People with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in Montana can access federal and state disability benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and support programs. Montana offers fast-tracked eligibility for ALS, and state programs help with healthcare, employment, and independent living.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with ALS, you must have a confirmed diagnosis. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes ALS as a Compassionate Allowances condition, meaning applications are processed quickly. Generally, SSDI requires work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years), while SSI is based on financial need and disability status. Both programs use strict medical criteria to confirm disability.
ALS is automatically considered a disabling condition, so most people with ALS will qualify for benefits if they meet the basic requirements. You do not need to wait for symptoms to worsen to apply.
In Montana, people with ALS can access state-specific programs that support healthcare, employment, and independent living. The Montana Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews medical eligibility for Social Security Disability using federal criteria, but Montana also offers Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD), which allows people with disabilities to work and keep Medicaid coverage based on a sliding fee scale. Montana’s Medicaid program covers many ALS-related services, including personal care, home health, and developmental disability supports.
Montana’s Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program is designed for people with disabilities who want to work but need healthcare coverage. Eligibility is based on individual circumstances, including income and disability status. Montana also offers statewide independent living services and pre-employment transition services for people with disabilities.
Step 1: Get a confirmed ALS diagnosis from a neurologist or other qualified doctor. Keep all medical records.
Step 2: Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) online at ssa.gov, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or in person at a Social Security office. ALS is a Compassionate Allowances condition, so your application will be processed quickly.
Step 3: The Social Security Administration will send your application to Montana Disability Determination Services (DDS) for medical review. DDS will contact you for more information or to schedule a medical exam.
Step 4: If approved, you will receive monthly payments from SSDI or SSI. SSDI payments are based on your work history, while SSI is based on financial need.
Step 5: Apply for Montana Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD) if you want to keep healthcare coverage while working. Contact your local Office of Public Assistance to apply.
Step 6: Ask about other state programs, such as pre-employment transition services, independent living services, and grants for home modifications or assistive technology.
Step 7: Report any changes in your income, work status, or medical condition to avoid overpayments.
SSA: Apply for Disability (accessed 2025-11-05)
Montana DDS (accessed 2025-11-05)
Montana Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (accessed 2025-11-05)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people with ALS who have a work history. Payments are based on your earnings record.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with ALS who have limited income and resources.
Medicare: Most people with ALS get Medicare after 24 months of SSDI payments, but some may qualify sooner.
Medicaid: Federal-state program that covers healthcare for people with low income, including those with ALS.
Compassionate Allowances: ALS is on the Compassionate Allowances list, so applications are processed quickly.
SSA: Disability Benefits (accessed 2025-11-05)
SSA: Compassionate Allowances (accessed 2025-11-05)
Montana Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD): Allows people with ALS to work and keep Medicaid coverage based on a sliding fee scale. Covers personal care, home health, and other supports.
Developmental Disabilities Program: Provides services for people with developmental disabilities, including some with ALS.
Pre-Employment Transition Services: Helps people with disabilities prepare for work.
Statewide Independent Living Services: Supports people with disabilities to live independently.
Grants for Equipment and Home Modifications: Some programs offer grants for assistive technology and minor home changes.
Montana DDS (accessed 2025-11-05)
Montana Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (accessed 2025-11-05)
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (accessed 2025-11-05)
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. Montana offers ABLE accounts through the Montana ABLE Program. You can use the account for qualified disability expenses, including medical care, education, housing, and transportation. Contributions are limited each year, and there are tax benefits.
For SSI, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual in 2025. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you must not be able to do substantial gainful activity (SGA). For Montana Medicaid, income limits vary by program and household size. The Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program uses a sliding fee scale based on net-countable income.
If your income, work status, or medical condition changes, you must report it to Social Security and Montana Medicaid. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Report changes online, by phone, or in person. Keep records of all reports.
ALS is a Compassionate Allowances condition, so Social Security processes applications quickly. Most people with ALS are approved within weeks.
Montana’s Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program lets you work and keep Medicaid coverage based on a sliding fee scale.
Yes, ALS is a Compassionate Allowances condition, so Social Security processes applications quickly. Most people with ALS are approved within weeks. Montana DDS follows federal guidelines for medical eligibility.
Yes, Montana’s Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program lets you work and keep Medicaid coverage. SSDI and SSI also have work incentives for people with disabilities.
Montana Medicaid covers personal care, home health, medical equipment, and other supports for people with ALS. Coverage depends on your program and income.
Apply for SSDI or SSI online, by phone, or in person. Montana DDS will review your medical records. You can also apply for Montana Medicaid and other state programs.
Yes, some Montana programs offer grants for assistive technology and minor home modifications. Contact your local Office of Public Assistance for details.
SSDI is based on work history and earnings. SSI is based on financial need. Both provide monthly payments for people with ALS.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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Grants for People with Disabilities in Montana (accessed 2025-11-05)
Yes, most people with ALS get Medicare after 24 months of SSDI payments. Some may qualify sooner due to the Compassionate Allowances program.
Montana’s Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program lets you keep Medicaid coverage while working. Your cost-share is based on your net-countable income.
Montana offers pre-employment transition services and statewide independent living services to help people with ALS prepare for and keep jobs.
Report changes in income, work status, or medical condition to Social Security and Montana Medicaid online, by phone, or in person. Keep records of all reports.
