If you have a speech impairment in South Dakota, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, as well as state-specific programs and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medical condition that prevents you from doing substantial work, and you must have paid enough Social Security taxes to earn work credits. For most adults, this means 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. Both programs require that your disability is expected to last at least one year or result in death.
Speech impairments may qualify if they severely limit your ability to communicate and work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses specific criteria to determine if a speech disorder is disabling. If your speech impairment meets these criteria, you may be eligible for benefits.
In South Dakota, people with speech impairments may qualify for Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities if they are employed and have a significant disability. This program helps individuals return to or remain in the workforce. South Dakota also offers Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers, which provide support for people with disabilities to live independently.
If you receive SSI, you may be eligible for Medicaid automatically. South Dakota’s Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program covers services for those who are employed and have a significant disability, including speech impairments. The state also has work incentives like the Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) and Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE), which help you keep benefits while working.
Step 1: Review SSA’s disability criteria for speech impairments. Make sure your condition is documented by a doctor.
Step 2: Collect medical records, work history, and proof of income and resources.
Step 3: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local SSA office.
Step 4: If approved, apply for South Dakota Medicaid and HCBS waivers through the Department of Social Services.
Step 5: Use work incentives like PASS and IRWE if you plan to work.
Step 6: Report any changes in your income, resources, or medical condition to SSA and South Dakota Medicaid.
Step 7: If denied, appeal the decision within 60 days.
SSA Apply for Benefits (accessed 2025-11-06)
South Dakota Medicaid Application (accessed 2025-11-06)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for those who can’t work due to a long-term or permanent disability and who 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 or older.
Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities, often linked to SSI.
Medicare: Health coverage for people with disabilities after 24 months of SSDI.
Work Incentives: Programs like PASS, IRWE, and Expedited Reinstatement help you keep benefits while working.
SSA Disability Programs (accessed 2025-11-06)
South Dakota Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities: Health coverage for employed individuals with significant disabilities, including speech impairments.
Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers: Support for people with disabilities to live independently in the community.
Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS): Allows you to set aside income and resources for a work goal, which may make you eligible for SSI or more SSI cash payment.
Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE): Certain items or services needed to work due to your disability can be deducted from your earnings to determine if you are performing at Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).
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.
South Dakota Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (accessed 2025-11-06)
South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network (accessed 2025-11-06)
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In South Dakota, you can open an ABLE account to save for qualified disability expenses. Contributions are tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are not taxed.
SSI: In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual. The income limit is based on countable income, which is less than gross income.
SSDI: There is no income limit, but you cannot earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals.
Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities: The threshold amount for 2025 is $53,022 a year.
SSA SGA Limits (accessed 2025-11-06)
South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network (accessed 2025-11-06)
It’s important to report any changes in your income, resources, or medical condition to SSA and South Dakota Medicaid. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments, which you may have to repay. If you receive more benefits than you’re entitled to, SSA will notify you and explain your options.
Contact the South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network at 1-800-224-5336 for free help with disability benefits and Medicaid applications.
Yes, if your speech impairment severely limits your ability to communicate and work, it may qualify for SSI or SSDI. The Social Security Administration uses specific criteria to determine if a speech disorder is disabling.
In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Earning above this limit may affect your benefits.
You can apply for Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities through the South Dakota Department of Social Services. You must be employed and have a significant disability, including speech impairments.
A PASS allows you to set aside income and resources for a work goal, which may make you eligible for SSI or more SSI cash payment. It’s a work incentive for people with disabilities.
IRWE are certain items or services needed to work due to your disability. The cost of these items can be deducted from your earnings to determine if you are performing at SGA.
Yes, under 1619(b), you can continue to receive Medicaid when your SSI cash payment is stopped due to earnings that exceed the SGA level but fall below the state-specific threshold amount.
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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An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Contributions are tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are not taxed.
You can report changes to SSA online, by phone, or in person. It’s important to report any changes in your income, resources, or medical condition to avoid overpayments.
If you earn too much for SSI, your benefits may be reduced or stopped. However, work incentives like PASS and IRWE can help you keep benefits while working.
Yes, children with speech impairments may qualify for SSI if they meet the criteria. Children who were receiving benefits as a minor may continue to receive benefits upon reaching age 18 if they have a qualifying disability.
