The Basic Steps to explore for SSDI in South Dakota

To explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in South Dakota, you must contact Social Security directly—there is no separate state process. You can explore online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or in person at your local Social Security office. South Dakota has nine Social Security field offices located in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, Brookings, Huron, Mitchell, Pierre, Watertown, and Yankton.

The online process at ssa.gov/applyfordisability takes about 15 to 20 minutes and you can save your progress and return later. If you explore online, Social Security will contact you to schedule a telephone interview. You do not need to visit an office unless you prefer to, though some people find it helpful to speak with a representative in person about what documents to gather first.

Social Security will ask you to provide medical evidence of your condition, work history, and details about how your disability affects your ability to work. The entire process from process to a decision typically takes three to six months, though some cases take longer if Social Security needs additional medical records from your doctors.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore directly to Social Security, not to the state of South Dakota, using ssa.gov, a phone call to 1-800-772-1213, or a visit to one of nine field offices across the state.
  • Gather medical records, work history, and tax returns before you explore, because Social Security will ask for these documents during the interview.
  • The online process takes 15 to 20 minutes and you can save it and come back, making it the fastest option for most people.
  • After you explore, Social Security will contact you for a telephone interview; you do not need to call them back unless they ask you to.

What Documents You Need Before You explore

Gather these documents before you start your process: your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, green card, or state ID), and your most recent tax return or W-2. If you are self-employed, bring two years of tax returns and profit-and-loss statements.

You will also need a list of all doctors, hospitals, and mental health providers who have treated you for your condition in the past three years, along with the dates of your visits. If you have already received medical records, bring those too—Social Security can request them on your behalf, but providing them upfront speeds up the process. Bring information about any medications you take and any surgeries or hospitalizations related to your disability.

If you have worked in the past 15 years, write down the names and addresses of your employers, the dates you worked there, and the type of work you did. Social Security uses this to calculate your work credits and to understand what kind of work you have done.

explore Online at ssa.gov

The online process is the fastest route for most people. Go to ssa.gov/applyfordisability and click "explore for Disability Benefits." You will create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one. The account requires your email address and a password; Social Security will send you a verification code to confirm your email.

The process asks for your personal information, medical history, work history, and contact details. You can answer the questions in any order and save your progress—Social Security will hold your incomplete process for 60 days. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot; you will need it if you call Social Security with questions.

After you submit, Social Security will contact you by phone or mail to schedule an interview. This interview is usually by telephone and takes 30 to 45 minutes. During the interview, a Social Security representative will ask you detailed questions about your medical condition, your work history, and how your disability affects your daily activities and ability to work.

explore by Phone or In Person

If you prefer not to explore online, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time. Wait times are usually shortest early in the morning or late in the afternoon. A representative will take your process over the phone, which takes about 30 minutes. You will receive a confirmation number at the end of the call.

To explore in person, visit your nearest South Dakota Social Security office. In Sioux Falls, the office is at 101 S. Main Avenue, Suite 101. In Rapid City, it is at 515 9th Street, Suite 200. You can find the full list of office addresses and hours on ssa.gov/locator. Bring all your documents with you—the representative can review them on the spot and may be able to request medical records when ready.

explore in person takes longer than online or phone (usually 45 minutes to an hour), but some people prefer it because they can ask questions face-to-face and leave knowing exactly what happens next. If you have difficulty reading, writing, or speaking English, bring someone to help you, or call ahead to request an interpreter.

What Happens After You explore

After you submit your process, Social Security sends it to the South Dakota Disability information Service (DDS), a state agency that makes the medical decision on your case. The DDS will request your medical records from your doctors and hospitals. This process usually takes four to eight weeks.

During this time, you may receive a letter asking you to attend a consultative examination (CE)—a medical appointment paid for by Social Security. This happens if your medical records do not contain enough information about your current condition. The CE is not a test you can pass or fail; it is straightforward a way for Social Security to gather the medical evidence it needs to make a decision.

Once the DDS has all your medical records and any CE results, a doctor and a disability examiner review your case together. They decide whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability—meaning you cannot do your past work and cannot do other work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy. You will receive a written decision in the mail, usually within three to six months of explore.

If Your process Is Denied

If Social Security denies your process, you have the right to appeal. You must request an appeal within 60 days of the denial letter. There are four levels of appeal: reconsideration (a new examiner reviews your case), a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, the Appeals Council, and federal court.

Most people who are initially denied are approved on appeal, especially if they provide additional medical evidence. Many people hire a disability representative or attorney to help with the appeal process. Representatives are paid only if you win, and the fee is capped at 25 percent of your back pay, up to $7,200.

To request reconsideration, call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. You can also submit a written request using Form SSA-561, which you can read from ssa.gov or request from your local office. Include any new medical evidence that shows your condition has worsened or that you have additional conditions that affect your ability to work.

Work Incentives and Other Programs While You Wait

While your SSDI case is pending, you may be able to work and still receive benefits under Social Security's work incentive rules. If you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may count that as evidence that you can work, which could affect your case. However, you can work part-time at lower wages without jeopardizing your process.

South Dakota also has programs that may help while you wait for a decision. The South Dakota Department of Human Services administers Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a needs-based program for people with disabilities who have very low income and resources. You can explore for SSI at the same time as SSDI. If you are approved for SSDI, you may also become may be able to access for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period.

Contact the South Dakota Department of Human Services at 1-888-828-0059 to learn about other programs, such as Medicaid, food information, or vocational rehabilitation services that may help you while your case is pending.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for SSDI if I have never worked?

No. SSDI requires you to have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of years. You need 40 work credits, and at least 20 of them must be from the past 10 years. If you have never worked, you may be able to explore for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead, which is a needs-based program. Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to find out which program you may be able to use.

What if I am still working but cannot work full-time?

You can still explore for SSDI. Social Security looks at whether you can do substantial gainful activity, which in 2024 means earning more than $1,550 per month. If you earn less than that and your condition prevents you from working more, you may be approved. Tell Social Security about your current work during your process.

How long does it take to get a decision?

Most decisions come within three to six months, but some cases take longer if Social Security needs additional medical records or wants you to have a consultative examination. You can call 1-800-772-1213 to ask about the status of your case after 30 days.

Do I need a lawyer to explore?

No. You can explore on your own without a lawyer or representative. However, if your process is denied and you appeal, many people find it helpful to work with a disability representative or attorney who knows the appeals process. You only pay if you win.

What if I move out of South Dakota after I explore?

Your case will continue even if you move. Social Security is a federal program, so your process follows you. Tell Social Security your new address by calling 1-800-772-1213 or updating your my Social Security account online.