If you live with Rheumatoid Arthritis in South Dakota, you may be eligible for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and work support programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, income limits, and South Dakota-specific resources for people with physical disabilities.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with Rheumatoid Arthritis, your condition must prevent you from working at a substantial level (“Substantial Gainful Activity” or SGA) for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death. SSDI requires you to have a certain number of work credits, while SSI is based on limited income and resources[3][4]. For both, Social Security uses its medical guide (the “Blue Book”) to determine if your symptoms are severe enough. For 2025, the SGA limit is typically expected to rise slightly due to inflation; as of 2025, non-blind individuals generally cannot earn over a set amount (around $1,620/month), or $2,700/month if blind, before losing eligibility[1][4]. Family members of the disabled individual may also qualify for dependent benefits[4]. Medicaid and Medicare have separate eligibility rules, but Medicare generally starts after SSDI approval (after a 24-month waiting period, with exceptions for ALS or kidney failure)[4].
South Dakota follows federal eligibility rules for SSI and SSDI, but state-specific Medicaid programs offer extra support if you work or need chronic care[5]. The Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program helps employed people with significant disabilities stay covered; chronic renal failure data is highlighted, but other significant disabilities may qualify—contact the state for details[5]. If you’re currently receiving SSI, you may be eligible for Medicaid without a separate application[5]. South Dakota also participates in ADLS/Home and Community Based Services Waivers, which may offer additional support depending on your care needs—check with the Department of Human Services for eligibility and enrollment[5]. There is limited public documentation about state-specific work incentives or special programs for Rheumatoid Arthritis; start by contacting the South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network or the Division of Human Services for personalized help[2][5].
Start by gathering your medical records, work history, and financial information. Print or call the Social Security Administration (SSA) to apply for SSDI or SSI—you can do this online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office[3][6]. If you need Medicaid, apply through the South Dakota Department of Social Services after or alongside your SSI/SSDI application[5]. For detailed help, contact a South Dakota Benefits Specialist or a legal aid office familiar with disability law.
1. Collect documents: Gather medical records that confirm your Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosis and how it limits your daily activities. Also collect work history, tax returns, and proof of income/resources for SSI[3][6]. 2. Choose your program: SSDI is for those with enough work credits; SSI is for those with limited income/resources. You can apply for both, but rules are different—see our SSI vs SSDI guide for details[3][4]. 3. Apply: Start your application online at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local SSA office. Complete all forms honestly and attach your medical evidence[6]. 4. South Dakota Medicaid: If you qualify for SSI, you’ll be automatically referred for Medicaid coverage. If you work and have a disability, check if the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program fits your situation—apply through the South Dakota Department of Social Services[5]. 5. Follow up: Respond quickly to any requests from SSA or the state. If denied, you can appeal—consider getting help from a South Dakota Benefits Specialist or disability lawyer[2]. 6. Work incentives: If you hope to return to work, review SSI/SSDI work incentives—South Dakota’s network can explain how earnings affect benefits[2].
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly payments to people with long-term disabilities who have paid enough Social Security taxes. There is a 5-month waiting period and a 24-month Medicare waiting period, with exceptions for certain conditions[4]. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) offers support for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history, and usually qualifies you for Medicaid[3]. Medicare is health insurance for people on SSDI after 24 months, or immediately for those with ALS or kidney failure[4]. ABLE Accounts let you save for disability-related expenses without jeopardizing SSI or Medicaid eligibility (see ABLE Accounts). Work incentives—like the Trial Work Period, Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE), and Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)—can help you try working without losing benefits right away[2].
South Dakota Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities: This program allows employed individuals with significant disabilities to keep Medicaid coverage even if their income is too high for traditional Medicaid. Coverage includes standard Medicaid services—check with the Department of Social Services for details and apply directly through their office[5]. Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers: These waivers may offer extra support like personal care, home modifications, or respite care for people with disabilities who need help to stay at home. South Dakota’s ADLS Waiver covers additional services—contact the Department of Human Services for eligibility and enrollment, since public details are limited[5]. State benefits specialists: The South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network (1-800-224-5336) provides free help with SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and work incentives—a valuable resource for accurate, local guidance[2]. If you are a former foster youth aged 18–26, you may qualify for extended Medicaid coverage under the Former Foster Care Medical Program[5].
ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. You can save up to a certain limit each year without affecting your SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Withdrawals for qualified disability expenses are tax-free. South Dakota currently has no state ABLE program, but you can enroll in a national ABLE plansee our ABLE Accounts guide.
SSI and SSDI have strict income and asset rules. For SSDI, if you earn more than the SGA limit (about $1,620/month in 2025 for non-blind individuals), you risk losing benefits[1][4]. SSI is only for people with very low income and resources. Work incentives, IRWE, and PASS can help you keep more of your income. Check our SSI Income Estimator tool for help.
You must report changes in your income, living situation, or medical condition to the SSA and South Dakota Medicaid. Overpayments can happen if you do not report changes—repayment may be required. If benefits stop due to work, you can request reinstatement within 60 months under Expedited Reinstatement. See our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for details[2].
You may be able to work and still keep your disability benefits in South Dakota. Work incentives like Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE) and Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) let you set aside money for work goals and deduct disability-related job costs, so your benefits aren’t reduced right away. Contact the South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network for local help[2].
Yes, you can work and receive SSDI or SSI benefits, but there are income limits. Work incentives—like Impairment Related Work Expenses and Trial Work Periods—allow you to keep more income and benefits. Contact a South Dakota Benefits Specialist for details[2].
SSDI requires work credits and supports those who paid into Social Security. SSI is based on financial need and is available to those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. See our [SSI vs SSDI](#) guide for a full comparison[3][4].
If you get SSI, you’ll usually qualify for Medicaid automatically. If you work and have a disability, check the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program or apply through the South Dakota Department of Social Services[5].
ABLE accounts let you save for disability expenses without losing benefits. Though South Dakota has no state plan, you can use a national ABLE account. See our [ABLE Accounts](#) guide for details.
You can appeal the decision. Contact the SSA immediately and consider speaking with a South Dakota Benefits Specialist or disability attorney for help with the process[2].
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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Yes, South Dakota offers Home and Community Based Services Waivers that may cover extra supports for people with disabilities who need help at home. Contact the Department of Human Services for details[5].
Work incentives let you deduct certain work expenses and set aside income for work goals, so you can earn more without immediately losing benefits. See our [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives](#) guide for details[2].
Certain family members of SSDI recipients may qualify for dependent benefits, depending on your work record and their eligibility. SSI does not offer dependent benefits[4].
If you medically recover while in a vocational rehabilitation program, you may keep benefits until the program ends. You can also request benefit reinstatement within 60 months if your disability returns[2].
Contact the South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network (1-800-224-5336) for free, local help with SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and work incentives[2].
