The basic steps to explore in South Carolina

You explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through Social Security itself, not through the state of South Carolina. The state does not run the disability program — Social Security does. You can start your process online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a Social Security office in person.

South Carolina has Social Security field offices in most cities. You can find the one nearest you on ssa.gov by entering your zip code. If you call the national number, you will reach someone who can answer questions about your specific situation and help you understand what documents you will need before you start.

The process itself asks about your medical condition, your work history, and your income and resources. Be as detailed as you can about when your condition started, what doctors you have seen, and what work you have done in the past 15 years. Social Security will contact your doctors directly to get your medical records, so you do not have to gather them yourself — but it helps to give them the names and addresses of the doctors who know your condition best.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore through Social Security directly, not through South Carolina, by visiting ssa.gov, calling 1-800-772-1213, or going to a local field office.
  • Social Security will request your medical records from your doctors, so provide the names and addresses of the doctors who have treated your condition.
  • The process asks about your medical condition, work history, and current income and resources — answer as completely as you can.
  • After you submit, Social Security sends your case to the South Carolina Disability information Service, which makes the medical decision.
  • The whole process typically takes three to six months, though it can take longer if Social Security needs more medical evidence.

What happens after you submit your process

Once you submit your process, Social Security creates a file and sends it to the South Carolina Disability information Service (DDS). This is a state agency that works for Social Security. The DDS is where the medical decision gets made — they review your medical records, sometimes order additional tests or exams, and decide whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability.

You will not hear from the DDS directly unless they need more information from you or your doctors. Social Security will contact you if they need anything else. Do not assume silence means approval — the process takes time, and you should expect to wait several months.

If the DDS denies your claim, you have the right to appeal. You can request reconsideration, which sends your case back to the DDS for another look. If you disagree with reconsideration, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. Each step has its own important date, so pay attention to any letters Social Security sends you.

Documents and information you will need

Before you explore, gather these items so you can move through the process faster:

  • Your Social Security number
  • Your birth certificate
  • Proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, green card, or naturalization papers)
  • Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all doctors and hospitals that have treated your condition
  • Dates you saw each doctor or had hospital stays
  • A list of all medications you currently take
  • Information about your work history for the past 15 years (employers, job titles, dates)
  • Your most recent tax return or W-2 forms
  • Bank account numbers and balances if you are explore for SSI

You do not need to have all of this before you start — you can begin the process and gather the rest as you go. But having it ready means you can finish faster and give Social Security complete information from the start.

Online process versus phone or in-person

The online process at ssa.gov is the fastest route if you are comfortable using a computer. You can save your work and come back to it, and you will get a confirmation number when you finish. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes if you have your information ready.

If you prefer to talk to someone, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning. You can also walk into any Social Security field office in South Carolina without an appointment, though you may wait. An in-person appointment can sometimes be scheduled in advance if you call ahead.

All three routes lead to the same place — your process goes to the DDS either way. Choose whichever feels easiest for you.

What Social Security means by disability

Social Security has a specific definition of disability that is different from what other programs use. You must have a medical condition that prevents you from doing any kind of substantial work, and the condition must last at least 12 months or be expected to result in death. Having a condition that makes work difficult is not enough — Social Security looks at whether you can do any work at all, anywhere.

Social Security publishes a list called the Blue Book that describes conditions they recognize as disabling. If your condition is on the list and you meet the medical criteria, approval is more straightforward. If your condition is not on the list, Social Security can still approve you, but they have to do more work to show that your condition is as severe as something on the list.

You do not have to prove you cannot work — Social Security's doctors and specialists review your medical records and decide. Your job is to give them accurate information about your condition and make sure they have records from all your doctors.

Timing and what to expect

From the day you submit your process to the day you get a decision usually takes three to six months. Some cases move faster, especially if your medical records are complete and your condition is clearly disabling. Others take longer if Social Security needs to order medical exams or if they need more information from your doctors.

You will receive a letter in the mail with the decision. If you are approved, the letter will tell you when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If you are denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to appeal.

While you are waiting, keep Social Security updated if anything changes — your address, your phone number, or your medical condition. If you start working or your income changes, tell them. Do not wait for them to ask.

After approval: What happens next in South Carolina

If you are approved for SSDI, your benefits start the month after you have been disabled for five full months. So if Social Security decides you became disabled in January, your first payment comes in July. If you are approved for SSI, benefits can start the month you submit your process.

Once you are approved, you will receive a Social Security card in the mail if you do not already have one. You will also get information about how your benefits are paid — usually by direct deposit to a bank account. You can set this up during your process or change it later by calling Social Security.

South Carolina does not have a separate state disability program that you need to contact. Social Security handles everything. However, if you receive SSI, you may also be may be able to access for South Carolina's Medicaid program, which covers health care. Social Security will tell you if you may have access to and how the process works.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for disability while I am still working?

Yes. You can work and explore at the same time. Social Security looks at whether you can do substantial work — they define this as earning more than a certain amount per month (the amount changes each year). If you are earning less than that, you can still explore. If you are earning more, Social Security will likely deny your claim, but you can reapply if you stop working.

What if I do not have a doctor?

You should see a doctor before you explore if you can. Social Security needs medical evidence to make a decision, and if you have no medical records, approval is much harder. If you cannot afford a doctor, look for a community health center in your area — many offer services on a sliding fee scale based on income. You can find one at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.

How long do I have to wait before I can appeal if I am denied?

You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to request reconsideration. If you miss that important date, you lose the right to appeal that particular decision. Mark the date on your calendar and do not throw away the letter.

Do I need a lawyer to explore?

No. You can explore on your own without a lawyer. However, if your case is denied and you appeal to a hearing, having a lawyer or representative can improve your chances. If you are approved, you only pay the lawyer if you win, and the fee is limited by law.

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

SSDI is based on your work history — you get it because you or a family member paid Social Security taxes. SSI is based on income and resources — you get it if you have very little money, regardless of work history. You might be may be able to access for one, both, or neither depending on your situation. Social Security will tell you which one you may have access to for when you explore.