Welcome to Disability Benefits Help, an organization committed to helping claimants across the United States receive approval for disability benefits.
Since applying for Social Security disability benefits can be a difficult process, a disability attorney or advocate may increase your chances of being awarded benefits by helping accurately and favorably complete the complex paperwork, ensuring that all deadlines are met, and providing you with representation at a hearing. After submitting our web form, you will receive a 100% FREE evaluation of your disability claim. Disability attorneys and advocates receive compensation if you are awarded back benefits. We have no affiliation with the Social Security Administration, the agency at which you can apply for Social Security disability at no cost.
If you live in South Carolina and were working but are now sick or disabled and can’t work anymore, you can apply for Social Security disability benefits in South Carolina.
The Social Security Administration pays monthly disability benefits to people who have worked and paid into the Social Security system if they become too sick or disabled to work. You can use the money that you receive from the SSA for any living expenses or medical expenses.
Social Security disability benefits aren’t a handout. They are benefits that you’ve paid for if you have been working. You should apply for disability benefits if you were working but now, you’re unable to work.
Understanding The Definition Of Disability In South Carolina
South Carolina defines being disabled the same way that the Social Security Administration defines being disabled. To be considered disabled you must be unable to engage in any kind of substantial gainful activity, which is work that you are paid for.
You must expect that your illness or condition will make it impossible for you to work for at least one continuous year or expect that your illness will result in death. If you can prove that you have a disability that is going to last at least a year you are eligible to apply for disability benefits.
If you can’t do any kind of work that you have done before or had training or education in and you don’t expect that you’ll be able to work for at least one year then you can apply for Social Security disability benefits.
What Disabling Conditions Qualify In South Carolina?
The Social Security Administration has a list of 200 physical and mental health conditions that qualify someone to receive Social Security disability benefits. All of those conditions are listed in the SSA’s Blue Book. You can search through the Blue Book on the SSA’s website, or you can view a copy at your local SSA office.
Each condition that has a listing in the Blue Book also has a list of requirements. You will need to submit medical evidence that shows you meet all of the requirements listed for the condition that you have or your application for benefits won’t be approved.
When you apply for disability benefits in South Carolina you will also need to show that you have earned work credits. You can earn up to 4 work credits per year that you work. Work credits are based on the hours that you work and the salary you make.
Types of Disability Benefits Available in South Carolina
When you apply for disability benefits in South Carolina you can apply for one of two different types of benefits. You may qualify for either SSDI or SSI based on your work history.
South Carolina Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI benefits are the benefits from the Social Security Administration that most people think of when they think of disability benefits. These are the benefits that you can get if you have worked all your life but then develop an illness or condition that makes it impossible for you to work anymore.
The amount of disability benefit money that you receive is based on unique factors like how many work credits you have, your age, and the severity of your illness. The average national SSDI payment is $1,685.
South Carolina Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is different from SSDI. SSI is a benefit program that was developed to help low-income parents take care of their sick children. Low-income parents who have a child who is disabled and who are having trouble paying for the child’s living or medical expenses can apply for SSI on behalf of their child.
If approved, SSI is paid to the parents to help with the child’s living and medical costs. Parents must document how all the money is spent and prove it’s being spent only on the child’s expenses. Parents must also provide financial documents showing their total household income falls below the SSA’s income cap.
When the child turns 18, they can apply for SSI on their own, and use that benefit money to pay for their own living and medical expenses.
State of South Carolina Disability Programs
The state of South Carolina does not require employers to offer short-term disability or long-term disability benefits like other states do. However, you may be able to buy private short-term disability or long-term disability coverage from private companies or through your employer.
Often employers work out deals with insurance companies to offer short-term and long-term disability benefits to their employees, so you may have coverage and not know it. Ask your previous employer about short-term disability benefits.
Short-Term Benefits
Short-term disability benefits can be used to pay for necessities while waiting for disability benefits to be approved and paid. Typically, you can apply for short-term benefits if you are expected to be unable to work for a week or longer. Most short-term disability programs pay benefits for up to 30 weeks. There can be a 7-day or 30-day waiting period for short-term disability benefits depending on your policy details.
Short-term disability premiums are based on coverage levels and the salary that you were getting at the time you became disabled. They are paid using after-tax money.
Long-Term Benefits
Long-term disability benefits pay money to people who can no longer work because of an accident, injury, or illness. You can receive both long-term disability benefits and SSA disability benefits.
If you are receiving long-term disability benefits from a private company or your employer and you are also getting SSDI the amount of SSDI that you receive may be reduced depending on the amount of long-term disability benefits you are receiving. The total of the two types of benefits cannot be more than your previous salary.
Find A Disability Lawyer In South Carolina
The process of applying for Social Security disability benefits can be complicated and confusing. You really should talk to a disability lawyer taking cases in South Carolina before you file your application to get advice on the application process.
Working with a disability lawyer in South Carolina will give you a better chance of having your application approved the first time you submit it. If your application is denied, working with a lawyer can help you get that denial reversed on appeal.
A disability lawyer in South Carolina can help you with things like:
- Filling out the application paperwork
- Talking you through the application process.
- Advising you on what medical documentation you need.
- Helping you meet deadlines.
- Arguing your appeal.
There is no charge to speak with a South Carolina disability lawyer upfront. Fill out a Free Case Evaluation right now to be connected to an independent disability lawyer subscribed to our website and taking cases in South Carolina.
How Much Disability Can You Receive in South Carolina?
There are a lot of factors that affect how much benefit money you receive. If you are receiving SSDI you could receive up to $3,822 per month. However, the average SSDI payment is $1,685 per month.
The maximum SSI payment that you could receive for yourself or a child is $943, or $1,415 if you and your spouse both receive SSI.
To find out how much benefit money you may qualify for based on your unique circumstances use our benefits calculator and then speak with a disability lawyer taking cases in South Carolina about your case.
