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South Dakota • Physical/Mobility
If you have a mobility impairment in South Dakota, you may qualify for federal disability programs like SSI and SSDI, as well as state-specific Medicaid and work support programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in South Dakota, you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) criteria for disability. This means your mobility impairment 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. You must also have enough work credits for SSDI (usually 40, with 20 earned in the last 10 years) or meet income and resource limits for SSI. Both programs require medical evidence of your disability. The SSA reviews your medical records, work history, and financial information to decide eligibility. If approved, you may receive monthly payments and access to healthcare programs like Medicare or Medicaid.
Citations: SSA Disability Qualifications, National Disability Institute
In South Dakota, people with mobility impairments may qualify for additional state programs beyond federal SSI and SSDI. The South Dakota Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program allows individuals with significant disabilities to work while keeping Medicaid coverage. This program is for those who are employed and have a significant disability, including mobility impairments. You may also qualify for Medicaid waivers, such as the HCBS (Home and Community Based Services) waiver, which provides support for independent living and home care. South Dakota also offers work incentives and support services through vocational rehabilitation programs. These programs help you keep your benefits while working or training for a job. If you are approved for SSI, you may automatically qualify for Medicaid in South Dakota. If you are approved for SSDI, you may qualify for Medicare after 24 months.
Citations: South Dakota Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities, South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network
Citations: SSA Apply for Benefits, South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network
Citations: SSA Apply for Benefits, South Dakota Department of Social Services, South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network
Citations: SSA Disability Programs, National Disability Institute
Citations: South Dakota Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities, South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network, South Dakota Department of Social Services
An ABLE account allows people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid. In South Dakota, you can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. The account has annual and lifetime contribution limits, and funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, and transportation. Earnings in the account are tax-free. ABLE accounts do not affect SSI or Medicaid eligibility as long as the balance is under $100,000.
Citations: ABLE National Resource Center, South Dakota ABLE Program
Citations: SSA SSI Limits, South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network
If your situation changes, you must report it to the SSA to avoid overpayments. Changes include increases in income, changes in living situation, or improvements in your disability. Overpayments can result in repayment or reduction of future benefits. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person. If you receive an overpayment notice, you can request a waiver or set up a repayment plan. Reporting changes promptly helps you avoid penalties and keeps your benefits accurate.
Citations: SSA Reporting Changes, South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network
Contact the South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network at 1-800-224-5336 for free help with applying for disability benefits and understanding your options.
SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. SSDI is for those who have paid Social Security taxes and have enough work credits. Both programs provide monthly payments for people with disabilities, including mobility impairments. SSI is needs-based, while SSDI is based on work history.
You can apply for SSI and SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need medical records, proof of income, and work history. For state programs, contact the South Dakota Department of Social Services or the Benefits Specialist Network.
The federal SSI income limit for 2025 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. SSDI has no income limit, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit of $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals.
Yes, you can work while receiving disability benefits in South Dakota. There are work incentives and programs, such as the Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) and Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE), that allow you to keep some benefits while working. The SGA limit determines how much you can earn without losing benefits.
This program allows individuals with significant disabilities to work while keeping Medicaid coverage. It is for those who are employed and have a significant disability, including mobility impairments. The income threshold for 2025 is $53,022 per year.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
If you are approved for SSI, you may automatically qualify for Medicaid in South Dakota. If you are approved for SSDI, you may qualify for Medicare after 24 months. You can also apply for Medicaid waivers, such as the HCBS waiver, for home and community-based support services.
Work incentives include the Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS), Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE), and vocational rehabilitation programs. These programs help you keep benefits while working or training for a job. They allow you to set aside income and resources for work goals and deduct certain expenses from your earnings.
You must report changes in income, living situation, or disability status to the SSA to avoid overpayments. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person. Prompt reporting helps you avoid penalties and keeps your benefits accurate.
An ABLE account allows people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid. In South Dakota, you can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. The account has annual and lifetime contribution limits, and funds can be used for qualified disability expenses.
If your benefits are denied, you can appeal the decision within 60 days. You can request a reconsideration, a hearing, or review by the Appeals Council. Contact the South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network for help with the appeals process.
