Nearly 25 percent of South Dakota’s population is living with a disability. Yet, only four percent of these people currently receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
The majority of the disabled population have mobility-related and cognitive-related conditions such as mental illness. The bigger problem is that these disabled residents are at higher risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Other disabilities include independent living, hearing, vision, and self-care.
Notably, the disability and subsequent illnesses can make it challenging to earn a living and support their families. That means social security disability benefits, if afforded, would go a long way in helping them survive.
This post discusses everything you need to know about social security local to South Dakota and what to do to qualify for the benefits.
How Do I Qualify for Social Security Benefits in South Dakota
Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) is a federal program set by the Social Security Administration (SSA), so the qualification criteria are the same across all states. However, it is South Dakota Disability Determination Services that do the determination.
South Dakota Social Security Administration approves about 36 percent of all first-time SSDI benefits applications. This is slightly above the national average of 35 percent.
There are two requirements that applicants must meet to qualify for South Dakota Social Security benefits. First, you must have worked and paid into the Social Security system.
Generally, you must have worked for ten years before you can qualify. But it is possible to get a waiver if your disability made it impossible to work, for example, in the case of severe physical or developmental disability.
The second condition is that your condition must be severe. The SSA came up with a comprehensive list of conditions considered severe enough to affect your ability to work for at least a year or lead to death.
It is difficult to approve your application if your disability is not listed here. And if there were a slight chance, you will likely have to appeal your denial once or twice, and involve a South Dakota disability lawyer.
How Do I Apply for Social Security Benefits in South Dakota?
There are three ways of applying for South Dakota SSD: in person, by phone, or online.
The fastest way is to apply online at the federal social security website. You create an account, log in, and complete the necessary forms. You can also call the national line at 800-772-1213 to have a representative walk you through the application process.
Lastly, you can visit the South Dakota Social Security Office if you wish to apply in person. There are six offices in the state, so make sure to find one near you.
Call the field office before visiting to schedule an appointment to ensure you are served promptly.
What Happens After I Apply for Social Security Benefits in South Dakota?
Once you have submitted all application materials, your local SSA office will send your file to the Disability Determination Services (DDS) office.
The DDS is responsible for gathering information from the medical and vocational sources in your application paperwork.
The DDS may arrange for additional medical examination at its expense if your records are insufficient to make a medical determination. Once the records are sufficient, the DDS will assess how much work you can do despite your limitations.
The DDS will then send your claim back to SSA after finishing evaluating the evidence and work experience and comparing it to the SSA program rules.
SSA will then contact you with the final results after making the final determination of eligibility for benefits. If eligible, you will be issued a South Dakota social security number (SSN) and start receiving the payments within a few months.
Appealing a Denial for Social Security Benefits in South Dakota
Although South Dakota’s average approval rate for initial claims is higher than average, it still denies 65 percent of applications.
You can rightfully file an appeal if your SSD claim is denied. These steps must be finalized within 60 days of the initial denial and follow a systematic order.
Step 1: Reconsideration
Asking for reconsideration of your case is the first step. Here, you are inviting a new representative to review your initially submitted claim to check for errors. Reconsideration yields a 10 percent approval rating.
Step 2: Disability Hearing
The second step is lengthy and has a 52 percent average approval rating. During the disability adjudication, an administrative law judge will review your case and any new documents or witnesses you bring forward.
Step 3: Appeals Council
This is where you apply for an appeal online with the Social Security Appeals Council. The council’s purpose is to review all lower decisions to determine whether they should uphold or overturn them.
Step 4: Federal Court
Lastly, you file a lawsuit at a federal district court in South Dakota. Very few cases reach this far, however. And if you are still denied at this stage, you have no more opportunity for recourse.
South Dakota SSDI Hearing Wait Times & Average Approval Rate
Some South Dakota SSD applicants obtain disability benefits within a few months, and their claims are approved during the first stage of the application.
But most applicants must pursue two appeals stages before receiving SSA payments. The first stage of appeals is the Request for Reconsideration. Yet again, most applications are denied at this step of the claims process.
Statistically, the SSA grants less than 20 percent of reconsideration requests. The remaining claimants proceed to request a hearing before an administrative law judge.
The good thing about the disability hearing is that it has an average approval rate of 52 percent. About two-thirds of applicants receive disability reimbursements thanks to the hearing.
The bad news is that a South Dakota SSD applicant may wait more than a year to have this hearing scheduled.
How Do I Contact the South Dakota Social Security Office Near Me?
South Dakota has six Social Security Field offices assisting residents with their Social Security needs.
Depending on where you stay, contact one of the South Dakota Social security offices below to get help with filing your disability, checking your application status, or if you have questions regarding the SSD process.
| Aberdeen Office 115 4th Ave Se Aberdeen SD 57401 (605) 226-7231 | Huron Office 200 4th Street Sw Huron SD 57350 (866) 563-4604 | Rapid City Office 605 Main St Rapid City SD 57701 (605) 342-1819 |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls Office 5021 S Nevada Ave Sioux Falls SD 57108 1-877-274-5421 | Watertown Office 514 10th Ave Se Watertown SD 57201 (605) 886-8284 | Yankton Office 121 W 3rd St Yankton SD 57078 (605) 665-6801 |
Get Legal Help Applying for Social Security Benefits in South Dakota
Applying for South Dakota social services can be complicated and time-consuming. It would be best to make sure that you complete all the necessary forms and submit them on time.
An experienced South Dakota social security disability lawyer can help you with everything to do with the SSD application and appeals process.
A lawyer can also represent you before an administrative law judge at your hearing. This way, a lawyer will increase your chance of getting the benefits you need.
Contact a South Dakota SSD attorney today to get help with your claim. We offer a free initial consultation, and you won’t owe us anything unless we win your case.
