Monthly Cash Payments

• SSDI Benefits: If you’ve worked and paid into Social Security, you may receive monthly SSDI payments. The exact amount depends on your earnings history.
• SSI Benefits: If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for SSI. This provides a smaller monthly benefit, but it doesn’t require a work history.

Both programs provide steady income to help cover your basic living expenses.

Healthcare Coverage

• Medicare: SSDI recipients become eligible for Medicare—the federal health insurance program—after a 24-month waiting period from the date of disability eligibility. It includes hospital coverage, doctor visits, and prescription drugs.
• Medicaid: If you're approved for SSI, you are usually eligible for South Carolina Medicaid immediately. Medicaid provides comprehensive medical coverage, including doctor visits, hospitalization, medications, and some long-term care services.

Back Pay and Retroactive Benefits

• Back Pay: If your application takes time to process, the SSA may award back payments dating back to your original filing date.
• Retroactive Pay: If you are approved for SSDI, you may receive retroactive benefits for up to 12 months prior to your application date—depending on when your disability began.

These lump-sum payments can be helpful if you’ve been struggling financially during the wait.

Dependent Benefits

If you're receiving SSDI, certain family members may also be eligible for auxiliary benefits, including:

• Children under 18 (or under 19 if still in high school)
• Spouses age 62 or older
• Disabled adult children
  

These benefits can help your family remain financially stable.

Additional Support Programs in South Carolina

South Carolina offers state-specific programs to supplement your federal disability benefits, including:

• SNAP (Food Assistance): You may qualify for food stamps to help cover grocery costs.
• Energy Assistance (LIHEAP): Help paying utility bills during high-cost seasons.
• Housing Assistance: Access to subsidized or reduced-rent housing for low-income individuals.
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Assistance with retraining, job placement, and tools for returning to work if possible.