SCI & Advocacy
Financial Resources
Tax & Special Benefits
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A person with a disability may park a vehicle in a metered or timed parking place in a city without paying fees. This covers both metered parking on city streets and spaces in parking lots and garages owned/operated by local governments.
Parking lots and garages operated by state government agencies may also provide free parking for people with disabilities.
The law also allows parking in places where signs limit the length of time parking is allowed, such as 2-hour limit. However, the law does NOT allow a person with a disability to park where ALL vehicles are barred from parking (such as a sign for "NO parking between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.")
To qualify, the person's vehicle must have a disability license plate or display a disability placard hanging from the rearview mirror (or on the driver’s side dashboard if it cannot be hung). SC Code Ann. Sections 56-3-1950, 1960 and 1965.
Veterans with a disability do not have to pay city parking meter fees if their vehicles have a “disabled veteran” license plate. SC Code Ann. Section 56-5-2585 To get this plate you need documentation from the U.S., regional, or county Veterans Affairs certifying that you are a wartime disabled veteran who:
1) is entitled to compensation for the loss of use of one or both legs or arms, or
2) has a permanent impairment of vision in both eyes to a degree as to constitute virtual blindness and is entitled to a special monthly statutory award by reason thereof, or 3) is a SC veteran classified as totally and permanently disabled due to service-connected disabilities as determined from the medical records on file with the U.S. or county Department of Veterans Affairs.
HOWEVER, if you want to park in spaces reserved for individuals with disabilities, SC DMV requires you also provide a physician’s statement that your disability would qualify you for the standard SC Disabled License Plate or Placard. Then your “disabled veteran” plate will be issued showing a wheelchair symbol as the international disability symbol. For further information see:
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People with disabilities are allowed to pay $20 instead of full license fee when registering passenger vehicles for license plates. This special rate does not cover trucks. The law covers only individuals who have disabilities that: (1) impair the ability to walk or require use of a wheelchair, braces, walkers, or crutches; (2) involve loss of use of one or both legs; (3) involve lung disease requiring a respirator while walking; or (4) involve mobility impairment. It also covers people considered totally and permanently disabled by the federal Social Security Administration or Veterans Affairs Department. This same law applies to all persons age 65 or over. SC Code Ann. Sections 56-3-620 and 56-3-1950
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1. Up to two personal motor vehicles owned or leased by person who uses a wheelchair are exempt from property tax. The vehicles may be owned solely or jointly. SC Code Ann. Section 12-37-220 (B)(27)
2. One personal motor vehicle owned or leased by guardian of a child who is blind or uses a wheelchair is exempt from property tax if the vehicle is used to transport the child. SC Code Ann. Section 12-37-220 (B)(37)
3. Up to two private passenger vehicles owned or leased by a disabled veteran who has special license tags or a certificate showing total and permanent disability is exempt from property tax. The exemption extends for one vehicle owned by a surviving spouse. SC Code Ann. Section 12-37-220 (B)(3)
NOTE: The SC Department of Revenue makes all decisions about exemptions for property tax on motor vehicles. The application form is at:
If you are asked for a username/password, simply press “cancel” to get to the website. When completed, the form may be mailed, or sent by fax or e-mail to the SC Department of Revenue. You may also ask for help from your county Auditor’s Office.
Health and Wellness
Adaptive Yoga and Meditation for People with Spinal Injuries From Artium Health
Adaptive Yoga Class for People with Spinal Cord Injuries - YouTube
Seated Meditation for People with Spinal Cord Injuries - YouTube
Spinal Cord Injury Patients Share Thoughts on Yoga and More - YouTube
Seated Yoga Class for People with Spinal Cord Injuries - YouTube
Financial Benefits
It sounds obvious, but that’s because it’s a simple truth with employment.
Once you have a job and earn money, you’ll have more opportunities to acquire the things you want or need – including things to improve your comfort and quality of your life, greater independence, and access to better physical health.
With better finances, you’ll also be able to improve your housing or accommodation arrangements or improve family situations.
Emotional Wellbeing
If you have a spinal disorder, your physical comfort and wellness might be compromised. Especially if you’re regularly managing restrictions with movement and physical pain.
For this reason, taking steps to maintain your emotional health and a positive mindset is important for your general wellbeing.
Having a job can definitely help. Employment creates an opportunity for you to focus on your capabilities and what you CAN do.
This gives us a sense of independence, pride and accomplishment – which all adds to a healthier mindset.
We’ve seen first-hand how this helps people like you to wake up feeling happier and encouraged about your day ahead.
The fulfilment in knowing you are helping others and finishing a day’s work can bring a real sense of achievement that builds up your confidence and sense of self-worth.
Finding a job can also improve your social life and provide the opportunity to be part of team, make new friends, and engage in work-place activities and events.
Improve Your Skills and Knowledge
If you have a back injury or spinal disorder, there are jobs out there for you that allow you to use your previous experience.
However, there’s no reason why with the help of Disability Employment Services, you can’t consider learning new skills and try adapting into a new line of work.
Wherever you’re at in your career, working with an employment consultant to find a job can lead to reaching your career goals.
Whether that’s a role where you are making a difference in your community, becoming more senior or expert in your field, or simply just finding a rewarding and enjoyable workplace.
Benefits of Work for People with Back Injury
Work can constitute a source of finance, it balances the time during the day, it is the foundation for new social relations, it can be a source of satisfaction and self-actualization [11]. Engaging people with disability into the occupational activation represents a very important element of the rehabilitation. Work allows disables people to realize three significant determinants of their lives: financial, rehabilitation and social. Work has a crucial role for building their own image of themselves, the acceptance; it can give a meaning to their lives. In addition, employment prevents social exclusion [1].
Disaster Relief Application
Through a grant provide by United Spinal, we are able to offer direct financial assistance for individuals with spinal cord injuries or disorders (SCI/D) and wheelchair users who have experienced damages or loss related to natural disaster. Our goal is to help you recover and regain stability during this challenging time.
We may be able to assist with:
Home repairs due to storm damage
Evacuation and emergency housing costs
Replacing or repairing damaged wheelchairs
Other storm-related losses
You can complete the application online using the form below, or download the Word version underneath to print and mail if you prefer.
Print Using the Middle Button Here.