People with dysgraphia in South Dakota may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, as well as state-specific Medicaid and work support programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key changes for 2025.
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 from paying Social Security taxes. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources and meet the SSA’s definition of disability. Dysgraphia can qualify if it severely limits your ability to work or perform daily activities. The SSA looks at whether your condition stops you from doing past work or adjusting to other work, and if it is expected to last at least a year or result in death. In 2025, the SGA limit for non-blind individuals is expected to rise to about $1,620 per month, and for blind individuals to $2,700 per month. If you earn above these amounts, you may not qualify for SSDI or SSI unless you use work incentives or have impairment-related work expenses.
In South Dakota, people with dysgraphia may qualify for Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities if they are employed and have a significant disability. This program helps those return to or remain in work. South Dakota also offers Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers for people with disabilities, which can provide support services at home or in the community. To qualify for these programs, you must meet both federal disability criteria and state-specific income and resource limits. The state also follows federal rules for SSI and SSDI, but may have additional support services or eligibility rules for Medicaid and HCBS waivers. In 2025, the threshold for continued Medicaid coverage under 1619(b) is $53,022 per year for those whose SSI cash payment stops due to earnings.
Gather medical records showing dysgraphia and how it affects your work.
Check if you have enough work credits for SSDI or meet SSI income limits.
Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office.
For Medicaid or HCBS waivers, apply through the South Dakota Department of Social Services.
Consider using work incentives if you want to try working.
Save receipts for impairment-related work expenses.
SSA: Apply for Disability (2025-11-06)
Step 1: Get a diagnosis and medical documentation of dysgraphia from a qualified professional. This should include how dysgraphia affects your ability to work or perform daily activities.
Step 2: Review your work history and see if you have enough work credits for SSDI. If not, check if you meet SSI income and resource limits.
Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or visiting a local Social Security office. You will need to provide personal information, work history, and medical records.
Step 4: If approved, you may have a waiting period before benefits start. SSDI has a 5-month waiting period; SSI may start sooner.
Step 5: For Medicaid or HCBS waivers, apply through the South Dakota Department of Social Services. You may need to provide additional documentation of disability and income.
Step 6: If you want to work, ask about work incentives like Impairment Related Work Expenses, Plan for Achieving Self-Support, or Expedited Reinstatement. These can help you keep benefits while trying to work.
Step 7: Report any changes in income, work, or medical condition to avoid overpayments.
SSA: How to Apply for Disability (2025-11-06)
(2025-11-06)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for those with a qualifying disability and enough work credits. In 2025, benefits increase by 2.5% due to COLA.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for those with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 and older. In 2025, SGA limits are about $1,620/month (non-blind) and $2,700/month (blind).
Medicare: Available after 24 months of SSDI, except for ALS or end-stage renal disease.
Medicaid: Available for those who qualify for SSI or meet state Medicaid rules.
Work Incentives: Programs like Impairment Related Work Expenses, Plan for Achieving Self-Support, and Expedited Reinstatement help you keep benefits while working.
SSA: Disability Programs (2025-11-06)
National Disability Institute: SSDI and SSI (2025-11-06)
Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities: For South Dakotans who are employed and have a significant disability. This program helps people return to or remain in work.
Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers: Provide support services for people with disabilities at home or in the community. These waivers can help with daily living, therapy, and other needs.
ABLE Accounts: South Dakota residents can open ABLE accounts to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
Continued Medicaid Coverage under 1619(b): If your SSI cash payment stops due to earnings, you can keep Medicaid if your income is below $53,022 per year in 2025.
Vocational Rehabilitation: South Dakota offers vocational rehab programs to help people with disabilities prepare for, get, or keep a job.
South Dakota Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (2025-11-06)
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In South Dakota, you can open an ABLE account if you became disabled before age 26. You can save up to $18,000 per year (2025), and the first $100,000 is not counted against SSI limits. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, and transportation.
In 2025, the SGA limit for SSDI and SSI is about $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 (2025). The threshold for continued Medicaid coverage under 1619(b) is $53,022 per year. State-specific Medicaid and HCBS waiver income limits may vary.
You must report any changes in income, work, or medical condition to the SSA and South Dakota Department of Social Services. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay. If you get provisional benefits under Expedited Reinstatement and are later found not disabled, those benefits are not considered an overpayment. Always keep records of your earnings and expenses.
Contact the South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network at 1-800-224-5336 for free help with disability benefits applications and questions.
Yes, dysgraphia can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it severely limits your ability to work or perform daily activities. You must meet SSA’s definition of disability and have enough work credits for SSDI or limited income for SSI.
In 2025, the SGA limit is about $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Earning above these amounts may affect your SSDI or SSI benefits.
You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. For Medicaid or HCBS waivers, apply through the South Dakota Department of Social Services.
Work incentives include Impairment Related Work Expenses, Plan for Achieving Self-Support, and Expedited Reinstatement. These help you keep benefits while trying to work or if you lose benefits due to work.
Yes, under 1619(b), you can keep Medicaid if your SSI cash payment stops due to earnings, as long as your income is below $53,022 per year in 2025.
An ABLE account lets you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. In South Dakota, you can save up to $18,000 per year for qualified disability expenses.
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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SSA: Work Incentives (2025-11-06)
South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network: SSI 2025 (2025-11-06)
South Dakota ABLE Accounts (2025-11-06)
South Dakota Vocational Rehabilitation (2025-11-06) (if available, otherwise omit) (2025-11-06)
Report changes in income, work, or medical condition to the SSA and South Dakota Department of Social Services. Not reporting can lead to overpayments.
SSDI has a 5-month waiting period before benefits start. SSI may start sooner, depending on your situation.
SSDI is for those with enough work credits and a qualifying disability. SSI is for those with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 and older.
South Dakota offers HCBS waivers for people with disabilities, which can provide support services at home or in the community. You must meet both federal and state eligibility rules.
