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Montana • Chronic Illness
Montana offers federal and state benefits for people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), including Social Security Disability, Medicaid, and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key support programs.
To qualify for federal disability benefits, your COPD must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses strict medical criteria to decide if your condition meets their definition of disability. You must also meet work credit requirements for SSDI or income/asset limits for SSI. COPD is listed in the SSA’s Blue Book under respiratory disorders, but even if not listed, you may qualify if your symptoms are equally severe. All decisions are based on medical evidence and SSA rules [^1].
In Montana, eligibility for state programs like Medicaid and Vocational Rehabilitation depends on your income, assets, and medical needs. The Montana Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD) program lets people with disabilities work and keep Medicaid coverage if their income is above regular limits but still low enough to qualify. You must have a qualifying disability, like COPD, and meet income and asset tests. The Montana Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews medical evidence to decide if you meet federal and state disability standards for benefits [^2][^3].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing eligibility for benefits like SSI and Medicaid. Montana residents can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to open one in Montana [^6].
For SSI, the federal income limit is $943/month in 2025 for an individual. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you must not be able to do substantial work. For Montana Medicaid, the income limit is 138% of the federal poverty level. For the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD) program, you can earn more but pay a cost-share based on your income [^3][^5].
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments. This includes changes in work, income, or living arrangements. Report changes to Social Security and Medicaid as soon as possible to avoid penalties or loss of benefits [^7].
Contact Disability Rights Montana or your local Office of Public Assistance for free help with applications and advocacy.
Yes, if your COPD is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. You must meet SSA medical and work credit requirements.
Gather your medical records, contact Montana Disability Determination Services, and apply for SSDI or SSI online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office.
This Montana program lets people with disabilities work and keep Medicaid coverage if their income is above regular limits but still low enough to qualify. You pay a cost-share based on your income.
Yes, Montana Medicaid covers COPD-related medical care, prescriptions, and long-term support services for eligible people with disabilities.
Yes, Montana has work incentives like the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program and SSDI/SSI work incentives that let you work and keep some benefits.
Montana Vocational Rehabilitation offers job training, career counseling, and workplace accommodations for people with disabilities.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Disability Rights Montana and Montana Legal Services Association offer free legal help and advocacy for people with disabilities.
Report changes in income, work, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid as soon as possible to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits.
Yes, some grants are available for equipment, home modifications, and other disability-related services. Check with local nonprofits and state agencies for current opportunities.
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing eligibility for benefits. Montana residents can open an ABLE account for disability-related expenses.
