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South Dakota • Neurological/Developmental
People with epilepsy in South Dakota can qualify for federal disability programs like SSI and SSDI, as well as state-specific Medicaid and work incentives. This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, and key changes for 2025.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability and have enough work credits. For epilepsy, this means seizures must be frequent and severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work. You must also be unable to adjust to other work and expect the disability to last at least one year or result in death. The number of work credits needed depends on your age, but generally, you need at least 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must meet SSA’s disability criteria and have limited income and resources. Epilepsy is listed in SSA’s Blue Book under neurological disorders, but even if not listed, you may qualify if your seizures severely limit your ability to work. [^1][^2][^3]
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 above this, you may not qualify for SSDI or SSI, unless you use work incentives or deductions. [^4]
In South Dakota, people with epilepsy may qualify for Medicaid through the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program if they are employed and have a significant disability. This program allows individuals to keep Medicaid coverage even if they work and earn above the SSI income limit, as long as their earnings are below the state threshold of $53,022 per year in 2025. South Dakota also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can provide additional support for people with epilepsy who need help with daily living. [^5][^6]
South Dakota residents with epilepsy can also use work incentives like the Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS), which lets you set aside income and resources for a work goal without losing SSI benefits. If you medically recover while in a vocational rehabilitation program, you may continue to receive benefits until the program ends. [^6]
For more help, contact the South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network at 1-800-224-5336 or the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. [^1][^2][^3][^5][^6]
ABLE accounts let people with epilepsy save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $18,000 per year (2025 limit) and the first $100,000 is not counted for SSI. South Dakota residents can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program. [^7]
You must report any changes in income, resources, or medical condition to avoid overpayments. If you receive too much, SSA may ask for repayment. You can avoid overpayments by reporting changes promptly and using work incentives like PASS or Impairment Related Work Expenses. [^8]
Contact the South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network at 1-800-224-5336 for free help with benefits applications and work incentives.
If you work and earn up to $53,022 in 2025, you may keep Medicaid coverage through the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program.
Yes, if your epilepsy prevents you from doing substantial work and meets SSA’s disability criteria. You may qualify for SSDI if you have enough work credits, or SSI if you have limited income and resources.
In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If you earn above this, you may not qualify for SSDI or SSI unless you use work incentives.
Yes, you can work and keep benefits using work incentives like PASS, Impairment Related Work Expenses, or Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities. These programs let you earn more without losing all your benefits.
You can apply for Medicaid through the South Dakota Department of Social Services online or by calling 1-800-224-5336. If you are approved for SSI, you will automatically qualify for Medicaid.
In 2025, the income limit for Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities in South Dakota is $53,022 per year. If you earn below this, you can keep Medicaid coverage even if you work.
Yes, you can deduct Impairment Related Work Expenses from your earnings to determine if you are performing at SGA. This can help you keep more of your benefits while working.
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.
If you medically recover while in a vocational rehab program, you may continue to receive benefits until the program ends, as long as it is likely to lead to self-support.
Yes, you can request expedited reinstatement of benefits within 60 months of losing them due to work. You will receive provisional benefits for 6 months while SSA makes a determination.
Report any changes in income, resources, or medical condition to SSA promptly. You can do this online, by phone, or in person. Using work incentives can also help avoid overpayments.
Yes, you can save up to $18,000 per year in an ABLE account for disability-related expenses. The first $100,000 is not counted for SSI, and you can keep Medicaid if you stay under the resource limit.
