Chronic Pain Benefits in Montana: 2025 Guide

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security, have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months, and meet the work credit requirement (usually 20 credits in the last 10 years)[^1]. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your disability must meet Social Security’s definition[^2]. Chronic pain can qualify if it severely limits your ability to work and is supported by medical evidence[^3].

Montana does not have a separate state disability program for chronic pain, but residents can access Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD). The MWD program allows people with disabilities to keep Medicaid coverage while working, even if their income is too high for regular Medicaid. Eligibility is based on net-countable income and is determined by the Office of Public Assistance. You must have a qualifying disability and meet income guidelines to participate[^4]. Montana also offers statewide independent living services and pre-employment transition services for people with disabilities[^5].

• Gather medical records and work history.
• Contact Montana Disability Determination Services for help.
• Apply for SSDI or SSI online, by phone, or in person.
• Apply for Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities through your local Office of Public Assistance.
• Ask about state programs for employment and home modifications.

• Step 1: Collect medical records that document your chronic pain and how it affects your ability to work.
• Step 2: Contact Montana Disability Determination Services for guidance on your disability claim[^6].
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office[^7].
• Step 4: If you work and want to keep Medicaid, apply for Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities at your local Office of Public Assistance[^4].
• Step 5: Ask about state programs for employment, home modifications, and independent living through the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services[^5].
• Step 6: Report any changes in your condition or income to avoid overpayments[^8].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with limited income and resources.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities, low income, or both.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people with long-term disabilities after 24 months of SSDI.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities[^9].

• Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD): Lets people with disabilities keep Medicaid while working, based on net-countable income[^4].
• Developmental Disabilities Program: Services for people with developmental disabilities, including some with chronic pain.
• Pre-Employment Transition Services: Helps people with disabilities prepare for work.
• Statewide Independent Living Services: Support for independent living, including home modifications and assistive technology[^5].
• Long-Term Disability Insurance: Optional insurance for state employees, but not available to the general public[^10].

Montana residents with chronic pain may qualify for an ABLE account if their disability started before age 26. ABLE accounts let you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to open one in Montana[^9].

For SSI, the federal income limit is $943/month for an individual in 2025. For Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities, eligibility is based on net-countable income and is determined by the Office of Public Assistance. Income limits change each year, so check with your local office for current guidelines[^4].

You must report changes in your condition, income, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Learn how to avoid overpayments and what to report[^8].

• Montana Disability Determination Services
  Phone: 1-800-245-4306

  Website

  For help with Social Security disability claims.
• Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
  Phone: 1-844-686-4664

  Website

  For Medicaid and other state benefits.

• Can chronic pain qualify for disability benefits in Montana?

  Yes, chronic pain can qualify for SSDI or SSI if it prevents you from working for at least 12 months and is supported by medical evidence. You must meet Social Security’s definition of disability and work credit or income requirements.

• How do I apply for disability benefits in Montana?

  You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office. For Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities, apply at your local Office of Public Assistance.

• What is Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities in Montana?

  Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities lets people with disabilities keep Medicaid coverage while working, even if their income is too high for regular Medicaid. Eligibility is based on net-countable income and is determined by the Office of Public Assistance.

• Can I work and still get disability benefits in Montana?

  Yes, Montana’s Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program allows you to work and keep Medicaid. SSDI and SSI also have work incentives that let you test your ability to work without losing benefits.

• What state programs are available for people with chronic pain in Montana?

  Montana offers Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities, pre-employment transition services, statewide independent living services, and the developmental disabilities program. These programs provide support for employment, home modifications, and independent living.

• How do I report changes to my disability benefits in Montana?