If you have a spinal cord injury in South Carolina, you may qualify for federal and state benefits like SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and special programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need a work history and enough Social Security credits. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your income and resources must be limited, regardless of work history. Both programs require a disability determination from the Social Security Administration (SSA) [^1].
Spinal cord injury is considered a qualifying disability if it meets SSA’s criteria for severity and duration. You must provide medical evidence showing how your injury affects your ability to work [^1].
In South Carolina, people with spinal cord injuries may qualify for additional state benefits and programs. 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 [^2].
South Carolina also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS), which can help cover costs for personal care, assistive technology, and other supports. Eligibility for these waivers depends on income, assets, and functional needs [^3].
Residents with disabilities may get reduced admission to state parks and free hunting/fishing licenses if they receive SSI or SSDI [^4].
The Palmetto ABLE Savings Program lets people with disabilities save and invest money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, and transportation. Visit the Palmetto ABLE website to open an account [^6].
For SSI, the federal income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit of $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) to keep full benefits [^2].
For Medicaid waivers, income and asset limits vary by program. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging for details [^3].
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to the Social Security Administration and DSS to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you earn too much or don’t report changes. If you get an overpayment notice, contact the agency right away to discuss repayment options [^3].
Contact your local SC Works Center or Disability Rights South Carolina for free help with applications and understanding your benefits.
Yes, you can work part-time and keep some benefits if you don’t exceed the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2025, this is $1,620 per month for most people. The Ticket to Work program offers job training and support [^2][^4].
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or the SC Department of Health and Human Services. They can help you apply for Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services [^3].
SCCAP lets SSI recipients in South Carolina get SNAP benefits without a separate application if they live alone or are responsible for their own meals and have no earned income [^2].
Yes, if you receive SSI or SSDI, you can get free hunting and fishing licenses from the SC Department of Natural Resources. You must be a resident for at least one year [^4].
Visit the Palmetto ABLE Savings Program website to open an account. You can save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits [^6].
Residents with disabilities get at least 35% off admission to state parks and can buy annual passports at half price [^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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Ticket to Work is a free SSA program that helps people with disabilities get job training, resume help, and career counseling. It lets you try work without losing benefits right away [^4].
Report any changes in income or living situation to the Social Security Administration and DSS. This helps avoid overpayments and keeps your benefits accurate [^3].
