Filing for Disability in South Carolina
When disability claims are medically reviewed in South Carolina, 39.9% are approved — above the national average of 37.0%. This rate measures how often claims are approved at medical review, not all applications filed.
Your Chances at the Initial Level
Medical approval rate = allowances / completed medical determinations at DDS.
Nat'l avg: 37.0%
Nat'l avg: 38.9%
Nat'l avg: 42.3%
Know Your Numbers
South Carolina approves 39.9% of initial disability claims. That’s 2.9 percentage points above the national average of 37.0%. Understanding your state’s data before you file helps you prepare.
Get your free personalized Approval Guide with your local approval data, condition context, and next-step guidance.
Get Your Free GuideWhat You Could Receive
National payment amounts by program. Individual amounts vary based on earnings history and state supplements.
Avg New SSDI Award
$1,824/mo
Max SSDI Benefit
$4,152/mo
SSI Individual Rate
$994/mo
SSI Couple Rate
$1,491/mo
SSDI amounts based on your earnings record. SSI is the 2026 federal rate; some states add a supplement. How benefits are calculated →
Medical Approval Rate Over Time
Monthly medical approval rates (allowances / determinations at DDS) for South Carolina vs. the national average. Data covers Feb 2021 – Mar 2026 (monthly).
South Carolina's medical approval rate has risen from 36.1% to 39.9% over this period.
At a Glance — March 2026
Monthly activity and current caseload at the state DDS office
Approval Rate
39.9%
Claims Filed
3,349
Determinations
2,570
Pending Claims
17,225
If Your Claim Is Denied
Reconsideration
If your initial claim is denied, you can request reconsideration — a new review by a different examiner. Is reconsideration worth it? →
Recon Approval Rate
15.5%
Recon Claims Pending
11,591
Hearing
If reconsideration is also denied, your case goes to a hearing. Hearing office assignment is based on your ZIP code, not state lines — some residents may be assigned to an office in a neighboring state.
Charleston
Hearing OfficeNorth Charleston · 7 judges · 7.0 months wait · 1,241 pending
approval
Columbia
Hearing OfficeColumbia · 8 judges · 7.0 months wait · 2,258 pending
approval
Greenville
Hearing OfficeMauldin · 10 judges · 7.0 months wait · 1,822 pending
approval
Detailed Breakdown
Initial Rates
- Concurrent
- 30.8%
- Disabled Child
- 47.4%
Reconsideration Rates
- Concurrent
- 12.2%
- Disabled Child
- 11.7%
SSDI Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 1,109
- Approved
- 463
SSI Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 890
- Approved
- 387
SSDI + SSI Combined
- Claims Reviewed
- 571
- Approved
- 176
Disabled Child (SSI)
- Claims Reviewed
- 456
- Approved
- 216
Recon Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 1,502
- Approved
- 233
What to Do Next
Review South Carolina's medical approval rates above to understand how your state compares.
Gather your medical records, treatment notes, and any test results that document your condition. See our evidence guide →
Get a free case review — we can connect you with a disability advocate who handles claims in South Carolina. Start here →
Learn More
Filing for Disability in South Carolina?
Claimants who understand their state’s approval data and process are better prepared. Get a free, personalized Approval Guide with your state’s rates, local offices, and a documentation checklist.
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