Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Benefits in South Dakota

To get federal disability benefits for ADHD, you must show your condition stops you from doing your past work and from adjusting to other work. Your disability must last at least one year or be expected to result in death. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need enough work credits from paying Social Security taxes. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your income and resources must be very low. Both programs require medical proof that ADHD severely limits your ability to work or live independently[1][3][4].

In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (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 unless you use work incentives[4].

In South Dakota, people with ADHD may qualify for Medicaid if they are working and have a significant disability. The state offers a Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program, which helps people keep health coverage while working. If you get SSI, you automatically qualify for Medicaid in South Dakota. There are also work incentives like the Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS), which lets you set aside money for a work goal without losing SSI. The state-specific threshold for keeping Medicaid when your SSI stops due to earnings is $53,022 per year in 2025[2][5].

South Dakota also has Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers for people with disabilities, which can provide extra support like personal care or therapy[5].

• Gather medical records showing ADHD limits your work.
• Check if you have enough work credits for SSDI or low income for SSI.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• Ask about work incentives if you plan to work.
• Apply for Medicaid through South Dakota’s Department of Social Services.

• Step 1: Get medical records from your doctor or therapist that show how ADHD affects your ability to work or live independently.
• Step 2: Check your work history. For SSDI, you need 40 credits (20 in the last 10 years). For SSI, your income and resources must be very low[3][4].
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You can also apply for Medicaid at the same time.
• Step 4: If you plan to work, ask about work incentives like the Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) or Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE). These can help you keep benefits while working[2].
• Step 5: If your application is denied, you can appeal. Ask for help from a disability advocate or your local Social Security office.
• Step 6: Once approved, report any changes in income or work to avoid overpayments[3][4].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people with ADHD who have paid enough Social Security taxes and can’t work due to disability.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with ADHD who have very low income and resources.
• Medicare: Available after 24 months of SSDI, except for ALS or end-stage renal disease.
• Medicaid: Available for SSI recipients and some SSDI recipients with low income.
• Work Incentives: Programs like PASS, IRWE, and Expedited Reinstatement help you work without losing benefits[2][4].

• Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities: South Dakota program that lets people with ADHD keep Medicaid while working, as long as they have a significant disability and meet income limits.
• Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers: Extra support like personal care, therapy, or respite care for people with ADHD who need help living at home.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with ADHD who became disabled before age 26. Funds can be used for education, housing, or work expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid[5].
• Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS): Lets you set aside income for a work goal, like training or starting a business, without losing SSI.
• Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE): Lets you deduct costs related to working due to ADHD, like therapy or transportation, from your earnings when checking SGA limits[2][5].

ABLE accounts let people with ADHD who became disabled before age 26 save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. In South Dakota, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s program. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, or work expenses. There are annual and lifetime contribution limits, but the money grows tax-free[5].

• SSI: Very low income and resources. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943/month for an individual, but South Dakota may add a small state supplement.
• SSDI: No strict income limit, but you cannot earn more than the SGA limit ($1,620/month in 2025 for non-blind individuals) unless you use work incentives.
• Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities: Income limit is $53,022/year in 2025 for keeping Medicaid while working[2][4].

You must report any changes in income, work, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid. If you don’t, you may get an overpayment, which you’ll have to pay back. Use the SSA’s online portal or call your local office to report changes. If you get an overpayment, ask about repayment plans or waivers[3][4].

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

  Website

  For Medicaid, SSI, and work support programs.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSDI, SSI, and work incentives.

• Can ADHD qualify for disability benefits in South Dakota?

  Yes, ADHD can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it severely limits your ability to work or live independently. You need medical proof and must meet income or work credit requirements. South Dakota also offers Medicaid for workers with disabilities[3][4][5].

• What are the income limits for SSI and SSDI in South Dakota?

  SSI requires very low income and resources. SSDI has no strict income limit, but you can’t earn more than $1,620/month in 2025 unless you use work incentives. Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities has a limit of $53,022/year in 2025[2][4].

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

  Gather medical records, check your work history, and apply online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office. You can also apply for Medicaid through South Dakota’s Department of Social Services[3][4].

• Can I work and still get disability benefits for ADHD?

  Yes, you can work and keep benefits using work incentives like PASS or IRWE. These let you set aside money for work goals or deduct disability-related work expenses from your earnings[2][4].

• What is the Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS)?

  PASS lets you set aside income and resources for a work goal, like training or starting a business, without losing SSI. You must have a plan approved by Social Security[2].

• How do I keep Medicaid if I start working?

  South Dakota’s Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program lets you keep Medicaid if you have a significant disability and earn up to $53,022/year in 2025. You must apply and meet program rules[2][5].