Deaf-Blindness Benefits in South Dakota: 2025 Guide

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]

• SSDI: Must have enough work credits and meet disability criteria.
• SSI: Must meet disability criteria and have limited income and resources.
• Deaf-Blindness: Must meet SSA’s criteria for disability.
• Both programs require that you cannot do previous work, cannot adjust to other work, and the disability lasts at least one year or results in death.

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]

• Medicaid: Available for people with disabilities, including Deaf-Blindness, if income and resources are limited.
• Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities: Allows people with significant disabilities to work and keep Medicaid.
• Medicaid Waivers: May provide home and community-based services for people with Deaf-Blindness.
• State programs may have higher income limits for people who are blind.

• Check if you meet federal and state eligibility criteria.
• Gather medical records and proof of income and resources.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online, by phone, or in person.
• Apply for Medicaid through the South Dakota Department of Social Services.
• Report any changes in your situation to avoid overpayments.

• Step 1: Review eligibility for SSI/SSDI and South Dakota Medicaid. Make sure you meet the criteria for Deaf-Blindness and have the required work credits (for SSDI) or limited income/resources (for SSI).
• Step 2: Gather documents, including medical records, proof of income, and proof of resources.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI/SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office.
• Step 4: Apply for Medicaid through the South Dakota Department of Social Services online or by phone.
• Step 5: If approved, report any changes in your situation (income, resources, living situation) to avoid overpayments.
• Step 6: If you are denied, you can appeal the decision.
• Step 7: Keep records of all applications and correspondence.
• Step 8: Consider applying for Medicaid waivers and other state programs if you need additional support.

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people who cannot work due to a long-term or permanent disability and who have paid enough in Social Security taxes.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 and older.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and disabilities.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people with disabilities after 24 months of SSDI.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.
• Work Incentives: Programs that help people with disabilities keep benefits while working.

• South Dakota Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities, including Deaf-Blindness, if income and resources are limited.
• Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities: Allows people with significant disabilities to work and keep Medicaid coverage.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): May provide home and community-based services for people with Deaf-Blindness.
• South Dakota ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.
• State Vocational Rehabilitation: Services to help people with disabilities find and keep jobs.
• Other State Programs: May include transportation, housing, and employment support for people with Deaf-Blindness.

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]

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

  Website

  For Medicaid, ABLE accounts, and other state benefits.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSI, SSDI, and work incentives.

• What is Deaf-Blindness?

  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.

• Can I get SSI or SSDI for Deaf-Blindness?

  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.

• What is the income limit for SSI in South Dakota?

  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.

• Can I work and still get SSI or SSDI?

  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.

• What is Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities?

  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.

• What are Medicaid waivers?

  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.