People with Rett Syndrome in South Carolina can access federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, plus state programs for Medicaid, SNAP, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key changes for 2025.
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. Rett Syndrome is listed in the Social Security Blue Book under neurological disorders, so most applicants with a confirmed diagnosis will meet the medical criteria for disability[6].
In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you may lose SSDI benefits, but work incentives can help you keep some benefits while working[7].
In South Carolina, children and adults with Rett Syndrome may qualify for SSI and SSDI if they meet federal rules. Families can also apply for Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS), which help cover therapies and supports not paid by regular Medicaid[2].
If you get SSI, you may automatically qualify for SNAP food benefits through the South Carolina Combined Application Project (SCCAP), as long as you live alone or are responsible for your own meals and have no earned income[2].
South Carolina also offers the Palmetto ABLE Savings Program, which lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility[5].
The Palmetto ABLE Savings Program lets people with disabilities in South Carolina save up to $18,000 per year in a tax-advantaged account. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like therapy, education, and housing. ABLE accounts do not count toward SSI or Medicaid resource limits[5].
In 2025, the SGA limit for SSDI is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals. For SSI, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual, but South Carolina may have different rules for Medicaid and SNAP[7].
If Social Security says you owe money, contact them right away. You can ask for a waiver or set up a payment plan. Always report changes in income, living situation, or work to avoid overpayments[3].
In 2025, SSDI benefits will increase by 2.5% due to COLA. The SGA limit is now $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals[1].
Disability Rights South Carolina offers free help with Social Security applications, overpayments, and work incentives[3].
Yes, Rett Syndrome is listed in the Social Security Blue Book, so most people with a confirmed diagnosis will meet the medical criteria for SSI or SSDI in South Carolina[6].
In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you may lose SSDI benefits, but work incentives can help you keep some benefits while working[7].
Yes, if you get SSI and live alone or are responsible for your own meals with no earned income, you can get SNAP benefits automatically through SCCAP in South Carolina[2].
The Palmetto ABLE Savings Program lets people with disabilities in South Carolina save money in a tax-advantaged account for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits[5].
Contact your local Department of Social Services or Medicaid office to apply for Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services in South Carolina[2].
The Ticket to Work program is a free service that helps people with disabilities get job training, counseling, and support to become financially independent while keeping their benefits[4].
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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Yes, always report changes in income, living situation, or work to Social Security to avoid overpayments and keep your benefits[3].
Yes, Social Security has work incentives that let you try working without losing all your benefits right away. The Ticket to Work program can help you get support[4].
Contact Social Security or Disability Rights South Carolina for help with overpayments, waivers, and payment plans[3].
A representative payee is someone who manages Social Security benefits for a person who cannot do it themselves. Disability Rights South Carolina offers a new program to help protect beneficiaries[3].
