Depression Benefits in South Dakota: 2025 Guide

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months and have enough work credits. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must meet SSA’s disability criteria and have limited income and resources. Depression can qualify if it severely limits your ability to work and meet SSA’s medical listing for mental disorders. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals and $2,700/month for blind individuals. Exceeding these limits may affect your benefits unless you use work incentives [1].

SSDI requires at least 20 work credits in the last 10 years for most adults, but the exact number depends on your age. SSI is based on financial need and does not require work credits [3].

South Dakota does not have a separate state disability program, but residents can access federal SSI and SSDI. South Dakota Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities allows people with significant disabilities to work and keep Medicaid coverage. If you receive SSI, you may also qualify for Medicaid automatically. South Dakota also offers Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers for those who need long-term support. These waivers can help pay for services that allow you to live in the community instead of an institution [5].

If you are working and your earnings exceed the SGA limit, you may still keep Medicaid under the 1619(b) provision if your income is below $53,022 per year in 2025. This is important for those with depression who want to return to work but need ongoing health coverage [2].

• Check if your depression meets SSA’s disability criteria.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or visit your local Social Security office.
• Report any changes in income or work status.
• If denied, you can appeal within 60 days [3].

• Review SSA’s Blue Book listing for depression (Listing 12.04 for adults, 112.04 for children) to see if your symptoms match.
• Collect medical evidence: doctor’s notes, therapy records, medication lists, and any hospitalizations.
• Get a statement from your employer (if applicable) about how depression affects your work.
• Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local office. The online application is the fastest method.
• After applying, SSA will review your case and may request more information or schedule a consultative exam.
• If denied, you can appeal within 60 days. The appeals process includes reconsideration, a hearing, and review by the Appeals Council.
• If approved, you will receive monthly payments and may qualify for Medicaid or other state programs [3].
• Report any changes in income, work, or medical status to avoid overpayments [4].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for those with enough work credits and a qualifying disability.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Needs-based payments for those with limited income and resources.
• Medicare: Available after 24 months of SSDI (exceptions for ALS and ESRD).
• Medicaid: Available for SSI recipients and some SSDI recipients with low income.
• Work Incentives: Programs like Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS), Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE), and Expedited Reinstatement help you work without losing benefits [2].

• South Dakota Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities: Allows people with significant disabilities to work and keep Medicaid coverage. Eligibility is based on income and disability status.
• Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers: Provides services for those who need long-term support, such as personal care, therapy, and respite care. These waivers help you live in the community instead of an institution.
• Medicaid for SSI Recipients: Automatic eligibility for Medicaid if you receive SSI.
• 1619(b) Medicaid Continuation: If your SSI cash payment stops due to work, you can keep Medicaid if your income is below $53,022 per year in 2025 [2].
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other expenses [4].

ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. In South Dakota, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s program. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, and transportation. The account does not count toward SSI resource limits [4].

• SSI: 2025 federal benefit rate is $943/month for individuals, $1,415/month for couples. Income limits are strict; most unearned income counts.
• SSDI: No strict income limit, but earnings above SGA ($1,620/month non-blind, $2,700/month blind in 2025) may affect benefits.
• Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities: Income limit is $53,022/year in 2025 for 1619(b) Medicaid continuation [2].

You must report changes in income, work, or medical status to SSA. Failing to report can result in overpayments and penalties. If you receive an overpayment, you can request a waiver or set up a repayment plan. Use the SSA online portal or call your local office to report changes [4].

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

  Website

  For Medicaid and HCBS waivers
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSI and SSDI applications and questions

• Can depression qualify for disability benefits in South Dakota?

  Yes, depression can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it meets SSA’s medical criteria and prevents you from working for at least 12 months. You must provide medical evidence and meet financial requirements for SSI [3].

• How much can I earn and still get SSI in South Dakota?

  In 2025, the SSI federal benefit rate is $943/month for individuals. Most unearned income counts toward the limit. If you work, you can earn some money, but it may reduce your SSI payment [2].

• What is the SGA limit for depression in 2025?

  The SGA limit in 2025 is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals and $2,700/month for blind individuals. Earnings above this may affect your SSDI or SSI benefits unless you use work incentives [1].

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

  Yes, you can work and keep benefits using work incentives like Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS), Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE), and 1619(b) Medicaid continuation. These programs help you return to work without losing health coverage or cash benefits [2].

• Do I need to report changes in my income or work status?

  Yes, you must report changes in income, work, or medical status to SSA. Failing to report can result in overpayments and penalties. Use the SSA online portal or call your local office to report changes [4].

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

  You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need medical records and work history. The online application is the fastest method [3].