STATE GUIDE

South Carolina · Disability

Disability benefits in South Carolina

Based on Federal VA regulations and South Carolina state-published veteran benefits. This page is a free community resource. We are not VA-accredited and do not file claims or provide legal advice (per 38 U.S.C. § 5904).

Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 · Next review: 2026-10-18

Maintained by: Veterans Benefits Navigator editorial team. Every citation links to a primary federal or state source. See editorial standards and our privacy posture.

Primary sources: 38 CFR Part 4, South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Federal VA disability compensation amounts are set by Congress and are the same in every state. South Carolina publishes additional programs that may supplement what eligible veterans receive from the federal government. Verify current rules with the South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs (opens in new tab) before relying on this page for filing decisions.

Federal disability compensation (same in every state)

The VA may rate service-connected disabilities under 38 CFR Part 4 and pay monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1110 (wartime) or § 1131 (peacetime). The combined-rating estimator computes an estimated monthly amount under 38 CFR § 4.25 if you have one or more rated conditions.

Combined Rating Estimator: estimate your overall rating under 38 CFR § 4.25.
2026 VA Compensation Rates: current monthly rate tables.
How to File a Disability Claim: federal claim walkthrough.

South Carolina disability-related programs

These programs are administered by South Carolina, not by the federal VA. Eligibility, application processes, and benefit amounts are set by the state and may change. Each item links to the authoritative source.

Property tax exemption

South Carolina may exempt the primary residence from property tax for veterans rated 100% permanent and total service-connected; the exemption may transfer to a surviving spouse under specified conditions.

Read the rule

Vehicle registration and disabled-veteran plates

South Carolina may issue Disabled Veteran license plates and waive certain registration fees for qualifying veterans through the SC Department of Motor Vehicles.

Read the rule

Other South Carolina-published programs

Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans. South Carolina exempts the primary residence from property tax for veterans rated 100% permanent and total service-connected disabled. The exemption may transfer to a surviving spouse under specified conditions. Source (opens in new tab).
Military Retirement Income Deduction. South Carolina permits a full state income tax deduction on military retirement pay for most retirees (rules expanded under Act 11 of 2022). VA disability compensation is already federally tax-exempt; this affects other military-origin income. Source (opens in new tab).
Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses. South Carolina issues free freshwater fishing, hunting, and other recreational licenses to veterans rated totally and permanently service-connected disabled, administered by SC DNR with DVA verification. Source (opens in new tab).
Veteran Designation on South Carolina Driver License. SC driver licenses and ID cards may display a "VETERAN" designation at no additional fee with DD-214 verification through the SC Department of Motor Vehicles. Source (opens in new tab).

Where to get free, accredited help in South Carolina

Many South Carolina counties staff a County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) who may file federal and state veteran claims at no cost. The South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs typically maintains a current directory.

VA OGC accredited representative search (SC) (opens in new tab): the official federal directory.
South Carolina CVSO / VSO directory (opens in new tab): published by the South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs (opens in new tab): state-level eligibility, application forms, and appeal procedures.

By the Veterans Benefits Navigator teamLast reviewed 2026-04-18

Federal disability compensation (same in every state)

South Carolina disability-related programs

Property tax exemption

Read the rule

Vehicle registration and disabled-veteran plates

South Carolina may issue Disabled Veteran license plates and waive certain registration fees for qualifying veterans through the SC Department of Motor Vehicles.

Read the rule

Other South Carolina-published programs

Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans. South Carolina exempts the primary residence from property tax for veterans rated 100% permanent and total service-connected disabled. The exemption may transfer to a surviving spouse under specified conditions. Source (opens in new tab).
Military Retirement Income Deduction. South Carolina permits a full state income tax deduction on military retirement pay for most retirees (rules expanded under Act 11 of 2022). VA disability compensation is already federally tax-exempt; this affects other military-origin income. Source (opens in new tab).
Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses. South Carolina issues free freshwater fishing, hunting, and other recreational licenses to veterans rated totally and permanently service-connected disabled, administered by SC DNR with DVA verification. Source (opens in new tab).
Veteran Designation on South Carolina Driver License. SC driver licenses and ID cards may display a "VETERAN" designation at no additional fee with DD-214 verification through the SC Department of Motor Vehicles. Source (opens in new tab).

Where to get free, accredited help in South Carolina