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South Dakota • Physical/Mobility
People with Muscular Dystrophy in South Dakota can access federal disability programs like SSDI and SSI, plus state-specific Medicaid and work support programs. Eligibility depends on medical status, work history, and income. This guide explains how to apply, what benefits are available, and how to keep them.
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 enough work credits. For Muscular Dystrophy, this means your condition must prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least one year or result in death. You generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must meet SSA’s disability criteria and have limited income and resources. Both programs require a medical review to confirm your eligibility.
In South Dakota, people with Muscular Dystrophy may qualify for Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities if they are employed and have a significant disability. This program helps those who want to work but still need medical coverage. South Dakota also offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, which provide support for daily living and help people stay in their homes. To qualify for these programs, you must meet both federal disability criteria and state-specific income and asset limits. The state may also consider your ability to work and your need for support services.
Step 1: Review eligibility for SSDI or SSI. SSDI requires work credits; SSI requires limited income and resources.
Step 2: Collect medical records, proof of income, and personal identification.
Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office.
Step 4: For Medicaid or HCBS waivers, contact the South Dakota Department of Social Services. You may need to complete a separate application.
Step 5: Attend any required interviews or medical reviews.
Step 6: Report changes in your income, work, or medical status to SSA and the state agency.
Step 7: If approved, you will receive monthly payments and access to medical coverage.
Step 8: Use work incentives and ABLE accounts to save and work without losing benefits.
Apply for SSDI/SSI: SSA.gov [^1]
Apply for Medicaid/HCBS: South Dakota Department of Social Services [^6]
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: Available after 24 months of SSDI (exceptions for ALS and end-stage renal disease).
Medicaid: Available for those who qualify for SSI or meet state criteria.
Work Incentives: Programs like Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) and Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE) help keep benefits while working.
ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.
Learn more about federal programs: SSA.gov [^1]
Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities: For employed individuals with significant disabilities who need medical coverage.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers: For those needing long-term support at home or in the community.
South Dakota Department of Social Services: Administers Medicaid and HCBS waivers.
South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network: Provides information and support for disability benefits.
Learn more about state programs: South Dakota Department of Social Services [^6]
South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network: 1-800-224-5336 [^7]
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In South Dakota, you can open an ABLE account to save for qualified disability expenses. The account has annual and lifetime contribution limits, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free. ABLE accounts can help with costs like medical care, education, and housing.
SSI: 2025 federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual, $1,415 for a couple.
SSDI: No strict income limit, but earnings above SGA ($1,620/month for non-blind, $2,700 for blind in 2025) may affect benefits.
Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities: Income limits vary; check with the state for current thresholds.
Learn more about income limits: SSA.gov [^1]
You must report changes in your income, work, or medical status to SSA and the state agency. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments and penalties. If you receive an overpayment, you may be able to request a waiver or set up a repayment plan. Keep records of all changes and communications.
Contact the South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network at 1-800-224-5336 for free help with disability benefits applications and questions.
The main programs are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is for those with enough work credits, SSI is for those with limited income and resources. Both require a qualifying disability.
You need a medical condition that meets SSA’s definition of disability and enough work credits. Generally, you need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began.
You must meet SSA’s disability criteria and have limited income and resources. The 2025 federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual, $1,415 for a couple.
The Substantial Gainful Activity (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 benefits.
This program is for employed individuals with significant disabilities who need medical coverage. It helps those who want to work but still need support.
HCBS waivers provide support for daily living and help people with disabilities stay in their homes. They cover services like personal care, therapy, and home modifications.
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.
Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. For Medicaid or HCBS waivers, contact the South Dakota Department of Social Services.
Work incentives like PASS and IRWE help keep benefits while working. They allow you to set aside income for work goals or deduct work-related expenses from your earnings.
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. It allows you to save for qualified disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
Report changes in your income, work, or medical status to SSA and the state agency. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments and penalties.
