If you have heart disease in South Dakota, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI or SSI, plus state programs such as Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key work incentives.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working and have paid enough Social Security taxes. For heart disease, this means your condition must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. You generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for those with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 and older. Both programs require your heart disease to be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work for at least one year or result in death [1].
SSDI and SSI both use the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit to determine if you can work and still receive benefits. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals [4].
In South Dakota, individuals with heart disease may qualify for Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities if they are employed and have a significant disability. This program helps people with disabilities return to work or remain employed. Eligibility is based on income, resources, and the severity of your disability. South Dakota also offers Medicaid coverage for those receiving SSI, which can help with medical costs related to heart disease. If you are medically recovering while in a vocational rehabilitation program, you may continue to receive benefits until the program ends [2].
South Dakota’s Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program is designed for those who are employed and have a significant disability. This program allows individuals to work while maintaining Medicaid coverage, which can be crucial for managing heart disease [5].
ABLE accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save money for disability-related expenses without affecting eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. In South Dakota, you can open an ABLE account to help cover costs related to heart disease, such as medical care, housing, and transportation [3].
It’s important to report any changes in income, employment, or health to SSA and the state agency. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments, which you may have to repay. Reporting changes helps ensure you receive the correct amount of benefits and avoid penalties [3].
Contact the South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network at 1-800-224-5336 for free help with disability benefits applications and questions.
Yes, if your heart disease prevents you from working for at least one year or results in death, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. You must meet SSA’s disability criteria and have enough work credits for SSDI or limited income and resources for SSI [1].
The SGA limit for 2025 is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Earnings above this limit may affect your disability benefits [4].
You can apply for Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities through the South Dakota Department of Social Services. You must be employed and have a significant disability. Contact the agency for application details and eligibility requirements [5].
Yes, you can work and still receive disability benefits if your earnings are below the SGA limit. Work incentives like the Plan for Achieving Self-Support and Continued Medicaid Coverage under 1619(b) help you keep benefits while working [2].
An ABLE account allows you to save money for disability-related expenses without affecting eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. It can help cover costs related to heart disease, such as medical care and housing [3].
Report changes in income, employment, or health to SSA and the state agency as soon as possible. This helps ensure you receive the correct amount of benefits and avoid overpayments [3].
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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1619(b) allows individuals to keep Medicaid even if their SSI cash payment stops due to earnings above the SGA level but below the state-specific threshold ($53,022 in 2025) [2].
If you medically recover while in a vocational rehabilitation program, you may continue to receive benefits until the program ends. This helps you transition back to work [2].
SSDI is for those who have paid enough Social Security taxes and have a qualifying disability. SSI is for those with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 and older [3].
The application process can take several months. After approval, there is a 5-month waiting period for SSDI and a 24-month waiting period for Medicare (exceptions for ALS and end-stage renal disease) [4].
