SCRS and Social Security in South Carolina

Do SCRS members also get Social Security?

PEBA's SCRS handbook doesn't say. It never states whether a South Carolina school job is also covered by Social Security, or whether a Social Security benefit changes your SCRS pension. Your pay stub or W-2 shows whether Social Security tax comes out of your pay, which tells you whether that job is covered.

The SCRS handbook does not say whether SCRS members are also covered by Social Security for their SCRS job. It mentions Social Security only for disability (SCRS disability requires a Social Security disability award) and taxes (Social Security is not taxed by South Carolina). SCRS Handbook FY2027, pp. 12-13; SC1040 Instructions 2026, p. 25, Line d

Disability: Social Security decides first

Must apply while in service (last day of covered employment within one year, or service-retired no more than one year) and be approved for Social Security disability. Class Two needs 5 years of earned service, Class Three 8, unless the disability is job-related. Benefit uses service, AFC and the current multiplier at retirement, but not less than 15% of AFC per year. SCRS Handbook FY2027, pp. 12-13, Disability retirement benefit

• File your SCRS disability application while you're still in service with a covered employer, even if Social Security hasn't approved your disability claim yet. Social Security's decision can take a long time, so PEBA says not to wait for it.SCRS Handbook FY2027, p. 12, Coordination with other benefits
• SCRS pays a disability retirement only if the federal Social Security Administration has approved you for disability benefits, which generally requires being unable to do any gainful work.SCRS Handbook FY2027, p. 12, Who can apply

Medicare and PEBA retiree insurance

If you qualify for SCRS retiree health insurance, Medicare affects which plan and premium you have. PEBA's sources say:

• PEBA's retirement checklist tells members eligible for retiree insurance to enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B, if that applies to them, and to read PEBA's handbook for Medicare-eligible members.Member checklist: Applying for service retirement, PDF p. 1
• If you go back to work, are on Medicare (or cover a Medicare-eligible dependent) and are covered by the State Health Plan as an active employee, the State Health Plan pays first and Medicare second.How Returning to Work Will Impact Your Retirement Benefits (flyer), PDF p. 2

Thinking of a school job after you retire? The pension rules are in working after retirement.

Taxes

• Check with PEBAThe SCRS handbook doesn't say whether your SCRS job is also covered by Social Security. Check your pay stub or W-2. SCRS disability benefits do require a Social Security disability award.PEBA's handbook doesn't say either way.SCRS Handbook FY2027, pp. 12-13
• South Carolina doesn't tax Social Security benefits.SC1040 Instructions 2026, p. 25, Line d; p. 27

Your SCRS pension is taxed by South Carolina, but you can deduct up to $3,000 of retirement income a year under 65, or $10,000 at 65 or older (2026 rules). See taxes on an SCRS pension. SC1040 Instructions 2026 (Nov. 2026), pp. 27-28, Line h-1 through line h-3: Retirement Deduction

Your own record

Your Social Security statement at ssa.gov lists every year you paid Social Security tax and estimates your benefit. If your pay stubs show Social Security tax, that job is covered. For your SCRS benefit, call PEBA at 803.737.6800 or 888.260.9430. SCRS Handbook FY2027, p. 26, More information; back cover

Questions

Related: SCRS payment options decide what a survivor gets from your pension.

Estimate your SCRS pension →