Stuttering Benefits in South Dakota: 2025 Guide

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. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must meet SSA’s disability criteria and have limited income and resources. Stuttering may qualify if it severely limits your ability to communicate and work. The SSA uses a list of impairments, but even if stuttering is not listed, you may still qualify if it causes significant functional limitations. In 2025, the SGA limit for non-blind individuals is expected to be around $1,507 per month, up from $1,470 in 2024, due to inflation adjustments. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for SSDI, but SSI has different rules and may still be available. [^1][^3][^5]

In South Dakota, individuals with stuttering may qualify for Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities if they are employed and have a significant disability. This program helps people keep Medicaid coverage while working. South Dakota also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can provide additional support for those with speech or language disabilities. The state follows federal SSI and SSDI rules, but some state-specific programs may have additional requirements or benefits. For example, the threshold for continued Medicaid coverage under 1619(b) is $53,022 per year in 2025. This means you can earn up to this amount and still keep Medicaid, even if your SSI cash payment stops. [^2][^4]

• Check if your stuttering meets SSA’s disability criteria.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or visit a local office.
• Report all income and resources.
• Follow up on your application and provide any requested documents.

• Review SSA’s disability criteria for speech and language disorders. Stuttering must severely limit your ability to communicate and work.
• Collect medical evidence, such as speech therapy records, doctor’s notes, and evaluations.
• Determine if you have enough work credits for SSDI or if you qualify for SSI based on income and resources.
• Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office.
• If applying for SSI, you may also need to apply for Medicaid through the South Dakota Department of Social Services.
• Report all changes in income, resources, or medical condition to SSA.
• If your application is denied, you can appeal within 60 days.
• If approved, you may be eligible for work incentives, such as continued Medicaid coverage or a Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS).
• Keep records of all communications and documents related to your application and benefits.

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for those with enough work credits and a qualifying disability.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for those with limited income and resources.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for those who receive SSI or meet other criteria.
• Medicare: Health coverage for those who receive SSDI for 24 months.
• Work Incentives: Programs like 1619(b) Medicaid, PASS, and Expedited Reinstatement help people work while keeping benefits.

• Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities: Allows employed individuals with significant disabilities to keep Medicaid coverage.
• Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers: Provides support services for those with disabilities, including speech and language disorders.
• South Dakota Medicaid: Covers medical services for those who receive SSI or meet other criteria.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: Helps people with disabilities return to work or remain employed.
• Continued Medicaid Coverage under 1619(b): Allows individuals to keep Medicaid if their earnings exceed SGA but are below the state threshold ($53,022 in 2025).
• 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.
• Expedited Reinstatement: Allows individuals who stop receiving benefits due to work to request reinstatement within 60 months, with provisional benefits for 6 months while a disability determination is made.

ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to 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 not federally taxed, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free. ABLE accounts can help with costs related to stuttering, such as therapy, assistive devices, or education. [^3]

In 2025, the SGA limit for non-blind individuals is expected to be around $1,507 per month. For SSI, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual, but some income is not counted. The threshold for continued Medicaid coverage under 1619(b) is $53,022 per year in South Dakota. [^2]

It’s important to report changes in income, resources, or medical condition to SSA. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments, which you may have to repay. If you receive an overpayment, you can request a waiver or set up a repayment plan. [^3]

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

  Website

  For Medicaid and economic assistance questions.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSI and SSDI applications and questions.
• South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network
  Phone: 1-800-224-5336

  Website

  For help with SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid questions.

• Can stuttering qualify for disability benefits in South Dakota?

  Yes, stuttering can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it severely limits your ability to communicate and work. You must meet SSA’s disability criteria and provide medical evidence.

• What are the income limits for SSI in South Dakota in 2025?

  The federal SSI income limit is $943 per month for an individual in 2025. Some income is not counted, and the threshold for continued Medicaid coverage under 1619(b) is $53,022 per year.

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

  You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You’ll need medical records and work history.

• What work incentives are available for people with stuttering in South Dakota?

  South Dakota offers Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities, 1619(b) Medicaid, PASS, and Expedited Reinstatement. These programs help people work while keeping benefits.

• Can I keep Medicaid if I start working in South Dakota?

  Yes, if you have a significant disability and are employed, you may be able to keep Medicaid through the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program or under 1619(b) if your earnings are below the state threshold.

• What is the SGA limit for 2025 in South Dakota?

  The SGA limit for non-blind individuals in 2025 is expected to be around $1,507 per month. This is the amount you can earn before SSDI benefits may be affected.