Hard of Hearing Benefits in South Dakota: 2025 Guide

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. SSDI is for people who cannot work due to a long-term or permanent disability and have paid Social Security taxes. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must meet SSA’s disability criteria and have limited income and resources. Both programs require that your disability prevents you from doing previous work and adjusting to other work, and is expected to last at least one year or result in death. The SSA uses a strict definition of disability, and hearing loss must be severe enough to meet their criteria.

• SSDI: Must have enough work credits and meet SSA’s disability definition.
• SSI: Must meet disability criteria and have limited income and resources.
• Both: Disability must last at least 12 months or result in death.

Citations: SSA Disability Qualification (2025-11-06), Helpline Center Disability Benefits (2025-11-06).

In South Dakota, Hard of Hearing individuals may qualify for state-specific programs like Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities and Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers. The Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program is for those who are employed and have a significant disability, allowing them to return to work or remain working. HCBS waivers provide services for those who need long-term care but want to live in the community. To qualify for these programs, you must meet federal disability criteria and have a significant disability. South Dakota also offers vocational rehabilitation services and work incentives to help you test employment without losing benefits. These programs can provide additional support for those who are Hard of Hearing and want to work or need extra services.

• Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities: For employed individuals with significant disabilities.
• HCBS Waivers: For those needing long-term care in the community.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: Services to help you work.
• Work Incentives: Test employment without losing benefits.

Citations: South Dakota Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (2025-11-06), South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network (2025-11-06).

• Check if you meet federal SSDI/SSI criteria.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or visit a local office.
• For state programs, contact South Dakota Department of Social Services.
• Ask about work incentives and Medicaid waivers.

• Step 1: Review eligibility for SSDI or SSI on SSA.gov. SSDI requires work credits; SSI requires limited income and resources.
• Step 2: Collect medical records, proof of income, and work history. For Hard of Hearing, include audiograms and doctor’s notes.
• Step 3: Apply online at SSA.gov or in person at a local Social Security office. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 for help.
• Step 4: For state programs like Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities or HCBS waivers, contact the South Dakota Department of Social Services. They can help you apply and explain eligibility.
• Step 5: Ask about work incentives, such as the Trial Work Period and Impairment-Related Work Expenses. These let you test employment without losing benefits.
• Step 6: Report any changes in income, work, or health to avoid overpayments. Use the SSA’s online portal or call your local office.
• Step 7: If denied, you can appeal. The SSA website has information on the appeals process.

Citations: SSA How to Apply (2025-11-06), South Dakota Department of Social Services (2025-11-06), South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network (2025-11-06).

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for those with enough work credits and a qualifying disability.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for those with limited income and resources and a qualifying disability.
• Medicare: Health insurance for those on SSDI after 24 months.
• Medicaid: Health insurance for those on SSI or with low income.
• Work Incentives: Programs like the Trial Work Period and Impairment-Related Work Expenses let you test employment without losing benefits.

Citations: SSA Disability Programs (2025-11-06), Helpline Center Disability Benefits (2025-11-06).

• Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities: Health coverage for employed individuals with significant disabilities. Allows you to work and keep Medicaid.
• Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers: Services for those needing long-term care but wanting to live in the community. Includes personal care, therapy, and more.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: Services to help you find and keep a job, including job training and assistive devices.
• South Dakota ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for disability-related expenses.
• Work Incentives: Programs like the Trial Work Period and Impairment-Related Work Expenses let you test employment without losing benefits.

Citations: South Dakota Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (2025-11-06), South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network (2025-11-06), South Dakota ABLE Accounts (2025-11-06).

South Dakota ABLE accounts let you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $17,000 per year (2025 limit) and the account grows tax-free. Funds can be used for things like assistive devices, education, housing, and transportation. To open an account, visit the South Dakota ABLE website or call 1-800-224-5336.

Citations: South Dakota ABLE Accounts (2025-11-06).

• SSDI: No strict income limit, but you cannot earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2025, SGA is $1,620 per month for disabled individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals.
• SSI: Income limits are strict. In 2025, the federal SSI limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Some income is not counted, like the first $20 of most income and some work expenses.
• Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities: Income limits vary by program. For 2025, the threshold for continued Medicaid under 1619(b) is $53,022 per year.

Citations: South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network (2025-11-06), South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network (2025-11-06).

You must report changes in income, work, or health to avoid overpayments. If you earn more than the SGA limit, your benefits may be reduced or stopped. If you move, change jobs, or your health improves, report it to the SSA. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person. If you receive an overpayment, you may have to repay it, but you can ask for a waiver if it was not your fault. For more information, see the SSA’s guide on reporting changes.

Citations: SSA Reporting Changes (2025-11-06).

• South Dakota Department of Social Services
  Phone: 1-800-224-5336

  Website

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSDI, SSI, and federal benefits.

• What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

  SSDI is for people with enough work credits and a qualifying disability. SSI is for those with limited income and resources and a qualifying disability. Both provide monthly payments, but eligibility and payment amounts differ.

• Can I work while receiving SSDI or SSI?

  Yes, you can work and receive SSDI or SSI. There are work incentives like the Trial Work Period and Impairment-Related Work Expenses that let you test employment without losing benefits.

• What is the SGA limit for 2025?

  In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for disabled individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Earning more than this may affect your benefits.

• What is the income limit for SSI in 2025?

  In 2025, the federal SSI limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Some income is not counted, like the first $20 of most income and some work expenses.

• What is the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program?

  This program provides health coverage for employed individuals with significant disabilities in South Dakota. It allows you to work and keep Medicaid.

• What are HCBS waivers?

  HCBS waivers provide services for those needing long-term care but wanting to live in the community. Services include personal care, therapy, and more.

• What is an ABLE account?