People with intellectual disability in South Dakota can get help through federal programs like SSI and SSDI, plus state Medicaid waivers and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available.
To get federal disability benefits in South Dakota, you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) rules. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need a qualifying disability and enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years) from paying Social Security taxes. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and meet SSA’s disability criteria. Both programs require that your disability stops you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least one year or result in death. SSA uses medical evidence to decide if your intellectual disability meets their standards.
Learn more about federal eligibility (SSA.gov, accessed 2025-11-06).
In South Dakota, people with intellectual disability may qualify for extra help through Medicaid waivers and work programs. The state offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, which help people live at home instead of in institutions. These waivers cover things like personal care, therapy, and support services. To qualify, you must meet federal SSI or SSDI rules and have a significant disability. South Dakota also has a Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program, which lets people keep Medicaid while working if their income is below a certain level. The 2025 threshold for continued Medicaid is $53,022 per year.
Learn about South Dakota Medicaid waivers (SD.gov, accessed 2025-11-06).
Apply for SSI/SSDI (SSA.gov, accessed 2025-11-06). South Dakota Medicaid application (SD.gov, accessed 2025-11-06).
Both programs have work incentives that let you try working without losing benefits right away.
Learn about SSI vs SSDI (internal link).
Learn about Medicaid waivers (internal link). Learn about work incentives (internal link).
ABLE accounts let people with intellectual disability save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the money for things like education, housing, and job training. South Dakota residents can open an ABLE account through the national ABLE program. Contributions are limited each year, and there are rules about how much you can have in the account.
Learn about ABLE accounts (internal link).
Learn about income limits (internal link).
You must report changes in income, work, or health to SSA and the state. Not reporting can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. If you get too much, SSA will send a notice and explain your options. You can ask for a waiver if you can’t pay.
Learn about avoiding overpayments (internal link).
Contact the South Dakota Department of Social Services or a local disability advocate for help with your application. They can guide you through the process and answer your questions.
SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs help people with intellectual disability, but eligibility rules are different. SSI is needs-based, SSDI is based on work history.
Yes, you can work and keep some benefits. South Dakota has work incentives like Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities and the Plan for Achieving Self-Support. These let you try working without losing all your benefits right away.
Contact the South Dakota Department of Social Services. You must meet federal SSI or SSDI rules and have a significant disability. The state will review your case and may ask for medical records and proof of income.
In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943/month for an individual. Your total income and resources must be below certain limits to qualify. The state does not add extra income to SSI, but other rules may apply.
Yes, South Dakota offers vocational rehabilitation programs. These help people with disabilities prepare for, get, and keep jobs. You may also get continued benefits while in a rehab program.
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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If your disability improves, you may lose benefits. But if you are in a vocational rehab program, you can keep benefits until the program ends. You can also get expedited reinstatement if you become unable to work again.
Report changes in income, work, or health to SSA and the state. You can do this online, by phone, or in person. Not reporting can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back.
Yes, you can save money in an ABLE account without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. There are limits on how much you can contribute and have in the account.
In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620/month for most people, $2,700/month if blind. Earning more than this may affect your SSDI benefits.
In 2025, the threshold for continued Medicaid for workers with disabilities is $53,022 per year. If your income is below this, you can keep Medicaid while working.
