If you have an anxiety disorder in South Dakota, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, as well as state programs such as Medicaid waivers. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in South Dakota, you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) criteria for disability. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need a medical condition that prevents you from working and enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years). Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require that your anxiety disorder is severe enough to stop you from doing past work and adjusting to other work, and that it will last at least one year or result in death. The SSA uses a medical guide called the Blue Book to decide if your condition qualifies. Anxiety disorders are listed under Section 12.06. If your symptoms match the listing, you may qualify automatically. If not, you may still qualify based on how your condition affects your daily life and ability to work. You must also meet income and resource limits for SSI. For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for SSDI or SSI. [^1][^2][^3]
In South Dakota, people with anxiety disorders may qualify for Medicaid waivers if they are employed and have a significant disability. The South Dakota Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program allows individuals to work while keeping Medicaid coverage. This program is for those who are employed and have a significant disability, including mental health conditions like anxiety disorders. To qualify, you must meet SSA disability criteria and have limited income and resources. You may also qualify for Medicaid if you receive SSI. South Dakota does not have a state-funded disability program separate from federal programs, so most benefits come from federal sources. However, the state does offer support through Medicaid waivers and other programs for people with disabilities. If you are approved for SSDI, you may also qualify for dependent benefits for family members. [^4][^5][^6]
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for disability-related expenses like education, housing, and transportation. In South Dakota, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program. Contributions are tax-free, and earnings grow tax-free. There are annual and lifetime contribution limits. [^7]
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. The resource limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you cannot earn more than the SGA limit ($1,620 per month for non-blind individuals, $2,700 for blind individuals). If you earn more than this, you may lose your benefits. [^1][^2][^3]
You must report any changes in income, health, or living situation to the SSA and Medicaid. If you do not report changes, you may receive an overpayment and have to pay it back. Overpayments can happen if you earn more than the SGA limit, get a new job, or have a change in resources. To avoid overpayments, report changes as soon as possible. [^8]
Contact your local Social Security office or the South Dakota Department of Social Services for help with your application. You can also call the Helpline Center at 2-1-1 for support.
Yes, anxiety disorders can qualify for SSI and SSDI if they meet SSA criteria. Your condition must be severe enough to stop you from working and adjusting to other work, and it must last at least one year or result in death. You must also meet income and resource limits for SSI.
The SGA limit for 2025 is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for SSDI or SSI.
You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. You will need medical records and work history. You can also apply for Medicaid at the same time.
This program allows individuals with significant disabilities to work while keeping Medicaid coverage. It is for those who are employed and have a significant disability, including mental health conditions like anxiety disorders.
ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. You can use the funds for disability-related expenses. In South Dakota, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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It can take several months to get a decision on your application. If approved, you may need to wait 5 months for SSDI and 24 months for Medicare. There are exceptions for certain conditions.
If you earn more than the SGA limit, you may lose your SSDI or SSI benefits. You must report any changes in income to avoid overpayments and possible repayment.
Yes, you can work while receiving disability benefits, but you cannot earn more than the SGA limit. There are work incentives that allow some to earn income without losing benefits.
SSI is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. SSDI is for those who have paid enough in Social Security taxes and have enough work credits. Both programs provide monthly payments for those who cannot work due to a disability.
You must report any changes in income, health, or living situation to the SSA and Medicaid. You can do this online, by phone, or in person. Reporting changes as soon as possible helps avoid overpayments.
