Understand the Disability Benefits Available

In South Carolina, you can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), both federally administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Additionally, there are state-level programs that can offer supplemental support.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

• Eligibility: You must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and paid Social Security taxes.
• Requirements: Your disability must prevent you from working for at least 12 months or result in death.
• Benefits: SSDI provides monthly payments based on your work history and earnings.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

• Eligibility: Available to individuals with low income and limited resources, regardless of their work history.
• Requirements: Your disability must meet the SSA’s criteria, and you must have limited resources and income.
• Benefits: Provides a monthly cash benefit for basic needs like food and shelter, along with access to Medicaid.

Gather Necessary Documentation

Before you begin your application, make sure you have the required documents:

• Personal information: Full name, birth date, Social Security number, and address.
• Medical records: Detailed documentation of your medical condition, including:
• Doctor's reports
• Hospital records
• Lab results
• Treatment history
• Work history: Records of jobs you’ve had in the past 15 years, including dates, employer information, and job duties.
• Income and financial information: Documents detailing your income and assets, especially if applying for SSI.

Complete the Application Process

Apply Online

The easiest way to apply for SSDI or SSI is through the Social Security Administration’s online portal at www.ssa.gov. The process involves several steps:

• Create a Social Security account.
• Fill out the application for either SSDI or SSI, depending on your situation.
• Submit your medical records and other required documents.

Apply in Person or by Phone

If you prefer to apply in person, you can visit your local Social Security office. Alternatively, you can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to apply by phone.

Follow the SSA’s Disability Evaluation Process

Once your application is submitted, the SSA will evaluate your eligibility using a five-step process:

1. Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): Are you working and earning above a certain threshold? If yes, you may not be eligible.
2. Severity of Condition: Is your condition severe enough to prevent you from performing basic work tasks?
3. Listed Impairment: Does your condition meet the SSA’s List of Impairments? If yes, you may automatically qualify.
4. Past Work: Can you still perform your past work? If not, proceed to the next step.
5. Other Work: Are there other jobs you could perform given your skills, education, and age?

Expect a Decision

Once your application is reviewed, you will receive a decision on your case. The SSA will notify you in writing whether your claim is approved or denied. If approved, you will begin receiving monthly disability payments. If denied, you have the right to appeal the decision.

Appeal a Denial (If Needed)

It’s not uncommon for initial disability claims to be denied. If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision in the following steps:

1. Request Reconsideration: Your claim is reviewed again by a different SSA examiner.
2. Request a Hearing: If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
3. Appeals Council: If the ALJ denies your case, you can appeal to the Social Security Appeals Council.