March 20, 2020 COVID-19 UPDATE: DDSN continues to accept eligibility applications accordingly to the normal process below.

The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN) is the state agency that provides services to children and adults with severe, lifelong disabilities.

DDSN serves people in 7 different categories of eligibility.

• Intellectual Disability
• Related Disability (i.e., a disability related to an Intellectual Disability)
• High Risk Infant
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Head Injury
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Similar Disability (i.e., a disability similar to a head [traumatic brain] or spinal cord injury)

To be eligible for DDSN services, you must be domiciled in South Carolina and be confirmed by DDSN to meet criteria for at least one of the noted disability categories to the left.

Apply Today

By Phone, Toll Free at:

1-800-289-7012

Available 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Monday through Friday

Please read this entire page. It tells you important information you need to know before you call.

How to request DDSN Eligibility:

• Call Toll Free 1-800-289-7012, Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM
• Have the following information about the applicant available:
  • Full Name
  • Date of Birth
  • Social Security Number
  • Medicaid Number if Medicaid eligible
  • Home Address
  • Phone Number
  • E-mail Address, if available
• Plan to spend about 15 minutes on your call.
• You will be asked questions to establish your residency in South Carolina.
• You will be asked questions to get general information about your disability.
• You will be asked to select three (3) Intake Service Providers from a list read to you over the phone. The Intake Provider will help you through the Eligibility process at no cost to you. DDSN will contact the Intake Service Provider(s) you choose.
• You will receive a letter from DDSN confirming your application for DDSN eligibility.
• The Intake Service Provider you choose or an Autism Eligibility Coordinator will contact you by telephone within two (2) weeks and will provide you information and collect medical and educational records needed by DDSN to determine eligibility.
• Once appropriate records are submitted by the Intake Service Provider or the Autism Eligibility Coordinator, DDSN will notify the applicant in writing of their eligibility status.