Short Stature Benefits in South Dakota

To qualify for federal disability benefits in South Dakota, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need a qualifying medical condition and enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 earned in the last 10 years). For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and meet SSA’s disability criteria. Short stature can qualify if it severely limits your ability to work and is expected to last at least one year or result in death. Both programs require that you cannot do the work you did before and cannot adjust to other work because of your condition [1].

SSA evaluates medical evidence, including doctor’s reports, test results, and treatment records. You must also provide non-medical evidence, such as statements from family or coworkers about how your disability affects daily life [2].

In South Dakota, people with short stature may qualify for Medicaid if they are disabled and have limited income. The state also offers the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program, which helps people with significant disabilities return to work or stay employed. To qualify, you must have a significant disability and meet income and resource limits. South Dakota uses federal SSI rules for Medicaid eligibility, so qualifying for SSI usually means you also qualify for Medicaid [3].

South Dakota also provides home and community-based services (HCBS) through waivers for people with disabilities. These waivers can help with services like personal care, therapy, and support for independent living. Eligibility for waivers depends on your disability, income, and need for services [4].

• Gather medical records and doctor’s statements.
• Collect non-medical evidence (letters from family, coworkers).
• Contact the Social Security Administration to start your application.
• Submit your application online, by phone, or in person.
• Wait for a decision from Disability Determination Services (DDS).
• If denied, you can appeal the decision [2].

• Step 1: Collect all medical records, including doctor’s reports, test results, and treatment notes. Make sure they clearly show how short stature affects your ability to work.
• Step 2: Gather non-medical evidence, such as statements from family, friends, or coworkers about how your disability limits your daily activities.
• Step 3: Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to start your application. You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local SSA office.
• Step 4: Complete the application form, providing all required information about your medical condition, work history, and income.
• Step 5: Submit your application. SSA will send it to Disability Determination Services (DDS) for review.
• Step 6: Wait for a decision. This process can take several months.
• Step 7: If your application is denied, you can appeal. The appeals process includes reconsideration, an administrative hearing, and, if needed, federal court [2].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people who cannot work due to a long-term or permanent disability and have paid enough into Social Security.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 and older.
• Medicare: Health insurance for people who receive SSDI after a 24-month waiting period.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income who receive SSI [1].

• Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities: Helps people with significant disabilities return to work or stay employed. Covers medical services and may include home and community-based services.
• Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers: Provides support for independent living, personal care, therapy, and other services for people with disabilities.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility [3].

ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In South Dakota, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, transportation, and personal support services. Contributions are limited to $18,000 per year, and the account balance cannot exceed $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility [3].

• SSI: In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual. The income limit is based on countable income, which includes wages, Social Security, and other sources. Some income is excluded, such as the first $20 of most income and the first $65 of earned income.
• Medicaid: Income limits vary by program. For Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities, the income limit is $53,022 per year in 2025. Some resources are excluded, such as a home, one car, and certain work-related items [2].

If you receive more benefits than you are entitled to, you may have to repay the overpayment. Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to SSA and Medicaid as soon as possible. Failure to report changes can result in overpayments and penalties. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person [2].

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

  Website

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSDI and SSI benefits.

• Can short stature qualify for disability benefits in South Dakota?

  Yes, short stature can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it severely limits your ability to work and meets SSA’s disability criteria. You must provide medical evidence showing how your condition affects your daily life and work ability.

• What medical evidence is needed for a disability claim?

  You need doctor’s reports, test results, treatment records, and statements from family or coworkers about how your disability affects your daily activities. SSA uses this evidence to decide if you qualify for benefits.

• How do I apply for disability benefits in South Dakota?

  Gather medical and non-medical evidence, then apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local SSA office. Submit all required information and wait for a decision from Disability Determination Services.

• What is the income limit for SSI in South Dakota?

  In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual. The income limit is based on countable income, with some exclusions for earned income and other sources.

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits?

  Yes, you can work while receiving disability benefits. There are work incentives, such as the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which allows you to earn a certain amount without losing benefits. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals.

• What is Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities in South Dakota?

  This program helps people with significant disabilities return to work or stay employed. It covers medical services and may include home and community-based services. The income limit in 2025 is $53,022 per year.