolinians with disabilities.
Report any changes in your income, living situation, or health to the Social Security Administration. If you get an overpayment notice, contact Disability Rights South Carolina for help.
South Carolina offers the Ticket to Work program through SC Works. This program gives free job training, career counseling, and support. You can keep Medicaid or Medicare while you try working.
Yes, if you get SSI or SSDI, you may qualify for Medicaid in South Carolina. Medicaid covers healthcare costs for people with disabilities and low income.
