Does South Carolina offer a state SSI supplement?

Yes, South Carolina provides a state supplement to the federal SSI benefit, which can increase your monthly payment above the federal maximum of $943/month for individuals.

Can I receive both SSDI and SSI at the same time?

Yes, this is called "concurrent benefits." If your SSDI benefit amount is low (below the SSI limit), you may qualify for both. You must meet the disability requirement for SSDI and the financial requirements for SSI.

What income can I have and still receive SSI?

SSI excludes the first $20 of most income and the first $65 of earned income, then counts half the remaining earned income [§ 20 C.F.R. 416.1112]. In 2024, you can earn approximately $1,971/month[src:https://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/ssi.html|SSA SSI Amounts] and still receive a partial SSI payment (exact amount varies based on your circumstances).

Topic guideUpdated 2026-02-27

SSI in South Carolina — Supplemental Security Income Guide

Q: What is SSI and who qualifies?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal needs-based program for aged (65+), blind, or disabled individuals with limited income and resources [§ 42 U.S.C. 1381]. Unlike SSDI, SSI does not require a work history. Your countable resources must be under $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couple) [§ 42 U.S.C. 1382].

Q: How does SSI affect Medicaid eligibility in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, Medicaid eligibility for SSI recipients is determined through SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid in South Carolina (Section 1634 state). You may need to apply separately for Medicaid.

SSI eligibility, South Carolina's state supplement, Medicaid coordination, and how SSI differs from SSDI.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program for aged, blind, or disabled individuals with limited income and resources §42 U.S.C. 1381. Unlike SSDI, SSI does not require a work history.

SSI vs. SSDI

	SSDI	SSI
Based On	Work History (Earnings Record)	Financial Need
Funded By	Social Security Trust Fund	General Tax Revenue
Health Coverage	Medicare (after 24 months) §42 U.S.C. 426	Medicaid (varies by state)
Income Limits	Substantial Gainful Activity	Strict Income/Resource Limits
2024 Max Benefit	Based on Earnings Record	$943/month (individual) §42 U.S.C. 1382

SSI Eligibility Requirements

You must be aged 65+, blind, or disabled under SSA's definition

Your countable income must be below SSI limits §20 C.F.R. 416.1100

Your countable resources must be under $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couple)

You must be a U.S. citizen or qualifying non-citizen

You must reside in one of the 50 states, DC, or the Northern Mariana Islands

State SSI Supplement in South Carolina

South Carolina provides a state supplement to federal SSI benefits. This supplement can increase your monthly payment above the federal maximum.

Medicaid Coordination

South Carolina has not expanded Medicaid. SSI recipients may still qualify for Medicaid, but eligibility is determined separately through SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid in South Carolina (Section 1634 state).

Applying for SSI

You can apply for SSI at your local SSA field office in South Carolina (locations include Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Spartanburg, Florence, Myrtle Beach, Aiken, Sumter, Anderson). You can also start your application online at ssa.gov or by calling SSA at 1-800-772-1213.

✓You can apply for both SSDI and SSI simultaneously if you may qualify for both programs. Many claimants receive SSI while waiting for SSDI benefits to begin.

Prepare for Your Consultation

Quick checklist (SSDI)

Gather these before your first consultation.

Medical records

(doctor reports, hospital records, test results)

Work history

(past 15 years of employment, job duties)

Daily activities log

(limitations on daily tasks, self-care)

General preparation tips only. Specific needs depend on your state and claim type.

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