Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Benefits in South Dakota

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with PTSD, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. This means your PTSD must be severe enough to stop you from doing your past work and from 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 medical proof of your condition[1][6].

In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for SSDI or SSI[4].

South Dakota does not have a separate state disability program, but residents with PTSD can access federal SSDI and SSI, plus state Medicaid programs. If you work and have a significant disability, you may qualify for the South Dakota Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program. This helps people with disabilities return to work or stay employed while keeping Medicaid coverage[5].

South Dakota also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can provide extra support for those with PTSD who need help living independently[5].

• Gather medical records showing your PTSD diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work.
• Check if you have enough work credits for SSDI or limited income/resources for SSI.
• Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office.
• If approved, you may also apply for Medicaid through South Dakota’s Department of Social Services.
• Report any changes in your situation to avoid overpayments[6][5].

• Step 1: Get medical documentation from your doctor or mental health provider. This should include your PTSD diagnosis, symptoms, treatment history, and how your condition limits your daily activities and work.
• Step 2: Check your eligibility. For SSDI, you need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. For SSI, your income and resources must be below the federal limits[6].
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI. You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. The application will ask for personal information, work history, and medical records[6].
• Step 4: If approved, apply for Medicaid. You can do this through South Dakota’s Department of Social Services. If you work, ask about the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program[5].
• Step 5: Report any changes in your income, resources, or medical condition to the SSA and Medicaid to avoid overpayments[6][5].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for those who can’t work due to a long-term disability and 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: Available after 24 months of SSDI, except for those with ALS or end-stage renal disease.
• Medicaid: Available for those with low income and resources, including those approved for SSI[3][4].

• South Dakota Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities: Allows people with significant disabilities to work and keep Medicaid coverage. This is for those who are employed and have a chronic condition like PTSD.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Provides home and community-based services for those who need help living independently. These waivers can cover services like personal care, therapy, and support coordination.
• ABLE Accounts: South Dakota offers ABLE accounts, which let people with disabilities save money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid[5].

South Dakota offers ABLE accounts, which allow people with disabilities to save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. You can open an ABLE account if you became disabled before age 26. Funds in the account can be used for things like education, housing, transportation, and personal support services[4].

For SSDI in 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. For SSI, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple in 2025. South Dakota does not have a separate state income limit for SSI, but state programs may have their own rules[4][2].

It’s important to report any changes in your income, resources, or medical condition to the SSA and Medicaid. If you don’t report changes, you may get an overpayment, which you’ll have to pay back. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person at a local office[6][5].

• South Dakota Department of Social Services
  Phone: 1-855-637-6574

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  For SSDI and SSI applications and questions.

• Can I get disability benefits for PTSD in South Dakota?

  Yes, if your PTSD is severe enough to stop you from working and meets the SSA’s definition of disability, you can qualify for SSDI or SSI. You’ll need medical proof and, for SSDI, enough work credits[6].

• How much can I earn and still get disability benefits in South Dakota?

  In 2025, you can earn up to $1,620 per month (non-blind) or $2,700 (blind) and still qualify for SSDI or SSI. If you earn more, your benefits may stop[4].

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

  This program helps people with significant disabilities, like PTSD, work and keep Medicaid coverage. It’s for those who are employed and need ongoing medical care[5].

• Can I work while getting disability benefits in South Dakota?

  Yes, there are work incentives that let you try working without losing your benefits. If your earnings are below the SGA limit, you can keep your SSDI or SSI[4].

• How do I apply for Medicaid in South Dakota if I have PTSD?

  If you’re approved for SSI, you’ll automatically qualify for Medicaid. If you work, you can apply for the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program through the Department of Social Services[5].

• What is an ABLE account and can I get one in South Dakota?

  An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. South Dakota offers ABLE accounts for those who became disabled before age 26[4].