Arthritis Benefits in Montana: Your 2025 Guide

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with arthritis, your condition must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) criteria. Generally, you need a diagnosis that severely limits your ability to work for at least 12 months. For SSDI, you must have worked enough to earn 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Arthritis is listed under SSA’s Blue Book under Section 14.09 (Inflammatory Arthritis) and Section 1.04 (Disorders of the Spine) if it affects mobility or daily activities. You must provide medical evidence, such as doctor’s notes, imaging, and treatment records, to support your claim. [^1]

Montana does not have a separate state disability program, but residents can access Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD). This program allows people with disabilities to work and earn more without losing Medicaid coverage. Eligibility is based on having a qualifying disability, being employed, and meeting income and asset limits. The MWD program uses a sliding fee scale based on net-countable income. You must apply through your local Office of Public Assistance. Montana also offers grants for people with disabilities, which can help with equipment or home modifications. These grants may be available through state agencies or nonprofit partners. [^2][^4]

• Check if your arthritis meets SSA criteria.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply for SSDI or SSI online, by phone, or at a Social Security office.
• For Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities, contact your local Office of Public Assistance.
• Ask about state grants for disability-related expenses.

• Step 1: Review SSA’s Blue Book to see if your arthritis qualifies. If not, you may still qualify if your condition severely limits your ability to work.
• Step 2: Collect medical records, including doctor’s notes, imaging, and treatment history. Include details on how arthritis affects your daily life and work.
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. You can find Montana offices on the SSA website.
• Step 4: If you are working and want to keep Medicaid, apply for the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD) program through your local Office of Public Assistance. Bring proof of income, employment, and disability.
• Step 5: Ask about state grants for disability-related expenses, such as equipment or home modifications. These may be available through state agencies or nonprofit partners.
• Step 6: Report any changes in income, health, or living situation to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits. [^1][^2][^4]

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For those who have worked and paid into Social Security. Provides monthly payments and access to Medicare after 24 months.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For those with limited income and resources. Provides monthly payments and access to Medicaid.
• Medicare: Available after 24 months of SSDI. Covers medical costs, including arthritis treatment.
• Medicaid: Available with SSI or through state programs like MWD. Covers medical costs and disability-specific services.
• Work Incentives: Programs like Ticket to Work help people with disabilities return to work without losing benefits. [^1]

• Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD): Allows people with disabilities to work and earn more without losing Medicaid coverage. Uses a sliding fee scale based on net-countable income. Apply through your local Office of Public Assistance.
• State Grants: Montana offers grants for people with disabilities, which can help with equipment, minor home modifications, and other disability-related services. These grants may be available through state agencies or nonprofit partners.
• Disability Employment and Transitions Division: Provides support and resources for people with disabilities seeking employment or benefits. [^2][^4]

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 ABLE program. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, including medical costs, housing, and education. [^3]

For SSI, the federal income limit is $943/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 Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities, eligibility is based on net-countable income and a sliding fee scale. [^1][^2]

You must report changes in income, health, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment or loss of benefits. Report changes to Social Security and Medicaid promptly. [^1][^2]

• Montana Disability Determination Services
  Phone: 1-800-332-6118

  Website

  Handles medical eligibility for Social Security Disability.
• Montana Office of Public Assistance
  Phone: 1-888-706-1535

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid and other state benefits.

• Can I get disability benefits for arthritis in Montana?

  Yes, if your arthritis meets Social Security’s criteria for disability. You must show that it severely limits your ability to work for at least 12 months. Medical evidence is required. [^1]

• How do I apply for disability benefits in Montana?

  You can apply for SSDI or SSI online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. For Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities, contact your local Office of Public Assistance. [^1][^2]

• What is Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities in Montana?

  It’s a program that lets people with disabilities work and earn more without losing Medicaid coverage. Eligibility is based on income and a sliding fee scale. [^2]

• Are there grants for people with disabilities in Montana?

  Yes, Montana offers grants for disability-related expenses like equipment or home modifications. These may be available through state agencies or nonprofit partners. [^4]

• How do I keep my benefits if I start working?

  You can use programs like Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities or work incentives to keep benefits while working. Report changes in income to avoid overpayments. [^2]

• What medical evidence do I need for a disability claim?

  You need doctor’s notes, imaging, treatment records, and details on how arthritis affects your daily life and work. [^1]