People in South Carolina with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid waivers, and special state programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked enough years and paid Social Security taxes. Most adults need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. SSDI is for those unable to work due to a medical condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is listed in the SSA Blue Book under neurological disorders. If your TBI meets the criteria, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require that your disability prevents substantial gainful activity (SGA) [^1].
[^1]: SSA Disability Qualifications, accessed 2025-11-06.
In South Carolina, people with TBI may qualify for Medicaid waivers, which provide home and community-based services (HCBS) for those who need long-term care. The state also offers special benefits, such as reduced admission fees at state parks and free hunting and fishing licenses for those receiving SSDI or SSI. To qualify for these, you must be a resident and meet the SSA definition of disability. South Carolina’s Combined Application Project (SCCAP) allows SSI recipients to receive SNAP benefits without a separate application. Eligibility for these programs depends on your disability status, income, and living arrangements [^2][^3].
[^2]: SC Medicaid Waivers, accessed 2025-11-06.
[^3]: SC Special Benefits for Disabled, accessed 2025-11-06.
[^4]: SSA Apply for Disability, accessed 2025-11-06.
[^5]: SCCAP SNAP Application, accessed 2025-11-06.
[^6]: SC Works Ticket to Work, accessed 2025-11-06.
[^8]: SC Medicaid Waivers, accessed 2025-11-06.
[^9]: SCCAP SNAP Benefits, accessed 2025-11-06.
[^10]: SC Special Benefits for Disabled, accessed 2025-11-06.
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. South Carolina offers the SC ABLE program, which lets you save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, and transportation. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to open one in South Carolina [^11].
[^11]: SC ABLE Accounts, accessed 2025-11-06.
SSI has strict income and resource limits. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943/month for an individual. The resource limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. SSDI has no income limit, but you must not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,470/month in 2024 and expected to increase in 2025. Medicaid and SNAP have their own income limits, which vary by household size and composition [^12].
[^12]: SSA SSI Limits, accessed 2025-11-06.
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to the SSA to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or benefit suspension. Report changes online, by phone, or in person. For SSI, report changes within 10 days of the month they occur. For SSDI, report changes as soon as possible. Learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes [^13].
[^13]: SSA Reporting Changes, accessed 2025-11-06.
Contact your local SC Works Center or the Social Security Administration for help with applications and questions about eligibility.
Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements for both programs. SSDI is based on work history, while SSI is for those with limited income and resources. You can apply for both at the same time, and the SSA will determine your eligibility.
Contact the SC Department of Health and Human Services to learn about Medicaid waiver programs. You will need to provide medical and financial information to determine eligibility for home and community-based services.
South Carolina offers reduced state park fees, free hunting and fishing licenses, and automatic SNAP benefits for SSI recipients. These benefits help reduce living costs and improve quality of life.
Yes, but there are limits. SSDI allows you to earn up to the SGA limit without losing benefits. SSI has strict income limits. Work incentives and the Ticket to Work program help you maintain benefits while working.
If you receive SSDI or SSI, you can apply for free hunting and fishing licenses through the SC Department of Natural Resources. You must be a resident and recertify your disability every three years.
The Ticket to Work program helps people with disabilities find jobs and maintain benefits. It offers career counseling, job training, and support services. Participation is voluntary and does not affect your benefits.
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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If you receive SSI, you can apply for SNAP benefits through the SCCAP program. Complete the SCCAP application and mail it to the SC Department of Social Services. You will receive benefits automatically if eligible.
An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. South Carolina offers the SC ABLE program, which has a $100,000 savings limit for SSI recipients.
Yes, you must report changes to the SSA to avoid overpayments. For SSI, report changes within 10 days. For SSDI, report changes as soon as possible. Failure to report can result in benefit suspension or repayment demands.
If your TBI does not meet SSA criteria, you may still qualify for state programs or other benefits. Contact local agencies for assistance and explore other options for support.
