Applying for SSI Disability Benefits in South Carolina   The Social Security Administration offers two separate disability benefit programs. The first is covered under title II of the social security act and is known as Social Security Disability. Often, Social Security Disability is referred to as SSD, SSDI (Social Security Disability insurance), RSDI (retirement survivors disability insurance), and DIB (disability insuance benefits). An application for Social Security Disability in South Carolina may be taken on anyone who has paid enough into the system to be considered "insured". And, in this sense, SSD is very much like other types of insurance because when a person stops paying into the system (through the deductions on their paychecks), their coverage for Social Security Disability will eventually stop at some point. For a person who was previously insured for SSD but has stopped working, the point at which they will no longer be covered for Social Security Disability is known as a DLI, or date last insured. What happens if your coverage for Social Security Disability runs out? That is where SSI disability steps in. SSI is short for supplemental security income. The SSI program provides disability benefits for individuals who were A. never insured for Social Security Disability, B. used to be insured for Social Security Disability but lost their coverage, and C. children. Is applying for SSI disability benefits different than applying for SSD? No, the process is identical and the social security office will determine whether your disability application will be for SSD or SSI when you go to apply. Likewise, filing an appeal for SSI (if your claim gets turned down) is also identical in every way. For both SSD and SSI disability, if your case is denied, you are given sixty days to file an appeal and this is always the preferred route (versus starting over with a new application). Also, with both SSD and SSI disability an individual is allowed to find representation at any point in the process, while the claim is pending or after it has been denied. Fortunately, disability lawyers offer free consultations regarding their services and no fees are charged upfront (a disability lawyer is paid 21% of a person's backpay only after a case has been won). About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Filing for disability in South Carolina If you File or apply for Disability in South Carolina How long does it take to get a disability decision in South Carolina? Where do you begin when applying for disability benefits in South Carolina? What to bring when applying for disability in South Carolina Applying for SSI Disability Benefits in South Carolina What happens after you apply for disability in South Carolina? If you file for disability in South Carolina and get denied South Carolina disability back pay benefits Social Security Disability Retroactive Benefits in South Carolina Getting Social Security Disability back pay in South Carolina South Carolina disability tips South Carolina Social Security Disability appeal tips How to apply for disability in South Carolina and get approved? How to get awarded disability in South Carolina How to qualify for disability in South Carolina South Carolina Disability Doctors Help Your Doctor Help You to Win disability in South Carolina A Disability Exam in South Carolina Social Security Disability DDS doctors in South Carolina Medical Conditions and SSD SSI in South Carolina You Must be Disabled for a Year to get disability in South Carolina Social Security Disability for Mental and Physical Problems in South Carolina List Mental Conditions on a Disability Application in South Carolina South Carolina disability applications and your condition Disability hearings in South Carolina Social Security Disability Hearing Decisions in South Carolina Disability Hearing in South Carolina offers a chance for winning benefits Disability hearing in South Carolina, what happens? Disability denials in South Carolina If you lose your disability case in South Carolina Social Security Disability appeals in South Carolina Disability appeals in South Carolina When a Social Security Disability claim gets denied in South Carolina Should You Appeal Your Social Security Disability Denial in South Carolina? Appealing a denial of Social Security Disability in South Carolina Qualifying for disability in South Carolina Qualifying for Disability in South Carolina Who qualifies for disability in South Carolina? Will you get Approved for Disability in South Carolina? Disability cases to win in South Carolina Disability lawyers in South Carolina South Carolina Disability lawyer, hiring Using a Social Security Disability Attorney in South Carolina How to pick a disability lawyer in South Carolina Get a Good Disability Attorney or Disability Representative in South Carolina