If you are a resident of South Carolina who has been declared disabled and are receiving disability benefits from one of the approved agencies, you may be eligible for a free disability fishing license. To qualify, you must have been a resident of South Carolina for at least 365 days prior to applying for the license.
Approved Disability Agencies in South Carolina
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) recognizes disability determinations made by the following agencies:
Social Security Administration
Federal Civil Service
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Railroad Retirement Board
Medicaid
South Carolina State Retirement System
If you are receiving disability benefits from one of these agencies and have been a South Carolina resident for at least a year, you may be eligible for a free disability fishing license.
Applying for a Free Disability Fishing License
To apply for a free disability fishing license, you must submit an application to the SCDNR. The application can be found on the SCDNR website or by contacting their office. You will need to provide the following information:
Completed and signed application form
Photocopy of your unexpired South Carolina driver’s license or SCDMV-issued ID card
Current copy (dated within the past 12 months) of your disability certification from one of the approved programs
If you are paraplegic or quadriplegic, include an official statement from your physician
If you are certified as legally blind under section 43-25-20, include documentation certifying you are legally blind
Once your application is approved, you will receive a free disability fishing license that is valid for three years from the date of issue. You will need to recertify your disability every three years to renew your license.
Lifetime Disability Fishing Licenses
If you are a South Carolina resident on the date of application for a disability license and have quadriplegia or paraplegia and are certified as totally disabled, or if you are certified legally blind as defined in Section 43-25-20, you may be eligible for a lifetime disability fishing license at no cost.
These lifetime licenses do not require disability recertification or renewal.
Additional Benefits for Disabled Anglers in South Carolina
In addition to free fishing licenses, South Carolina offers several other benefits for disabled anglers:
Reduced admission fees at state parks for disabled residents
Special vehicle permits to access certain areas of Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)
To take advantage of these benefits, you may need to provide additional documentation or apply for specific permits.
Getting a free disability fishing license in South Carolina is a straightforward process if you meet the eligibility requirements. By taking advantage of this benefit, you can enjoy fishing in the state’s waterways without the added expense of a regular fishing license. Remember to renew your license every three years or apply for a lifetime license if you qualify.