Anxiety Disorders Benefits in Montana

• To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began[3].
• For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your disability must meet Social Security’s definition[3].
• Anxiety disorders must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months and must be documented by medical evidence[3].
• Social Security uses a list of impairments, including mental health conditions, to decide if your anxiety disorder qualifies[3].

• Montana uses federal criteria to decide medical eligibility for disability benefits through the Disability Determination Services (DDS)[1].
• Montana’s Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD) program lets people with disabilities keep Medicaid coverage while working, as long as they meet income and disability requirements[2].
• To qualify for MWD, you must have a disability that meets Social Security’s definition, be employed, and have net-countable income within program limits[2].
• MWD costs are based on a sliding fee scale, so your monthly payment depends on your income[2].
• You must apply for MWD through your local Office of Public Assistance[2].

• Gather medical records that show your anxiety disorder and how it affects your ability to work.
• Contact your local Social Security office to start your SSI or SSDI application[1].
• Ask about Montana’s Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities if you are working or want to work[2].
• Submit all required forms and documents as soon as possible.
• Follow up with Social Security and Montana DDS for updates on your claim[1].

• Step 1: Get medical records from your doctor or mental health provider that detail your anxiety disorder, treatment, and how it limits your daily activities and work.
• Step 2: Call or visit your local Social Security office to start your application for SSI or SSDI[1]. You can also apply online at ssa.gov.
• Step 3: Complete all required forms, including the Disability Report and any additional paperwork Social Security asks for.
• Step 4: If you are working or want to work, ask about Montana’s Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD) program. Contact your local Office of Public Assistance for details and to apply[2].
• Step 5: Submit all documents to Social Security and Montana DDS. Keep copies for your records.
• Step 6: Respond promptly to any requests for more information or to attend a medical exam.
• Step 7: Wait for a decision. If denied, you can appeal within 60 days[1].
• Step 8: If approved, follow instructions for receiving benefits and reporting changes in your situation[1].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people who cannot work due to a disability, including anxiety disorders, if they have enough work credits[3].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources[3].
• Medicare: After 24 months of SSDI, you may qualify for Medicare, which covers medical costs[3].
• Work Incentives: Programs like Ticket to Work help you keep benefits while trying to work[3].

• Montana Disability Determination Services (DDS): Reviews medical evidence to decide if you qualify for Social Security disability benefits in Montana[1].
• Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD): Lets people with disabilities keep Medicaid coverage while working, with costs based on a sliding fee scale[2].
• Medicaid Waivers: Montana offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for people with disabilities who need long-term care[2].
• State Employment Services: Montana’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation helps people with disabilities find and keep jobs[2].
• Local Support: Independent Living Centers in Montana offer counseling, advocacy, and resources for people with disabilities[2].

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Montana residents can open an ABLE account through the state’s program. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like education, housing, and transportation[ABLE Accounts].

For SSI, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual in 2025. For Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities, your net-countable income must be below the program’s limit, which is based on a sliding scale[2].

You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Use the official reporting tools and keep records of all communications[Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].

• Montana Disability Determination Services
  Phone: 406-444-2111

  Website

  For questions about medical eligibility for disability benefits.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For questions about SSI, SSDI, and work incentives.

• Can anxiety disorders qualify for disability in Montana?

  Yes, if your anxiety disorder is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months and is documented by medical evidence, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI in Montana[3].

• How do I apply for disability benefits in Montana?

  You can apply for SSI or SSDI online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You will need to provide medical records and complete application forms[1].

• What is Montana’s Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program?

  MWD lets people with disabilities keep Medicaid coverage while working. Costs are based on a sliding fee scale according to your income[2].

• Do I need to stop working to get disability benefits?

  No, you can work and still qualify for disability benefits. Montana’s MWD program and federal work incentives help you keep benefits while working[2].

• What medical evidence do I need for an anxiety disorder claim?

  You need records from your doctor or mental health provider that show your diagnosis, treatment, and how your anxiety disorder limits your daily activities and work[3].

• How long does it take to get a decision on my disability claim?

  Most claims take 3 to 6 months, but some can take longer. You can check the status of your claim online or by calling Social Security[1].

• Can I appeal if my claim is denied?