If you have cancer in South Dakota, you may qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), Medicaid, and special work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and state-specific programs.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with cancer, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) medical criteria. Cancer is listed in the SSA’s Blue Book (Listing 13.00). If your cancer is advanced, inoperable, or has spread, you may qualify quickly. You must also meet work or income requirements:
Both programs require that your cancer prevents you from working at Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) levels. In 2025, SGA is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If your earnings are below these amounts, you may qualify.
If you are approved, SSDI has a 5-month waiting period before payments start. Most people wait 24 months for Medicare, except for ALS or end-stage renal disease.
SSA Disability Qualifications (accessed 2025-11-06)
South Dakota has special programs for people with cancer and other disabilities. The South Dakota Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program helps those who are employed but have a significant disability, including cancer. This program lets you keep Medicaid while working, as long as your income is below the state threshold. In 2025, the threshold is $53,022 per year.
South Dakota also offers Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers for people who need long-term care. These waivers can help with home care, therapy, and other services. If you are approved for SSI, you automatically qualify for Medicaid in South Dakota.
If you are blind or have a severe disability, you may qualify for special work incentives like Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) and Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE). These let you set aside money for work goals or deduct work-related costs from your earnings.
South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network (accessed 2025-11-06), South Dakota Medicaid (accessed 2025-11-06)
SSA Apply for Benefits (accessed 2025-11-06), South Dakota Medicaid Application (accessed 2025-11-06)
SSA Disability Programs (accessed 2025-11-06)
South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network (accessed 2025-11-06), South Dakota Medicaid (accessed 2025-11-06), South Dakota ABLE Accounts (accessed 2025-11-06)
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. In South Dakota, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s program. You can save up to $17,000 per year (2025 limit). Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other disability-related expenses.
South Dakota ABLE Accounts (accessed 2025-11-06)
SSA SGA Limits (accessed 2025-11-06), South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network (accessed 2025-11-06)
You must report changes in income, work, or health to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Report changes online, by phone, or in person. If you lose benefits due to work, you can get them back within 60 months through Expedited Reinstatement.
SSA Reporting Changes (accessed 2025-11-06), South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network (accessed 2025-11-06)
Contact the South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network at 1-800-224-5336 for free help with applications and questions.
Yes, if your cancer meets SSA’s medical criteria and you meet work or income requirements. Advanced or inoperable cancer often qualifies quickly. You can apply for SSDI or SSI.
In 2025, you can earn up to $1,620/month (non-blind) or $2,700/month (blind) without losing SSDI/SSI. For Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities, the limit is $53,022/year.
Yes, you must report changes to avoid overpayments. If you start working or your health improves, report it to SSA or your state agency.
Yes, work incentives like PASS and IRWE let you keep benefits while working. You can also get provisional benefits if you try to work and fail.
An ABLE account lets you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can use it for housing, education, transportation, and other disability-related expenses.
You can apply online, by phone, or in person through South Dakota’s Department of Social Services. If you get SSI, you automatically qualify for Medicaid.
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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SSDI is for those who paid Social Security taxes and have a qualifying disability. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.
If your cancer is in remission but you still have symptoms or side effects that prevent work, you may still qualify. SSA looks at your current ability to work.
You can appeal within 60 days. You may need to provide more medical evidence or attend a hearing.
Yes, South Dakota has Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities and HCBS waivers. These programs help you keep Medicaid and get long-term care while working.
