Amputation Benefits in South Dakota: 2025 Guide

• To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medical condition that prevents you from doing your previous work and from adjusting to other work, and it must be expected to last at least one year or result in death. You also need enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years) [^1].
• For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must meet SSA’s disability criteria and have limited income and resources [^2].
• Amputation is listed in the SSA’s Blue Book under Section 1.05, which covers major joint or limb loss. If your amputation meets these criteria, you may qualify for automatic approval [^1].
• The SSA considers whether your amputation prevents you from working and whether you can adjust to other work [^1].

• South Dakota offers Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities, which is for employed individuals with a significant disability. This program allows you to work while keeping Medicaid coverage [^3].
• If you are receiving SSI, you may automatically qualify for South Dakota Medicaid [^3].
• South Dakota also has programs for those with chronic renal failure, but these are not specific to amputation [^3].
• State-specific eligibility may require additional documentation, such as proof of employment and disability status [^3].
• South Dakota does not have a separate state disability program; federal programs are the main source of benefits [^3].

• Gather medical records that document your amputation and its impact on your ability to work.
• Collect non-medical evidence, such as statements from family, friends, or coworkers.
• Contact a disability attorney for help with your application.
• Submit your application online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office.
• Be prepared for a lengthy review process and possible appeals [^4].

• Step 1: Collect all medical documentation, including physician reports, test results, and treatment records related to your amputation.
• Step 2: Gather non-medical evidence, such as statements from people who know how your amputation affects your daily life.
• Step 3: Contact a disability attorney or advocate to help you navigate the application process and ensure all required information is included [^4].
• Step 4: Submit your application for SSDI or SSI online at the SSA website, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office.
• Step 5: Wait for a decision from the Disability Determination Services (DDS) agency. This process can take several months.
• Step 6: If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision through reconsideration, an administrative hearing, and, if necessary, federal court [^4].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for those who cannot work due to a long-term or permanent disability and who have paid enough in Social Security taxes [^2].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for those with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 and older [^2].
• Medicare: Health insurance for those who receive SSDI after a 24-month waiting period [^2].
• Medicaid: Health coverage for those with low income and resources, including those who receive SSI [^2].

• Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities: Allows employed individuals with a significant disability to keep Medicaid coverage while working [^3].
• South Dakota Medicaid for SSI Recipients: Automatic eligibility for Medicaid if you receive SSI [^3].
• Former Foster Care Medical Program: Extended medical coverage for youth aged 18 to 26 who are leaving foster care [^3].
• Adult Foster Care Homes: Individuals in adult foster care homes may qualify for Medicaid if they meet all eligibility criteria [^3].
• South Dakota does not have a separate state disability program; federal programs are the main source of benefits [^3].

ABLE accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI and other benefits. South Dakota residents can open an ABLE account through the state’s program. These accounts can be used for qualified disability expenses, including medical care, education, and housing [^5].

• For SSI, the federal income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. South Dakota does not have a state supplement to SSI [^2].
• For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you cannot earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is expected to be around $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals in 2025 [^1].

If you receive more benefits than you are entitled to, you may have to repay the overpayment. You must report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation to the SSA to avoid overpayments. Failure to report changes can result in penalties or loss of benefits [^2].

• South Dakota Department of Social Services
  Phone: 1-800-597-1603

  Website

  For Medicaid and other state assistance programs.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSDI and SSI applications and questions.

• What are the main federal disability programs for amputation in South Dakota?

  The main federal programs are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is for those who have worked and paid into Social Security, while SSI is for those with limited income and resources [^2].

• How does amputation qualify for disability benefits?

  Amputation is listed in the SSA’s Blue Book under Section 1.05. If your amputation meets the criteria, you may qualify for automatic approval. The SSA will also consider whether your amputation prevents you from working [^1].

• What is the income limit for SSI in South Dakota?

  The federal income limit for SSI in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. South Dakota does not have a state supplement to SSI [^2].

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits in South Dakota?

  Yes, South Dakota offers the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program, which allows you to work while keeping Medicaid coverage. There are also federal work incentives for SSDI and SSI recipients [^3].

• What medical evidence do I need to apply for disability benefits?

  You need medical records that document your amputation and its impact on your ability to work. This includes physician reports, test results, and treatment records [^4].

• What happens if my disability claim is denied?

  If your claim is denied, you can appeal the decision. The appeals process includes reconsideration, an administrative hearing, and, if necessary, federal court [^4].