Monthly Disability Payments

The primary SSDI benefit is a monthly cash payment, which is based on your average lifetime earnings before your disability began. For 2025, the average monthly SSDI payment is around $1,500, but your amount may be higher or lower depending on your work history and contributions to Social Security.

Your SSDI payment is not affected by where you live—so South Carolina residents receive the same federal benefit rates as those in other states.

Medicare Coverage

After receiving SSDI benefits for 24 months, you will automatically become eligible for Medicare, regardless of your age. This includes:

• Medicare Part A (hospital insurance)
• Medicare Part B (medical insurance)
• Optional Part D (prescription drug coverage)

Medicare ensures that you have access to essential healthcare services while receiving SSDI.

Dependent Benefits

If you qualify for SSDI, certain family members may also be eligible to receive benefits, including:

• A spouse aged 62 or older
• A spouse caring for your child under age 16 or disabled
• Unmarried children under 18 (or under 19 if still in high school)
• Disabled adult children (if the disability started before age 22)

These auxiliary benefits can provide additional financial stability to your household.

Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA)

Each year, SSDI recipients may receive a Cost-of-Living Adjustment based on inflation. This helps ensure your benefits keep pace with the rising cost of living. The COLA is determined by the federal government and applies to all SSDI recipients, including those in South Carolina.

Protection from Work Disruptions

If you’ve worked and paid into the system but can no longer maintain employment due to your disability, SSDI acts as a safety net. You can also explore return-to-work programs while keeping your benefits during a trial work period, helping you ease back into employment.