If you have a spinal cord injury in South Dakota, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI and SSI, as well as state programs such as Medicaid waivers and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key resources.
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 recent employment. The number of credits needed depends on your age when you apply. For most adults, you need at least 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before becoming disabled [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 and older. Your disability must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) criteria, and your income and resources must be below the federal limits [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].
Both SSDI and SSI require that your disability is expected to last at least one year or result in death, and that you cannot do the work you did before or adjust to other work because of your condition [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].
In South Dakota, individuals with a spinal cord injury may qualify for Medicaid waivers, such as the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver, which can help pay for services like personal care, home modifications, and assistive technology. Eligibility is based on functional need and financial criteria [dss.sd.gov, 2025-11-06].
South Dakota also offers the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program, which allows people with disabilities to work and keep Medicaid coverage even if their income is above the usual SSI limits. This program is for those with a significant disability who are employed [dss.sd.gov, 2025-11-06].
To qualify for state-specific programs, you must meet both federal disability criteria and South Dakota’s financial and functional requirements. Some programs may have waiting lists or require a functional assessment [dss.sd.gov, 2025-11-06].
Contact the South Dakota Department of Social Services or a local benefits counselor for help with your application. They can guide you through the process and answer your questions.
SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security taxes paid. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs provide monthly payments for people with disabilities [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].
Yes, you can work, but there are limits. For SSDI, you cannot earn more than the SGA limit ($1,620/month in 2025). For SSI, your income and resources must stay below the limits. Work incentives can help you keep benefits while working [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].
A Medicaid waiver allows people with disabilities to receive services in the community instead of in an institution. In South Dakota, waivers can help pay for personal care, home modifications, and assistive technology [dss.sd.gov, 2025-11-06].
You can apply for Medicaid online at dss.sd.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Department of Social Services office. You will need to provide information about your income, resources, and disability [dss.sd.gov, 2025-11-06].
An ABLE account allows individuals with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses, and contributions are tax-free [sd.gov, 2025-11-06].
Yes, South Dakota has a Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program that allows people with disabilities to work and keep Medicaid coverage even if their income is above the usual SSI limits [dss.sd.gov, 2025-11-06].
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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The SGA limit for 2025 is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Earning above this limit may affect your SSDI or SSI benefits [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].
The approval process can take several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of your case and the backlog at the SSA. You can check the status of your application online or by phone [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].
If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal. You can request a reconsideration, a hearing, or further review. It is recommended to seek help from a benefits counselor or advocate [ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].
Yes, you can get help from a benefits counselor, advocate, or local agency. The South Dakota Department of Social Services and the SSA can provide information and support [dss.sd.gov, 2025-11-06; ssa.gov, 2025-11-06].
