People with Deaf-Blindness in South Dakota may qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), Medicaid, and state-specific programs. Eligibility depends on income, resources, and work history. This guide covers how to apply, what benefits are available, and how to avoid overpayments.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medical condition that meets Social Security’s definition of disability and enough work credits. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must meet the disability criteria and have limited income and resources. Deaf-Blindness is considered a disability if it meets the Social Security Administration’s criteria. You must not be able to do work you did before, your condition must prevent you from adjusting to other work, and it must last at least one year or result in death. For SSDI, you generally need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years. For SSI, there are no work credit requirements, but income and resources must be below set limits. [^1]
In South Dakota, people with Deaf-Blindness may qualify for Medicaid, especially if they are receiving SSI or have limited income. The South Dakota Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program allows people with significant disabilities to work and keep Medicaid coverage. If you are blind, you may have higher income limits for SSI and SSDI. South Dakota also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which may include support for people with Deaf-Blindness. To qualify for state programs, you must meet both federal and state criteria, including income and resource limits. [^2][^3]
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 ABLE program. The account can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, and transportation. There are annual and lifetime contribution limits. [^4]
For SSI in 2025, the federal benefit rate is $943 per month for an individual. The income limit for SSI is based on countable income, which is gross income minus certain exclusions. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but there is a Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2025, the SGA limit for non-blind individuals is expected to be around $1,470 per month, and for blind individuals, it is expected to be around $2,460 per month. [^1][^2]
It is important to report any changes in your situation, such as income, resources, or living situation, to avoid overpayments. If you receive an overpayment, you may have to repay it. You can request a waiver if you cannot afford to repay. [^5]
Contact the South Dakota Department of Social Services or the Social Security Administration for help with your application. Local disability organizations may also offer support.
Deaf-Blindness is a combination of hearing and vision loss that makes communication, mobility, and daily living challenging. It is considered a disability by the Social Security Administration if it meets their criteria.
Yes, if your Deaf-Blindness meets the Social Security Administration’s criteria for disability and you meet the work credit or income/resource requirements, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI.
The federal SSI income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual. Countable income is gross income minus certain exclusions. State supplements may apply.
Yes, there are work incentives that let you keep benefits while working. The SGA limit in 2025 is expected to be around $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,460 for blind individuals.
This South Dakota program lets people with significant disabilities work and keep Medicaid coverage. It helps people with disabilities return to work or remain employed.
Medicaid waivers provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities. In South Dakota, waivers may help people with Deaf-Blindness get support services.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
Join thousands of families who trust Purple to protect their benefits
Purple is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by OMB Bank, Member FDIC.
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. It lets you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
You can apply for SSI/SSDI online, by phone, or in person. Apply for Medicaid through the South Dakota Department of Social Services. Gather medical records and proof of income and resources.
Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person.
You can get help from the Social Security Administration, the South Dakota Department of Social Services, or local disability organizations.
