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South Dakota • Physical/Mobility
People with Spina Bifida in South Dakota may qualify for federal disability programs like SSI and SSDI, plus state-specific Medicaid and work supports. This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, and key changes for 2025.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months and have enough work credits from paying Social Security taxes. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must meet the SSA’s disability criteria and have limited income and resources. Both programs require that your disability is severe enough to stop you from doing your previous work and adjusting to other work. Spina Bifida is considered a qualifying disability if it meets SSA’s criteria for severity and duration. The SSA uses a medical guide called the Blue Book to evaluate conditions, and Spina Bifida is listed under neurological disorders. [^1]
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, but work incentives can help you keep them while you try to work. [^2]
In South Dakota, people with Spina Bifida may qualify for Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities if they are employed and have a significant disability. This program helps cover medical costs for those who return to work or remain employed. South Dakota also offers Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers, which provide support for daily living and help people live independently. To qualify for these waivers, you must meet both federal and state criteria for disability and need for services. [^3]
South Dakota Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities is for residents who are employed and have a significant disability. The program allows individuals to keep Medicaid coverage even if their income is above the usual SSI limits, as long as it is below the state-specific threshold. In 2025, this threshold is $53,022 per year. [^4]
In 2025, SSDI and SSI benefits will increase by 2.5% due to the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. [^2]
South Dakota also offers vocational rehabilitation programs and expedited reinstatement of benefits if you stop working due to your disability. [^2]
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI eligibility. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, and transportation. In South Dakota, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program. [^7]
In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. The Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities threshold is $53,022 per year. [^2][^4]
You must report any changes in your income, work, or medical condition to avoid overpayments. If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. Reporting changes promptly helps you avoid penalties and keeps your benefits accurate. [^8]
In 2025, SSDI and SSI benefits will increase by 2.5% due to the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. The Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities threshold is $53,022 per year.
Spina Bifida is a birth defect that affects the spine and can cause physical and mobility challenges. It is considered a qualifying disability for SSI and SSDI if it meets the SSA’s criteria for severity and duration. Medical records must show how it limits your ability to work.
You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need medical records, proof of income, and work history. The SSA will review your application and may ask for more information.
The SGA limit in 2025 is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If you earn above this, you may lose benefits, but work incentives can help you keep them while you try to work.
Yes, South Dakota offers work incentives like the Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) and Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE). These programs help you keep benefits while you try to work and earn income.
This program allows employed individuals with significant disabilities to keep Medicaid coverage even if their income is above the usual SSI limits. The 2025 threshold is $53,022 per year. It helps people return to work or remain employed.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
HCBS waivers provide support for daily living, such as personal care and home modifications, to help people live independently. To qualify, you must meet both federal and state criteria for disability and need for services. Apply through the South Dakota Department of Social Services.
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI eligibility. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, and transportation. In South Dakota, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program.
You must report any changes in your income, work, or medical condition to avoid overpayments. Reporting changes promptly helps you avoid penalties and keeps your benefits accurate. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person.
If you stop receiving SSDI/SSI benefits due to work, you have 60 months to request reinstatement. You will receive provisional benefits for 6 months while a disability determination is made. If you are no longer disabled, the provisional benefits will not be considered an overpayment.
SSI is for those with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those with enough work credits. Both programs provide monthly payments for people with disabilities. SSI is needs-based, while SSDI is based on work history.
