Disability in South Carolina

There are a number of different requirements for disability in South Carolina. First, you must be unable to work at your current job or work at any other job due to your disability. Second, your disability must either be fatal or be expected to last for at least one year if not longer. This condition must be medically determined by a physician and supported by medical records and lab tests.

Applying

To apply for disability in South Carolina, you must first be screened to make certain you are eligible (for example, if you've paid in a certain amount of social security, are a U.S. resident, and other basic requirements). Once you've passed the initial screening, you'll meet with a service coordinator to determine if you are medically disabled and eligible for disability. You will need to supply the service coordinator with as much information as you can, including any medical, psychological, and mental reports you may have. If your records aren't quite as detailed as the coordinator requires, you may be required to get another check up. This check up will be paid by the social security office.

Programs Available

Individuals with a disability in South Carolina may receive more than just social security payments or Medicaid. Those with a disability may qualify for further programs or for special programs depending on their disability. The blind or those unable to drive are eligible for transportation assistance. Those who are unable to perform basic tasks around their home may be eligible for home health assistance. This can include a full time health care nurse if necessary or a part-time assistant who comes to their home a few times a week to help with cleaning and basic home repair. However, the main form of disability assistance in South Carolina comes in the form of Person-Centered Planning.

Person-Centered Planning

In South Carolina, one of the programs for the disabled is called Person-Centered Planning. This form of assistance to the disabled focuses on accentuating the positive abilities of the disabled instead of focusing on their disabilities. Instead of placing a disabled individual in a program, Person-Centered Planning creates an individualized support service for each disabled person. This allows each individual to meet their own goals, learn how to function with their disability, and develop ways to contribute to their community and life a full, healthy life.