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South Dakota • Chronic Illness
If you have diabetes in South Dakota, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, state Medicaid programs, and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available in 2025.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medical condition that prevents you from doing substantial work, and you must have enough work credits from paying Social Security taxes. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources and meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. Diabetes may qualify if it causes severe complications that limit your ability to work for at least 12 months. The SSA looks at how your diabetes affects your daily life and work ability, not just your diagnosis.
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 or SSI unless you use work incentives.
[Source: National Disability Institute, 2025-04-05; SSA, 2025-04-05]
In South Dakota, people with diabetes may qualify for Medicaid if they are working and have a significant disability. The South Dakota Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program helps those who are employed but still need medical coverage. There are also Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help with long-term care needs related to diabetes.
South Dakota follows federal rules for SSI and SSDI, but state agencies can help with applications and provide extra support. If you are approved for SSI, you may also get Medicaid automatically. The state also offers ABLE accounts, which let you save money without losing SSI benefits.
[Source: South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network, 2025-04-02; South Dakota Department of Social Services, 2025-04-05]
[Source: SSA, 2025-04-05; South Dakota Department of Social Services, 2025-04-05]
[Source: SSA, 2025-04-05; South Dakota Department of Social Services, 2025-04-05; South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network, 2025-04-02]
[Source: SSA, 2025-04-05; National Disability Institute, 2025-04-05]
[Source: South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network, 2025-04-02; South Dakota Department of Social Services, 2025-04-05]
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI benefits. In South Dakota, you can open an ABLE account if you became disabled before age 26. You can use the account for qualified disability expenses, like medical care, education, and housing. The account grows tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are not taxed.
[Source: South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network, 2025-04-02]
In 2025, the SGA limit for SSDI is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. For SSI, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. South Dakota may have additional state supplements. If you earn more than these limits, you may lose benefits unless you use work incentives.
[Source: National Disability Institute, 2025-04-05; South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network, 2025-04-02]
You must report changes in income, work, or health to the Social Security Administration and South Dakota Department of Social Services. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay. If you lose benefits due to work, you can request reinstatement within 60 months under the Expedited Reinstatement program.
[Source: South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network, 2025-04-02; SSA, 2025-04-05]
Contact the South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network at 1-800-224-5336 for free help with disability benefits applications and questions.
Yes, if diabetes causes severe complications that limit your ability to work for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. The Social Security Administration looks at how your diabetes affects your daily life and work ability, not just your diagnosis.
You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov or in person at a Social Security office. For Medicaid, apply through the South Dakota Department of Social Services. Gather medical records and work history before applying.
The federal SSI income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. South Dakota may have additional state supplements. If you earn more, you may lose benefits unless you use work incentives.
Yes, you can work and keep benefits if your earnings are below the SGA limit ($1,620/month for non-blind, $2,700 for blind in 2025). Work incentives like PASS and IRWE can help you keep benefits while working.
South Dakota offers Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities and Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services. If you get SSI, you may also get Medicaid automatically.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for your specific situation.
An ABLE account lets you save money without losing SSI benefits. In South Dakota, you can open an ABLE account if you became disabled before age 26. You can use it for qualified disability expenses like medical care and housing.
Report any changes in income, work, or health to the Social Security Administration and South Dakota Department of Social Services. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay.
If your benefits stop due to work, you can request reinstatement within 60 months under the Expedited Reinstatement program. You may get provisional benefits for 6 months while a disability determination is made.
Yes, South Dakota has a Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program. If you are employed and have a significant disability, including diabetes, you may qualify for Medicaid coverage.
Work incentives like Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) and Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE) help you keep benefits while working. These programs let you set aside income or deduct work-related expenses from your earnings.
