Help For The Disabled
Help for the disabled Under the South Carolina Combined Application Project , if you are eligible for Supplemental Security Income , you are eligible to receive SNAP benefits without applying at the DSS office. You are eligible for SNAP benefits because you receive SSI.SCCAP is a program that DSS provides in conjunction with the Social Security Administration. You should be eligible for SCCAP if:
- You currently receive SSI;
- You live alone, or if you live with other people, but are responsible for purchasing and preparing meals for yourself only; and
- You have no earned income.
How do I apply?
- Complete a SCCAP application form. To access the form, .
- Mail it to SCCAP, South Carolina Department of Social Services, P.O. BOX 100203, Columbia, SC, 29202.
- If you are eligible, you will receive benefits from the date your application is filed. You will be notified in writing of the decision of your case.
- You will receive a set amount of SNAP benefits each month and may receive them as long as you continue to receive SSI and your household living arrangement remains the same.
Permanent Partial Disability Based On Scheduled Loss
If your injury has led to the permanent loss or lost use of part of your body, you may receive partial disability benefits according to a schedule in South Carolina law. These benefits are paid at the same weekly rate as temporary total disability . The payments will continue for a set period of time, depending on the affected body part and the extent of your lost use .
For certain body partsmostly the extremities, shoulders, hips, and eyes, as well as hearingthe schedule gives a corresponding number of weeks that benefits would continue for 100% lost use. For less than complete loss, benefits would continue for a period of time in proportion to the percentage of loss. For example, the schedule lists 140 weeks for loss of a foot. If you’ve lost 50% of the use of your foot, you would receive 70 weeks’ worth of benefits. The schedule treats lost use of the back somewhat differently, with a maximum 300 weeks for lost use of 49% or less and 500 weeks for 50% or more lost use.
For lost use of other parts of your body not included in the list , you will be assigned what’s known as a “whole person impairment rating,” expressed in a percentage. That rating will then determine the duration of your benefits, as a proportion of 500 weeks. For example, for a 10% permanent disability to the body as a whole, you will receive payments for 50 weeks.
How Much Work Do You Need
In addition to meeting our definition of disability, you must have worked long enough and recently enough under Social Security to qualify for disability benefits.
Social Security work credits are based on your total yearly wages or self-employment income. You can earn up to four credits each year.
The amount needed for a work credit changes from year to year. In 2021, for example, you earn one credit for each $1,470 in wages or self-employment income. When you’ve earned $5,880, you’ve earned your four credits for the year.
The number of work credits you need to qualify for disability benefits depends on your age when you become disabled. Generally, you need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years ending with the year you become disabled. However, younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.
For more information on whether you qualify, refer to How You Earn Credits.
The Primary Social Security Programs For People With Long
- Social Security Disability Insurance , which provides benefits to disabled or blind individuals who have contributed to the Social Security system. These contributions are the Federal Insurance Contributions Act Social Security tax paid on their earnings or those of their spouses or parents.
- Supplemental Security Income , which makes cash assistance payments to aged, blind and disabled people who have limited income and resources. People who receive SSI typically have never been able to work and have very limited assets.
The premise of SSDI is that your condition prevents you from earning sufficient income to meet your monthly bills. To be recognized by the Social Security Administration as a qualifying disability, your condition must be expected to last at least 12 months or be a terminal condition and prevent you from engaging in any substantial gainful work for pay. It is not intended for people with temporary disabilities.
Special Rules For People Who Are Blind Or Have Low Vision
We consider you to be legally blind under Social Security rules if your vision cannot be corrected to better than 20/200 in your better eye or if your visual field is 20 degrees or less, even with a corrective lens. Many people who meet the legal definition of blindness still have some sight and may be able to read large print and get around without a cane or a guide dog.
If you do not meet the legal definition of blindness, you may still qualify for disability benefits if your vision problems alone or combined with other health problems prevent you from working.
There are a number of special rules for people who are blind that recognize the severe impact of blindness on a person’s ability to work. For example, the monthly earnings limit for people who are blind is generally higher than the limit that applies to non-blind disabled workers.
In 2021, the monthly earnings limit is $2,190.
What Do I Need To Know About Advance Designation
You should be aware of another type of representation called Advance Designation. This relates to the Strengthening Protections for Social Security Beneficiaries Act of 2018, which was signed into law on April 13, 2018.
Advance Designation allows capable adult and emancipated minor applicants and beneficiaries of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and Special Veterans Benefits to choose one or more individuals to serve as their representative payee in the future, if the need arises.
To help protect whats important to you, we now offer the option to choose a representative payee in advance. In the event that you can no longer make your own decisions, you and your family will have peace of mind knowing you already chose someone you trust to manage your benefits. If you need a representative payee to assist with the management of your benefits, we will first consider your advance designees, but we must still fully evaluate them and determine their suitability at that time.
You can submit your advance designation request when you apply for benefits or after you are already receiving benefits. You may do so through your personal account, by telephone, or in person.
If Your Disability Claim Is Denied
Approximately three to four months after you apply for disability benefits, you’ll be notified in writing whether or not your claim has been approved. The majority of South Carolina disability claimants have their initial applications denied by South Carolina Disability Determination Services . If you receive a disability denial, this doesn’t mean that you’ll never be approved for benefits. There is a multi-level process in place for you to appeal a disability denial.
Once You Have Received A Total Of 24 Monthly Benefits Payments If You Are Still Receiving Ssdi Benefits You Are Also Eligible For:
- a new nine-month trial work period
- a new 36-month extended period of eligibility
- a new 60-month period to file a request if your reinstated benefits are terminated due to SGA earnings
- a new period of extended Medicare coverage.
Conversely, if your earnings exceed the level qualifying as a substantial gainful activity after the 36-month period, then your benefits will end. If your SSDI benefits stop because of your earnings, but youre still disabled, then your free Medicare Part A coverage will continue for at least 93 months after the nine-month trial work period. After that, you can buy Medicare Part A coverage by paying a monthly premium.
File For Disability In South Carolina
There are three ways for an individual who is struggling with a disabling condition to apply for Social Security Disability benefits in South Carolina.
- Online: Apply online at the Social Security Administrations website ssa.gov.
- Telephone: Apply over the phone by calling the SSAs customer service line toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 .
- In-person: Apply in-person at the closest Social Security Office. Find your local South Carolina office here.
Social Security Disability Thresholds
Disabled Worker, Spouse and One or More Children: $2,195
All Disabled Workers: $1,261
Disabled Worker, Spouse and One or More Children: $2,224
All Disabled Workers: $1,277
How can you increase your social security disability benefits or how can you receive the maximum social security disability benefits?
Unfortunately, since the formula is largely based on your work history, there are not many ways to increase the amount you can receive for social security disability payments or benefits.
However, it is crucial to take immediate steps as soon as you become disabled and are no longer able to work. Your condition must last for at least a year, is expected to last for at least a year, or will end in death. You can ask an SSDI lawyer or representative for assistance or receive a free evaluation to determine the amount you may be eligible for. Further, you can ask your doctor to help you fill out some of the forms required to prove your disability. You must be specific when filling out this information, reporting your diagnosis, and how the disability affects your everyday life and inability to work.
In addition to social security disability benefit payments, you can also receive other forms of disability benefits, such as SSI, food stamps, affordable housing programs, or other forms of assistance.
The Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool is also a great resource that you can use to find the right social security benefits for you.
Va Disability Rates For Conditions 80 Va Disability Pay
VA Disability Pay Rates for Conditions
We have also built a VA disability rates for conditions expert-level guide that will assist veterans who currently have a 80 VA disability rating.
This guide will also help you at both lower and higher VAratings, and explains VA disability rates for conditions in 2020.
About The Va Disability Rating System
Veterans with a disability that developed or worsened while serving in the military or due to military service may be eligible for Service-Connected disability pay.
Conditions covered by these benefits typically include:
- Physical disabilities including hearing loss, chronic back pain, asthma and cancers caused by contact with toxic chemicals.
- Mental disabilities including anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder , depression and traumatic brain injury .
Find a complete list of covered conditions here.
For every disability claim, the Department of Veterans Affairs assigns a severity rating ranging from 0-100%. This rating moves in 10% increments, is based on service treatment records, VA medical records, and private medical records directly relating to the disability.
For Veterans with more than one disability, the VA uses the combined rating table to calculate your disability percentage.
Permanent Total Disability Based On Specific Injuries
You will automatically be considered permanently and totally disabled if, as a result of your injury, you lost both hands, arms, shoulders, feet, legs, or hips; the vision in both eyes; or a combination of two of those. In addition, if you’ve lost at least 50% of the use of your back, workers’ comp will presume that you’re permanently and totally disabled unless your employer or the insurance company proves otherwise.
Permanent total disability benefits are paid at the same rate as temporary total disability benefits, with the same maximum and minimum. South Carolina generally places a 500-week limit on total disability benefits. However, benefits will continue for life for those who are permanently, totally disabled and are paraplegic, quadriplegic, or have physical brain injuries.
The 500-week cap applies to both temporary and permanent total disability; that means that any time you received temporary disability could be deducted from the 500 weeks. .)
Adding On The State Supplement
While the federal benefit rate is the same throughout the United States, many states add a state supplemental payment onto the federal benefit. The payment varies from $10 to $400, depending on the state. Even within your own state, the supplementary payment can vary depending on whether you are married or single and what your living arrangement is. For instance, in 2021, California adds an extra $160 to the monthly SSI payment for most people living independently with cooking facilities and $247 to those living independently without cooking facilities.
Some states pay the supplement only to those living in nursing homes. For example, Texas pays a $60 supplement to those living in a nursing home, and pays nothing to others. Similarly, Georgia pays an extra $20 to those living in nursing homes, and nothing to others. Maine pays only $10 extra, both to those living independently and those living in nursing homes.
A few states don’t pay a supplement at all, including Arizona, Arkansas, Mississippi, North Dakota, Oregon, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
For more information, see our article on the state supplementary payment.
The First Disability Appeal Request Reconsideration
Within 60 days of being notified that your disability claim has been denied, you can file a “Request for Reconsideration,” which will re-open your claim with the DDS. A different claims examiner than the one who denied your disability claim will review your file to ensure that the correct decision was made. You’ll be notified of the results of your reconsideration one to two months after submitting the request. Approximately 10% of South Carolina’s disability applicants have their claims approved at this level.
Do You Owe Your Severance Pay Back To The Va
December 31, 2019
Veterans often wonder if they have to pay back the severance or separation pay that they received when they got out of the military. The answer to this question depends on the type of severance you received and when.
There are four different categories of separation pay:
The best way to know which severance pay you received is to look at the dates when you got out of the military.
The first two types of separation pay were available to those who separated before December 31, 2001. They are the special Separation Benefit or the Voluntary Separation Incentive .
Disability Hearing Offices In South Carolina
Social Security disability hearings for South Carolina residents are held at one of five OHO offices, which are listed below. OHO stands for Offices of Hearings Operations, which were previously known as Offices of Adjudications and Review .
Augusta OHO
115 Robert C. Daniel, Jr. ParkwayAugusta, Georgia 30909
Fax: 297-0498
Can You Do Any Other Type Of Work
If you cant do the work you did in the past, we look to see if there is other work you could do despite your medical impairment.
We consider your medical conditions, age, education, past work experience, and any transferable skills you may have. If you cant do other work, well decide you are disabled. If you can do other work, well decide that you dont have a qualifying disability and your claim will be denied.
Applying For Disability Benefits In South Carolina
How do you apply for disability benefits in South Carolina?
The answer depends on whether you suffered a short-term or long-term injury or illness, if it happened off-the-job or on-the-job , and whether you have coverage for each of these situations.
The state does not provide short-term disability for off-the-job accidents, illnesses, and pregnancy-related conditions. Therefore, SC residents must purchase this coverage on their own before the need arises.
However, most people have coverage for Workers Compensation, Unemployment, and Social Security, and can file claims when appropriate
Do You Get Full Pay While Out Of Work
No, short-term disability does not pay 100% of your income. Each policy has different parameters for the percentage of pay and the maximum monthly benefit.
For example, the New York State plan covers 50% of earnings and tops out at $150 per week, while the California program replaces up to 70% and maxes at approximately $1,357 weekly.
What Happens If The Adult Child Gets Married
If he or she receives benefits as a disabled “adult child,” the benefits generally end if he or she gets married. However, some marriages are considered protected.
The rules vary depending on the situation. Contact a Social Security representative at 1-800-772-1213 to find out if the benefits can continue.
1-800-772-1213
To speed up the application process, complete an Adult Disability Report and have it available at the time of your appointment.
Disabled Veterans And Caregivers To Gain Access To Exchanges Commissaries And Recreation Facilities
About Ryan Guina
Ryan Guina is the founder and editor of The Military Wallet. He is a writer, small business owner, and entrepreneur. He served over 6 years on active duty in the USAF and is a current member of the IL Air National Guard.
Ryan started The Military Wallet in 2007 after separating from active duty military service and has been writing about financial, small business, and military benefits topics since then. He also writes about personal finance and investing at Cash Money Life.
Ryan uses Personal Capital to track and manage his finances. Personal Capital is a free software program that allows him to track his net worth, balance his investment portfolio, track his income and expenses, and much more. You can open a free Personal Capital account here.
Featured In: Ryan’s writing has been featured in the following publications: Forbes, Military.com, US News & World Report, Yahoo Finance, Reserve & National Guard Magazine , Military Influencer Magazine, Cash Money Life, The Military Guide, USAA, Go Banking Rates, and many other publications.
With Dependents Including Children
Find the dependent status in the left column that best describes you. Then look for your disability rating in the top row. Your monthly basic rate is where your dependent status and disability rating meet.
If you have more than one child or your spouse receives Aid and Attendance benefits, be sure to also look at the Added amounts table, and add these to your amount from the Basic rates table.
| Dependent status | 30% disability rating | 40% disability rating | 50% disability rating | 60% disability rating | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dependent status | Veteran with 1 child only | 30% disability rating | 476.35 | 40% disability rating | 681.77 | 50% disability rating | 963.04 | 60% disability rating | 1,216.39 |
| With 1 child and spouse | 30% disability rating | 532.35 | 40% disability rating | 756.77 | 50% disability rating | 1,056.04 | 60% disability rating | 1,328.39 | |
| With 1 child, spouse, and 1 parent | 30% disability rating | 574.35 | 40% disability rating | 812.77 | 50% disability rating | 1,126.04 | 60% disability rating | 1,412.39 | |
| With 1 child, spouse, and 2 parents | 30% disability rating | 616.35 | 40% disability rating | 868.77 | 50% disability rating | 1,196.04 | 60% disability rating | 1,496.39 | |
| With 1 child and 1 parent | 30% disability rating | 518.35 | 40% disability rating | 737.77 | 50% disability rating | 1,033.04 | 60% disability rating | 1,300.39 | |
| With 1 child and 2 parents | 30% disability rating | 560.35 | 40% disability rating | 793.77 | 50% disability rating | 1,103.04 | 60% disability rating | 1,384.39 |
Contact Our South Carolina Social Security Benefits Attorneys Today
Social security benefits are meant to help individuals in need of financial assistance after they, or their loved ones, became disabled. The attorneys at Harbin & Burnett are committed to helping you get every dollar you deserve in the minimum amount of time possible
We are an experienced and aggressive law firm whose goal is to stand by you in your time of need. We are pleased to offer assistance so those seeking social security benefits in South Carolina and proudly serve the following areas:
- Anderson
Does Everyone Get Denied Disability First Time
No, it is a myth that all disability claims are denied the first time around. The Social Security Administration has no regulation, policy, or formula that influences the disability system in such a way that most initial applications for Social Security disability benefits are automatically denied .
Reduction For Disability Payments From Other Sources
If you receive disability benefits from a private source, like a private pension or private insurance benefits, these benefits will not affect your SSDI benefits. If, however, you receive other public disability benefits, they may affect your SSDI benefits. For instance, if you were injured on the job and are receiving workers’ compensation benefits, the amount of SSDI benefits you receive might be reduced.
Other disability benefits that are not job-related and are paid for by the federal, state, or local government may also reduce your SSDI benefit amount. Examples of these include temporary disability benefits paid by the state, military disability benefits, and state or local government retirement benefits that are based on disability. Some public benefits are not counted toward the 80%, including SSI or VA benefits.
The combined total amounts you receive from SSDI and all other public disability benefits cannot be more than 80% of the average amount you earned before you became disabled. If the amount is more than 80% of what your average earnings were before you became disabled, in most states, the excess amount is deducted from your SSDI benefits.
The interaction between workers’ compensation and SSDI can be complicated and varies depending on what state you live in. If you qualify for more than one public disability benefit, you may want to speak with an attorney to make sure you do not miss out on any benefits you are entitled to.
Calculating Your Ssi Payment
Here is an example of how the SSA takes into account your income in calculating your SSI payment. Let’s say Maria makes $625 per month from a part-time job, before taxes. Because the SSA won’t count the first $20 of any income per month, or the first $65 of earnings, this leaves Maria’s countable income at $540 . Finally, the SSA doesn’t count half of Maria’s remaining earnings, or $270 in Maria’s case. So, out of the $623, the SSA only counts $270 as countable income and will subtract $270 from Maria’s SSI payment. Maria’s monthly payment will be $524 .
Qualifying For 100 Percent Va Disability In South Carolina
Veterans who have a service-connected illness or injury must meet several requirements in order to receive VA benefits. The most basic prerequisites require that veterans have:
- Sustained their injury or illness during active duty, active duty training, or inactive duty training.
- Been honorably discharged from the military.
- Been given a 10 percent or more VA disability rating for the illness or injury.
A key component impacting the rating is how much the conditions affect a veterans ability to work. Attaining a 100 percent disability rating means that you must prove that you are physically and/or mentally impaired to such a degree that it is impossible for you to maintain a substantially gainful occupation.
There are several ways that you may be able to attain 100 percent disability benefits:
- 100 percent rating based on VA formula. The VA processes your application by rating your disability or disabilities using a special schedule. If the combined total of the ratings is 100 percent, then you qualify for 100 percent benefits. It gets tricky if you have multiple disabilities and ratings. Its not a simple matter of addition. In other words, a 70 percent rating for one injury and a 30 percent injury for another condition will not automatically render you 100 percent disabled. This is especially important to understand if you are considering appealing your VA rating. Our attorneys can explain the VA math to you during our case review.