South Dakota Disability Benefits: Learn How to Qualify

Did you know that if health problems force you to stop working for at least one year, you may qualify for South Dakota disability? Two federal programs offer disability benefits to qualifying residents. Last year, 7.8% of the state’s population received disability benefits.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) manages payments and screens applicants for two programs:

1. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
2. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Each program uses the same medical criteria to verify that your condition prevents you from working for at least 12 months. You can apply for both programs at once with one checkmark on the claim form. The SSA uses this information to see if you qualify for South Dakota disability payments.

SSI for South Dakota Disability Applicants

SSI provides benefits for low-income Americans who are blind, disabled or over 65. To qualify for SSI disability benefits, you must meet certain requirements.

We collected everything residents of the Land of Sunshine need to know about SSI eligibility and payments below.

1. What are the age requirements for SSI disability?

If you’re older than 65, you meet the age requirement. Younger South Dakota disability applicants must pass a Disability Determination Services (DDS) medical exam to confirm eligibility. A South Dakota disability lawyer can cover the cost of doctor visits and medical records if you can’t pay for them yourself.

2. What are the financial eligibility rules for SSI disability?

Whether you’re blind, disabled or 65+, you must meet the program’s financial eligibility requirements:

• Individuals must earn less than $1,350 each month from wages or other sources. Child support, alimony, earned interest, SNAP, TANF, etc., all count as “monthly income” for SSI.
• Individuals must have total assets under $2,000. That includes money in the bank and items you could sell, like stocks and bonds, lottery tickets, etc. The home you own, your daily vehicle, your wedding ring and other daily living items don’t count toward the asset limit.
• Couples applying for disability must meet combined requirements. That means together you have less than $3,000 in assets and $1,350 in combined monthly income.

3. How Much Does SSI Pay?

If the SSI program approves your claim, you can expect to receive up to $841 for an individual or $1,261 for couples. In some years, the federal government approves a Cost-of-Living-Adjustment (COLA) that could increase the amount you receive.

4. How Long Can I Get SSI Payments?

To continue to get payments, South Dakota disability recipients must pass a disability update every 3-7 years. If you’re under 65 and the SSI program determines you’re no longer eligible, your payments will stop. If you’re over 65, your monthly benefits continue unless you stop meeting the program’s financial requirements.

SSDI for South Dakota Disability Applicants

SSDI is a federal disability insurance program that American workers pay into with every paycheck. If you work full-time for an employer who withholds FICA or Social Security taxes, you’re covered. If your job doesn’t withhold FICA taxes, you aren’t eligible and should look at SSI benefits.

We gathered information on SSI eligibility and payments for residents of the Land of Infinite Variety.

1. Who’s Eligible for SSDI?

If you answer “yes” to every question below, you’re eligible to apply for SSDI benefits today:

• Have you worked full-time for at least 5 in the last 10 years in jobs that withheld Social Security taxes? Your eligibility lapses if you stop working for 60 months (5 years) because you haven’t been paying FICA taxes.

• Does your doctor expect your health issue to keep you from working for at least 12 months? Your disabling condition must prevent you from working for at least a year, or result in death. South Dakota disability applicants who can return to work in months or weeks aren’t eligible.

• Have you seen a doctor in the last 90 days to treat your condition? If not, you need DDS to confirm your condition stops you from working for at least 12 months. A South Dakota disability lawyer can pay for your doctor’s visits and medical records if you can’t cover them yourself.

• Are you currently aged 18-65 and not receiving any Social Security benefits? The SSDI program stops paying once you reach full retirement age since you begin getting regular Social Security benefits.

Did you have any “no” answers? Don’t worry. The SSI program may still be available to you.

2. How Long Does It Take to Get Your First SSDI Payment?

There’s usually a 5-month waiting period for benefits. That means South Dakota disability recipients could receive their first payments about 6 months after approval.

You can avoid delays by having an attorney file your claim. That’s because the forms are complicated and require a lot of documentation. Almost half of the people who apply are turned down for basic paperwork mistakes. When a South Dakota disability lawyer files your claim, your likelihood of being approved is almost tripled! Disability attorneys work on contingency. That means you won’t pay any legal fees unless the SSA approves you for benefits. For most people, it’s worth it to pay the one-time attorney’s fee to avoid going 2 or more years without income.

If your claim is rejected, you have 60 days to appeal in writing. Your first appeal is called a reconsideration. This process takes about 100 days, or 3.5 months, to complete. If your reconsideration is denied, you can request an appeals hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. That could take up to a year, and judges approve only 11% of appealed claims. If your case is successful, you may still wait almost 2 years for your first payment.

3. How Much Does SSDI Pay?

How much South Dakota disability recipients get depends on how much they earned while working. Payment equals 40% of your average monthly paycheck over a 35-year work history. Disabled workers receive an average of $1,358 in monthly SSDI for 2022; however, the most you can get is $3,345 per month. To get SSDI payments higher than $3,000/month, you must earn $139,000 annually for a decade before becoming disabled. You also may receive a higher payment if Congress approves a COLA increase.

4. How Long Can I Get SSDI Payments?

The SSA requires you to pass disability updates every 3-7 years until you reach full retirement age. After that, you begin receiving regular Social Security retirement benefits. Your monthly amount stays the same, and you don’t have to fill out any more paperwork.

Related: New Hampshire Disability: 2 Ways to Get Monthly Payments

You May Qualify for Legal Assistance

Working with a South Dakota disability lawyer improves your chances of getting benefits by almost 3x. A qualified Social Security attorney charges nothing if you don’t win. If your case is successful, then you’ll only pay a small, one-time fee.

Ready to see if you may qualify? Click the button below to start your free online benefits evaluation now!

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