State & City Resources
Charleston, South Carolina: Disability Resources
On This Page
Charleston-area support comes through county benefit offices, the Trident aging and disability network, and CARTA. The Trident region includes Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties, while Tel-A-Ride follows a transit corridor. Confirm coverage for your actual address and destination.
Charleston County DSS
Charleston County’s DSS office page provides local contact information and official routes to apply for SNAP or TANF, view benefits, and report changes. The listed county office is in North Charleston. Check which unit handles your need and how to submit requested records before making a trip; an online inquiry is not necessarily a completed application.
Trident Area Agency on Aging
Charleston’s Office on Aging resource page directs older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers to Trident Area Agency on Aging. Its information and referral specialist helps identify services, plan for long-term care, and understand service eligibility. Describe the support needed and ask about the referred provider’s assessment and current availability.
CARTA Tel-A-Ride
Tel-A-Ride serves qualifying riders whose disabilities prevent use of regular buses. Coverage generally follows a three-quarter-mile corridor around CARTA routes. Complete the application and arrange trips in advance. The page describes limits on driver assistance inside buildings or up steps, so discuss attendant needs when applying and booking. Confirm return-trip arrangements as well as the outbound ride.
Before You Contact a Program
- Use your county of residence when contacting DSS or Trident.
- Keep notices and a short description of support needs available.
- For Tel-A-Ride, check both addresses, pickup assistance, and companion arrangements.
Keep Federal Benefits Separate
County benefits, support referrals, and transit certification do not file an SSA claim. SSA’s Disability page[1] explains SSDI; SSA’s SSI overview[2] explains SSI. Apply for federal benefits through SSA. Starting a local service application does not file an SSDI or SSI claim.
Return to South Carolina resources or browse the state resource directory.
This guide provides general information, not legal or medical advice. Disability Benefit Guide USA is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration or the organizations listed. A listing is not an endorsement or a promise of services.
Official Sources and References
These SSA.gov links support the explanations above. Official applications, account services, and agency forms are completed through SSA.
- SSA’s Disability page — SSA.gov
- SSA’s SSI overview — SSA.gov