Where to Start Your process in South Dakota

To explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in South Dakota, you will work with the Social Security Administration, not the state. South Dakota does not run its own disability program — you file through Social Security's national system, though you can do it in person at a local Social Security office, by phone, or online.

The Social Security Administration has five field offices in South Dakota: in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, Watertown, and Mitchell. You can walk into any of these offices to start your process, or you can call Social Security's national number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to begin over the phone. Many people start online at ssa.gov, which lets you fill out the initial form at your own pace and then schedule a phone interview with Social Security staff.

The fastest route depends on your situation. If you have all your medical records and work history organized, online is often quickest. If you need help gathering documents or have questions as you go, calling or visiting an office in person lets you ask them directly.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore through the Social Security Administration, not through South Dakota state government, using the same national SSDI and SSI programs available everywhere.
  • South Dakota has five Social Security field offices where you can explore in person, or you can explore by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or online at ssa.gov.
  • You will need medical records from your doctors, a list of your work history for the past 15 years, and proof of your Social Security number and age.
  • The decision process typically takes three to six months, though some cases take longer if Social Security needs more medical information.
  • If Social Security denies your claim, you have the right to appeal, and many people are approved on appeal with help from a disability representative.

Documents You Need Before You Start

Social Security will ask for specific documents no matter which office you contact. Have these ready before you call or visit: your Social Security card (or a record of your number), a photo ID or birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your immigration documents.

You will also need medical records. Gather records from every doctor, hospital, mental health provider, or specialist who has treated you for the condition that keeps you from working. Include test results, imaging reports, and notes from your appointments. If you have not seen a doctor recently, Social Security may ask you to get a medical exam before they make a decision — they may even pay for it.

Finally, list your work history for the past 15 years: the names of employers, the dates you worked, and the type of work you did. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns or records showing your income. Social Security uses this to figure out how much you paid into the system and whether you have enough work credits to be insured.

The Three Ways to File in South Dakota

Online at ssa.gov: Go to the Social Security website and look for "explore for Disability." You will fill out a form that asks about your medical condition, work history, and living situation. You do not have to finish it all at once — you can save and come back. When you submit, Social Security will call you to schedule a phone interview, usually within a week or two.

By phone: Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time. A representative will walk you through the questions and take your information over the phone. This call usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. Have your documents nearby so you can answer questions about your medical history and work.

In person at a South Dakota field office: Walk in during business hours with your documents. The office will schedule you for an appointment or see you the same day if they have time. An interviewer will fill out your process with you and answer questions. The five offices are in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, Watertown, and Mitchell. You can find the address and phone number for the office nearest you on ssa.gov.

What Happens After You File

Once you submit your process, Social Security sends it to the Disability information Services office in South Dakota. This office is separate from the local Social Security office — it is where trained examiners review medical records and make the decision about whether you meet the definition of disability.

The examiner will look at your medical records and compare them to Social Security's list of conditions that automatically may have access to as disabling. If your condition is not on the list, they will decide whether your condition is severe enough that you cannot do any work. This process usually takes three to six months, though it can take longer if the examiner needs more information from your doctors.

Social Security may contact your doctors directly to ask for more details about your condition, how it affects your ability to work, and what medications or treatments you are using. You can speed this up by giving your doctors' contact information early and asking them to respond quickly to Social Security's requests.

What to Do If Social Security Denies Your Claim

About two-thirds of first-time applications are denied. This does not mean you cannot get benefits — it means you have the right to appeal. You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to file an appeal.

There are four levels of appeal. The first is called "reconsideration," where a different examiner reviews your case and any new medical evidence you have gathered. Many people gather more recent medical records or get a statement from their doctor supporting their claim before they appeal. If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge, which is where many people are approved.

You do not have to handle an appeal alone. You can hire a disability representative — a lawyer or non-lawyer advocate trained in Social Security law — to help you. They work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win, and they can only charge up to 25 percent of your back pay. Many representatives in South Dakota work with clients over the phone and by mail, so you do not have to travel.

SSI vs. SSDI: Which Program You Might Receive

Social Security runs two disability programs, and which one you receive depends on your work history and income. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is based on your work record — you paid into it through payroll taxes, and you are insured if you become disabled. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs-based program for people with low income and few assets, regardless of work history.

Most working-age adults who have worked recently will be reviewed for SSDI first. If you do not have enough work credits, Social Security will also review you for SSI. You can receive both programs at the same time if you meet the rules for both. The monthly payment amounts are different: SSDI is based on your earnings record, while SSI has a federal maximum that varies slightly by state.

In South Dakota, the SSI federal payment in 2024 is $943 per month for an individual, though the state may add a small supplement. SSDI payments vary widely depending on your work history. When you explore, Social Security will tell you which program you are being reviewed for and what your payment might be if you are approved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while I wait for a decision?

Yes. You can work and earn money while your process is being reviewed. However, if you earn more than about $1,550 per month (the 2024 limit), Social Security may assume you are able to work and deny your claim. Keep your earnings below this amount if you can, or tell Social Security about your work when you explore so they understand your situation.

Do I need a lawyer to explore?

No. You can explore on your own without paying anyone. However, a disability representative can help you gather medical records, prepare for an appeal, and present your case more strongly. Many people find this helpful, especially if their first process was denied.

What if I do not have recent medical records?

Tell Social Security when you explore. They may ask you to see a doctor for an exam, and they can pay for it. If you cannot afford a doctor, Social Security can sometimes refer you to a free or low-cost clinic. Having some medical evidence is important — an process with no records is harder to approve.

How long does the whole process take?

From process to decision usually takes three to six months. If you appeal, reconsideration takes another two to three months, and a hearing before a judge can take six months to a year. You can receive back pay for the time between when your disability began and when you are approved, so the wait does not cost you money — it just delays when you start receiving it.

What is the difference between explore in person versus online?

The outcome is the same — Social Security treats all applications the same way. Online is often faster because you can fill it out at your own pace and submit it when ready. In person, you get to ask questions face-to-face. By phone, you get when ready help but have to do it all in one call. Choose whichever fits your situation best.