Sensory Processing Disorder Benefits in South Dakota

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 have enough work credits. Generally, you need 40 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 that your disability prevents you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least one year or result in death.

For 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for disabled individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Earning above these amounts may affect your benefits. SSA also offers work incentives, such as a nine-month trial work period and extended eligibility, to help people test their ability to work without losing benefits.

Children with disabilities may qualify for benefits if their parent is receiving retirement, disability, or survivor benefits, or if they meet SSI criteria.

South Dakota follows federal rules for SSDI and SSI eligibility. However, the state offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, which can provide additional support for home and community-based services. To qualify for these waivers, you must meet both federal disability criteria and state-specific resource and income limits. South Dakota also participates in federal work incentive programs, such as the Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) and continued Medicaid coverage under 1619(b) for those whose earnings exceed the SGA level but remain below the state threshold.

The state threshold for continued Medicaid coverage under 1619(b) is $53,022 per year in 2025. If you are blind, you may deduct certain work expenses from your earnings when determining if you exceed the SGA limit. South Dakota also offers ABLE accounts, which allow individuals with disabilities to save money without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility.

• Gather medical records and work history.
• Visit the SSA website or local office to start your application.
• Complete the application for SSDI or SSI online, by phone, or in person.
• Submit all required documents, including proof of income and resources.
• Follow up with SSA to provide any additional information.

• Step 1: Collect all necessary documents, including medical records, proof of income, work history, and identification.
• Step 2: Visit the Social Security Administration’s website or your local SSA office to begin the application process.
• Step 3: Complete the application for SSDI or SSI. You can apply online, by phone, or in person. The online application is available at ssa.gov.
• Step 4: Submit all required documents, such as medical records, proof of income, and work history. SSA may request additional information during the review process.
• Step 5: Attend any required interviews or medical exams. SSA may schedule a consultative exam if more information is needed.
• Step 6: Wait for SSA’s decision. If approved, you will receive a notice of award and information about your benefits.
• Step 7: If denied, you can appeal the decision. Appeals must be filed within 60 days of the denial notice.
• Step 8: Once approved, report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments.

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people who cannot work due to a long-term or permanent disability and have paid enough Social Security taxes.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 and older.
• Medicaid: Provides health coverage to people with disabilities who meet income and resource limits.
• Medicare: Provides health coverage to people who receive SSDI for 24 months.
• Work Incentives: Programs that allow people with disabilities to work and still receive benefits, such as the Trial Work Period and Extended Period of Eligibility.

• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): South Dakota offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, which provide home and community-based services. These waivers can help with personal care, respite care, and other supports.
• ABLE Accounts: South Dakota participates in the ABLE program, which allows individuals with disabilities to save money without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
• Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS): Allows individuals to set aside income and resources for a work goal, which may make them eligible for SSI or more SSI cash payment.
• Continued Medicaid Coverage under 1619(b): Allows individuals to continue receiving Medicaid when their SSI cash payment is stopped due to earnings that exceed the SGA level but fall below the state-specific threshold amount.
• Expedited Reinstatement: Individuals who lose benefits due to work can request reinstatement within 60 months. Provisional benefits are paid for 6 months while a disability determination is made.

South Dakota offers ABLE accounts, which allow individuals with disabilities to save money without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility. You can use ABLE funds for disability-related expenses, such as education, housing, transportation, and personal support services. To open an ABLE account, visit the South Dakota ABLE program website or contact a financial institution that offers ABLE accounts.

For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for disabled individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. The state threshold for continued Medicaid coverage under 1619(b) is $53,022 per year. If you are blind, you may deduct certain work expenses from your earnings when determining if you exceed the SGA limit.

It is important to report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you receive an overpayment, SSA will notify you and may require repayment. You can request a waiver of repayment if you are unable to pay. For more information, see the guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.

• South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network
  Phone: 1-800-224-5336

  Website

  Statewide resource for disability benefits help

• Can Sensory Processing Disorder qualify for SSDI or SSI in South Dakota?

  Yes, if your Sensory Processing Disorder meets the Social Security Administration’s criteria for disability and you meet the work credit or income/resource requirements for SSDI or SSI.

• What are the income limits for SSDI and SSI in South Dakota?

  For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for disabled individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. SSI has additional income and resource limits, which are set by federal rules.

• How do I apply for SSDI or SSI in South Dakota?

  You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a local SSA office. You will need to provide medical records, proof of income, and work history.

• What are Medicaid waivers in South Dakota?

  Medicaid waivers in South Dakota provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities. These waivers can help with personal care, respite care, and other supports.

• Can I work while receiving SSDI or SSI in South Dakota?

  Yes, Social Security offers work incentives that allow you to test your ability to work without losing benefits. These include a nine-month trial work period and extended eligibility.

• What is an ABLE account and how can it help me?

  An ABLE account allows individuals with disabilities to save money without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses.