Schizophrenia Benefits in South Dakota: 2025 Guide

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working and earning more than Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), which is $1,620 per month in 2025 for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals[4]. You also need enough work credits, usually 40, with 20 earned in the last 10 years[6].

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 and older[3]. Schizophrenia is listed in the SSA Blue Book under mental disorders, and if your symptoms meet the criteria, you may qualify[6].

Both programs require that your disability is expected to last at least one year or result in death[3].

In South Dakota, people with schizophrenia may qualify for Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities if they are employed and have a significant disability[5]. This program helps individuals return to or stay in work while keeping Medicaid coverage.

South Dakota also offers Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers for people with disabilities, which can provide support services to help live independently[5].

If you receive SSI, you may be automatically eligible for Medicaid in South Dakota[5].

Work incentives like the Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) allow you to set aside income for a work goal, which may help you qualify for SSI or get a higher payment[2].

If you medically recover while in a vocational rehabilitation program, you may continue to receive benefits until the program ends[2].

• Check if you meet federal SSI/SSDI criteria for schizophrenia.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or visit a local Social Security office.
• For Medicaid, apply through South Dakota’s Department of Social Services.
• Ask about work incentives and ABLE accounts if you plan to work.

• Step 1: Review SSA’s disability criteria for schizophrenia. Your condition must meet the requirements in the SSA Blue Book under mental disorders[6].
• Step 2: Collect medical records, treatment history, and work history. You’ll need proof of diagnosis and how your condition affects your ability to work.
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office[6].
• Step 4: If approved for SSI, you may be automatically enrolled in Medicaid in South Dakota[5].
• Step 5: For Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities, apply through the South Dakota Department of Social Services[5].
• Step 6: If you want to work, ask about work incentives like PASS and Medicaid continuation under 1619(b)[2].
• Step 7: Consider opening an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits[3].
• Step 8: Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments[3].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for those who can’t work due to a long-term or permanent disability and have paid enough Social Security taxes[3].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for those with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 and older[3].
• Medicare: Available after 24 months of SSDI, except for ALS and end-stage renal disease[4].
• Medicaid: Available for those who qualify for SSI or meet other criteria[3].

• Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities: For South Dakotans who are employed and have a significant disability. This program allows individuals to return to or stay in work while keeping Medicaid coverage[5].
• Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers: Provide support services to help people with disabilities live independently[5].
• Medicaid for SSI Recipients: Automatic eligibility for Medicaid if you receive SSI in South Dakota[5].
• Work Incentives: Programs like PASS and Medicaid continuation under 1619(b) help people with disabilities work without losing benefits[2].
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for disability-related expenses[3].

ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In South Dakota, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program. Contributions are tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are also tax-free[3].

• SSDI: No strict income limit, but earnings must be below SGA ($1,620/month in 2025 for non-blind, $2,700 for blind)[4].
• SSI: Income and resource limits apply. In 2025, the resource limit is $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples[3].
• Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities: Income limits vary, but the threshold for continued Medicaid under 1619(b) is $53,022/year in 2025[2].

It’s important to report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. Reporting changes promptly can help prevent overpayments and ensure you get the right amount of benefits[3].

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

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid and other benefits.
• South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network
  Phone: 1-800-224-5336

  Website

  Free help with disability benefits.

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

  Yes, if your schizophrenia meets SSA’s criteria for disability, you can qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must show that your condition prevents you from working and earning above the SGA limit[6].

• What is the SGA limit for 2025?

  In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Earning above this may affect your benefits[4].

• How do I apply for Medicaid in South Dakota?

  If you get SSI, you may be automatically enrolled in Medicaid. Otherwise, apply through the South Dakota Department of Social Services. Workers with disabilities can apply for Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities[5].

• What are work incentives for people with disabilities in South Dakota?

  Work incentives like PASS and Medicaid continuation under 1619(b) help people with disabilities work without losing benefits. You can set aside income for a work goal or keep Medicaid if your earnings are below the state threshold[2].

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

  Yes, you can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. There are limits on how much you can save[3].

• What happens if my income changes?

  You must report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Reporting changes promptly helps ensure you get the right amount of benefits[3].