Asthma 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 substantial work, and you must have paid enough Social Security taxes to earn the required work credits. Generally, you need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must meet Social Security’s definition of disability and have limited income and resources. Both programs require that your disability is expected to last at least one year or result in death. Asthma may qualify if it severely limits your ability to work and meets SSA’s criteria for disability.

• SSDI: Must have enough work credits and a qualifying disability.
• SSI: Must meet disability criteria and have limited income and resources.
• Both: Disability must last at least one year or result in death.

SSA Disability Qualification (Accessed: 2025-11-06)

In South Dakota, individuals with asthma may qualify for Medicaid if they are receiving SSI or meet the criteria for the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program. This program allows people with significant disabilities to work while keeping Medicaid coverage. Eligibility for Medicaid is linked to SSI status or meeting specific income and disability requirements. South Dakota also offers home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers for those who need long-term support. If your asthma is severe enough to prevent substantial work, you may qualify for these programs.

• Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities: For those employed with a significant disability.
• SSI-linked Medicaid: Automatic eligibility if you receive SSI.
• HCBS Waivers: For those needing long-term support.

South Dakota Medicaid Coverage Groups (Accessed: 2025-11-06) South Dakota Disability Qualifications (Accessed: 2025-11-06)

• Check if your asthma meets SSA’s disability criteria.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or visit a local office.
• If eligible, you may also apply for Medicaid through South Dakota’s Department of Social Services.
• Report any changes in income or health to avoid overpayments.

• Review SSA’s disability criteria for asthma. Severe asthma that limits your ability to work may qualify.
• Collect medical records, including doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment history.
• Determine if you have enough work credits for SSDI or if your income and resources qualify for SSI.
• Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local SSA office.
• If approved for SSI, you may automatically qualify for Medicaid in South Dakota.
• If you are working, check if you qualify for the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program.
• Apply for Medicaid through South Dakota’s Department of Social Services.
• Report any changes in income, employment, or health to SSA and Medicaid to avoid overpayments.
• Consider applying for ABLE accounts to save without losing benefits.

SSA Disability Application (Accessed: 2025-11-06) South Dakota Medicaid Application (Accessed: 2025-11-06)

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for those who can’t work due to a long-term or permanent disability and have paid enough Social Security taxes.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for those with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 and older.
• Both programs provide financial assistance to those who cannot work as a result of their disability.

SSA Disability Programs (Accessed: 2025-11-06)

• Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities: Allows individuals with significant disabilities to work while keeping Medicaid coverage. Covers services for those with chronic conditions like asthma.
• SSI-linked Medicaid: Automatic eligibility for Medicaid if you receive SSI.
• Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers: For those needing long-term support due to severe asthma.
• Former Foster Care Medical Program: Extended medical coverage for youth aged 18 to 26 leaving foster care.

South Dakota Medicaid Coverage Groups (Accessed: 2025-11-06) South Dakota Disability Qualifications (Accessed: 2025-11-06)

ABLE accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. In South Dakota, you can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. Contributions are tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses do not affect benefits.

ABLE Accounts Guide (Internal Link)

• SSDI: No strict income limit, but you cannot earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. For 2025, SGA is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals.
• SSI: Income and resource limits apply. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual, with some states adding a supplement.

SSA SGA Limits (Accessed: 2025-11-06)

It’s important to report any changes in income, employment, or health to SSA and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands and loss of benefits. Keep records of all changes and report them promptly.

Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes (Internal Link)

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

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

  For Medicaid and disability benefits questions.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

  Website

  For SSDI and SSI questions.

• Can asthma qualify for disability benefits in South Dakota?

  Yes, if your asthma is severe enough to prevent you from working and meets SSA’s disability criteria, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. Medical documentation is required to prove your condition limits your ability to work.

• What is the difference between SSDI and SSI for asthma?

  SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security taxes paid. SSI is for those with limited income and resources. Both require that your asthma severely limits your ability to work.

• How do I apply for disability benefits for asthma in South Dakota?

  Gather medical records, apply online at SSA.gov, and contact South Dakota’s Department of Social Services for Medicaid. Report any changes in income or health to avoid overpayments.

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits for asthma?

  Yes, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit. South Dakota’s Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program allows you to work while keeping Medicaid coverage.

• What is the SGA limit for 2025?

  For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Earning above this limit may affect your benefits.

• How does Medicaid work with disability benefits in South Dakota?

  If you receive SSI, you automatically qualify for Medicaid in South Dakota. The Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program allows you to work while keeping Medicaid coverage.