Welcome to Disability Benefits Help, an organization committed to helping claimants across the United States receive approval for disability benefits.
Since applying for Social Security disability benefits can be a difficult process, a disability attorney or advocate may increase your chances of being awarded benefits by helping accurately and favorably complete the complex paperwork, ensuring that all deadlines are met, and providing you with representation at a hearing. After submitting our web form, you will receive a 100% FREE evaluation of your disability claim. Disability attorneys and advocates receive compensation if you are awarded back benefits. We have no affiliation with the Social Security Administration, the agency at which you can apply for Social Security disability at no cost.
Are you unable to work because of a disabling condition? Does lack of income prevent you from paying for basics like food and shelter? Do you live in South Dakota?
If so, you may qualify for disability benefits in South Dakota through the US Social Security Administration (SSA). Disability benefits help individuals who can’t work pay for essentials.
Keep reading to learn more about your options. For information specific to your case, strongly consider discussing the matter with a lawyer.
Understanding The Definition Of Disability In South Dakota
You need to show you have a condition that aligns with the SSA’s definition of a disability to qualify for SSA disability benefits in South Dakota. According to the SSA, a disability is a physical or mental condition that:
- Is medically likely to last at least 12 months and/or result in death, and
- Prevents someone from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA)
If someone can’t participate in SGA, it means they’re unable to earn a certain minimum amount of money every month. The amount of money that represents SGA changes to represent increases in the cost of living. Additionally, SGA is different for blind individuals than for non-blind.
In 2024, someone who isn’t blind can’t participate in SGA if they’re unable to earn at least $1,550 a month. A blind person unable to earn at least $2,590 per month would be unable to participate in SGA in 2024.
What Disabling Conditions Qualify In South Dakota?
The SSA lists over 200 conditions as disabilities in its Blue Book. Checking this resource to find out if there’s a listing for your condition can help you better determine if your condition qualifies as a disability.
Be aware that some Blue Book listings may be difficult to interpret. For example, some cover general categories of conditions. If you’re having trouble determining whether there’s a Blue Book listing for your condition, contact the SSA or speak with your lawyer about this during a consultation.
Blue Book listings also describe how to meet disability requirements in SD based on the particular condition you have. Check the listing for your condition carefully so you understand how to qualify for disability in South Dakota.
No matter what type of condition you have, you will need to show evidence indicating it limits your working ability. Depending on the specific program you’re applying to, you might also have to show that you’ve earned sufficient work credits to qualify.
Types of Disability Benefits Available in South Dakota
While learning how to apply for disability in the State of South Dakota, be sure to also research the types of programs available to you. You could waste a lot of time and effort seeking disability benefits if you apply to the wrong program. Options available through the SSA are:
South Dakota Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
You need to have worked and paid into the Social Security system in the past to qualify for SSDI. When a worker pays into Social Security, for every year they work, they can earn a maximum of four work credits. These are important, as you need to have earned a minimum of 40 work credits in your lifetime to qualify for SSDI. In addition, you also need to have earned at least 20 of those credits within the 10 years immediately preceding when you became disabled.
What if you’re too young to have significant work experience? The SSA may make exceptions in such cases. Discuss the matter with a lawyer to determine if seeking this form of disability benefits in South Dakota is worth your time.
South Dakota Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is another option to consider if you haven’t earned sufficient work credits to qualify for SSDI. To qualify for SSI, you don’t need to demonstrate your work history. You only need to show that:
- You have an SSA-approved disability or are at least 65 years of age
- You have limited or no income
- You have limited or no financial resources
Document how you spend SSI funds if you qualify for the program, being particularly certain to document when you spend SSI funds on a child’s expenses.
State of South Dakota Disability Programs
Some states offer short-term disability programs as alternatives to SSA programs. Although South Dakota isn’t among the states offering this type of program to all residents, employees of the State of South Dakota can access short-term disability benefits through their employee benefits packages.
Other employers may offer similar options. Check your benefits package to determine if your employer offers a form of disability insurance that you may consider along with SSA programs.
Find A Disability Lawyer In South Dakota
Seeking disability benefits in South Dakota can be a lengthy and challenging process. This is particularly true if you’re already coping with a disability that may naturally sap your energy levels. It’s also worth noting that the SSA denies most initial applications, meaning there’s a good chance you’ll need to appeal the first decision.
This isn’t meant to discourage you from pursuing the benefits for which you may be eligible. It’s meant to encourage you to work with a lawyer throughout this process. Benefits of hiring a South Dakota disability attorney include:
- Reviewing your case with a professional who can explain whether you appear eligible for benefits
- Working with a professional who can determine what benefits program you should apply to
- Having someone help you with tasks ranging from gathering medical documentation to completing and submitting paperwork
You don’t have to do it alone when seeking disability benefits in South Dakota. For more information about what an attorney can do for you, take the Free Case Evaluation today.
How Much Disability Can You Receive in South Dakota?
How much is disability in South Dakota? That depends. As of 2024, the maximum monthly benefits are as follows:
- $943 for individuals receiving SSI
- $1,415 for couples receiving SSI
- $3,822 for SSDI
Many factors can affect how much you might actually receive on a monthly basis. Learn more with our free benefits calculator.
