Low Vision Benefits in South Dakota: 2025 Guide

To qualify for federal disability benefits with low vision, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. This means your vision loss must be severe enough to prevent you from doing your previous work and adjusting to other work, and it must last at least one year or result in death. For SSDI, you need enough work credits from recent employment. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. Both programs require a medical review to confirm your disability status.

• SSDI: Generally, you need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began.
• SSI: No work credits needed, but strict income and resource limits apply.
• Both programs 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.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025

If you are blind or have low vision, special work incentives may apply, such as deducting impairment-related work expenses from your earnings when determining SGA status.

South Dakota does not have a separate state disability program, but residents with low vision can access several state and federal benefits. If you receive SSI, you automatically qualify for Medicaid in South Dakota. The state also offers the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program, which allows individuals with significant disabilities to work and still receive Medicaid coverage.

South Dakota’s Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program is designed for those who are employed and have a significant disability, including low vision. This program helps cover medical costs and supports employment. To qualify, you must be a South Dakota resident, have a significant disability, and meet income and asset requirements. The program allows you to keep Medicaid even if your income is above the standard SSI limit, up to a state-specific threshold.

Source: South Dakota Department of Social Services, 2025

South Dakota also participates in federal work incentives, such as the Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS), which lets you set aside income and resources for a work goal without losing SSI benefits.

• Check if your low vision meets SSA’s disability criteria.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or visit a local SSA office.
• If approved for SSI, you’ll automatically be enrolled in Medicaid.
• For Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities, apply through the South Dakota Department of Social Services.
• Report any changes in income or resources to avoid overpayments.

• Step 1: Review SSA’s disability criteria for low vision. Your vision loss must be severe enough to prevent substantial work.
• Step 2: Collect medical records, including eye exams and doctor’s notes, and your work history.
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local SSA office. You can also apply for both programs at once.
• Step 4: If approved for SSI, you’ll automatically be enrolled in Medicaid in South Dakota.
• Step 5: If you want to work and keep Medicaid, apply for the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program through the South Dakota Department of Social Services.
• Step 6: If you have a work goal, consider a Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) to set aside income and resources for training or equipment.
• Step 7: Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to SSA and the Department of Social Services to avoid overpayments.
• Step 8: If your benefits are denied, you can appeal the decision.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025 Source: South Dakota Department of Social Services, 2025

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for those who can’t work due to a long-term or permanent disability and who have paid enough Social Security taxes.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for those with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 and older.
• Medicare: Health insurance for those who receive SSDI after a 24-month waiting period (exceptions for ALS and end-stage renal disease).
• Medicaid: Health coverage for those who receive SSI or meet other criteria.
• Work Incentives: Programs like PASS, Impairment Related Work Expenses, and Expedited Reinstatement help you work and keep benefits.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025

• Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities: Allows individuals with significant disabilities, including low vision, to work and still receive Medicaid coverage. The program covers medical costs and supports employment. The income threshold for 2025 is $53,022 per year.
• Medicaid for SSI Recipients: Automatic enrollment in Medicaid if you receive SSI.
• Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS): Lets you set aside income and resources for a work goal without losing SSI benefits.
• Continued Medicaid Coverage under 1619(b): Allows you to keep Medicaid even if your SSI cash payment stops due to earnings above the SGA limit but below the state threshold.
• Expedited Reinstatement: If you lose benefits due to work, you can request reinstatement within 60 months and receive provisional benefits for 6 months while a disability determination is made.

Source: South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network, 2025 Source: South Dakota Department of Social Services, 2025

An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In South Dakota, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program. You can save up to $17,000 per year (2025 limit) and the account grows tax-free. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, transportation, and assistive technology.

Source: ABLE National Resource Center, 2025

• SSI: In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Income and resource limits apply.
• SSDI: No strict income limit, but earnings above the SGA limit ($1,620/month for non-blind, $2,700/month for blind in 2025) may affect benefits.
• Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities: The income threshold for 2025 is $53,022 per year.

Source: South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network, 2025

You must report changes in income, resources, living situation, or medical condition to SSA and the Department of Social Services. Failure to report can result in overpayments and penalties. If you receive an overpayment, you can request a waiver or set up a repayment plan. Reporting changes helps ensure you receive the correct amount of benefits.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025

• South Dakota Department of Social Services
  Phone: 1-800-597-1603

  Website

  For Medicaid and other state benefits
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSDI and SSI applications and questions

• Can I work if I have low vision and receive SSI or SSDI?

  Yes, you can work and still receive SSI or SSDI if your earnings are below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Special work incentives may allow you to earn more.

• How do I apply for disability benefits with low vision in South Dakota?

  You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local SSA office. You’ll need medical records and work history. If approved for SSI, you’ll automatically be enrolled in Medicaid.

• What is the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program in South Dakota?

  This program allows individuals with significant disabilities, including low vision, to work and still receive Medicaid coverage. The income threshold for 2025 is $53,022 per year. It helps cover medical costs and supports employment.

• Can I save money if I receive SSI or SSDI?

  Yes, you can save money in an ABLE account without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $17,000 per year (2025 limit) and use funds for qualified disability expenses.

• What happens if my income changes while receiving disability benefits?

  You must report changes in income to SSA and the Department of Social Services. Failure to report can result in overpayments and penalties. Reporting changes helps ensure you receive the correct amount of benefits.

• Do I need to be completely blind to qualify for disability benefits?