Cystic Fibrosis Benefits in Montana

To qualify for federal disability benefits like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. Cystic Fibrosis is listed in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book under respiratory disorders. You must also meet work credit requirements for SSDI or income/resource limits for SSI. The SSA reviews medical evidence to determine eligibility.

• SSDI: Requires a work history and enough work credits (usually 20 in the last 10 years).
• SSI: For those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.

Both programs require proof of disability and ongoing medical documentation.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06

In Montana, people with Cystic Fibrosis may qualify for state-specific programs like Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD). The MWD program lets you keep Medicaid coverage while working, even if your income is too high for regular Medicaid. Eligibility is based on net-countable income and a sliding fee scale. Montana also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help with long-term care needs.

Other state programs include Vocational Rehabilitation for job training and Disability Determination Services for Social Security claims. Local nonprofits like Disability Rights Montana and the Montana Aging and Disability Resource Center provide additional support and advocacy.

Source: Summit Independent Living, 2025-11-06 Source: Ability MT, 2025-11-06

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Contact Montana Disability Determination Services for Social Security claims.
• Apply for Medicaid through your local Office of Public Assistance.
• Visit a local nonprofit for help with applications and advocacy.
• Consider applying for Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities if you are employed.

Start with the Montana Aging and Disability Resource Center for guidance.

• Step 1: Collect all medical records, including diagnosis, treatment history, and doctor’s notes for Cystic Fibrosis.
• Step 2: Contact Montana Disability Determination Services to start your Social Security Disability claim. They will review your medical evidence and determine eligibility.
• Step 3: Apply for Medicaid through your local Office of Public Assistance. If you are working, ask about the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program.
• Step 4: If you need help, reach out to local nonprofits like Disability Rights Montana or the Montana Aging and Disability Resource Center for application support and advocacy.
• Step 5: For Medicaid waivers (HCBS), contact the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. These waivers can help with long-term care services.
• Step 6: Consider opening an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits.

Each step may require different forms and documentation. Nonprofits and state agencies can help you through the process.

Source: Ability MT, 2025-11-06 Source: Summit Independent Living, 2025-11-06

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to those who can’t work due to disability and have a work history.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.
• Medicaid: Federal health insurance for low-income individuals, including those with disabilities.
• Medicare: Federal health insurance for those over 65 or with certain disabilities.

These programs cover medical care, prescriptions, and some disability-specific services.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06

• Montana Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD): Lets you keep Medicaid coverage while working, based on net-countable income and a sliding fee scale.
• Montana Vocational Rehabilitation: Offers job training, career counseling, and workplace accommodations.
• Disability Determination Services: Reviews medical evidence for Social Security claims.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Provides home and community-based services for long-term care needs.
• Local Nonprofits: Disability Rights Montana, Montana Legal Services Association, and the Montana Aging and Disability Resource Center offer advocacy, legal help, and community support.

These programs help with healthcare, employment, and daily living needs.

Source: Summit Independent Living, 2025-11-06 Source: Ability MT, 2025-11-06

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing benefits. Montana residents can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program. Funds can be used for things like medical care, education, and housing. Contributions are limited each year, and earnings grow tax-free.

Source: Ability MT, 2025-11-06

For SSI, the federal income limit is $943/month for an individual in 2025. For Medicaid, income limits vary based on household size and program. The Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program uses a sliding fee scale based on net-countable income. Always check with your local Office of Public Assistance for current limits.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06 Source: Summit Independent Living, 2025-11-06

If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. Always report changes in income, living situation, or medical status to avoid overpayments. Montana’s Office of Public Assistance can help you understand reporting requirements and avoid penalties.

Source: Ability MT, 2025-11-06

• Montana Disability Determination Services
  Phone: 406-444-4111

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  Website

  For Social Security disability claims.
• Montana Aging and Disability Resource Center
  Phone: 1-800-245-4321

  TTY: null

  Email: null

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  Website

  For general disability resources and support.

• Can I get SSDI for Cystic Fibrosis in Montana?

  Yes, if Cystic Fibrosis prevents you from working for at least 12 months and you meet work credit requirements. The SSA reviews medical evidence to determine eligibility.

• What is the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program?

  This Montana program lets you keep Medicaid coverage while working, even if your income is too high for regular Medicaid. Eligibility is based on net-countable income and a sliding fee scale.

• How do I apply for Medicaid in Montana?

  Apply through your local Office of Public Assistance. You’ll need proof of income, residency, and medical records. Nonprofits can help with the application process.

• Are there grants for people with disabilities in Montana?

  Yes, some grants are available for equipment, home modifications, and disability-related services. Check with local nonprofits and the Montana Aging and Disability Resource Center.

• What is an ABLE account and how can it help?

  An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing benefits. Montana residents can open an account through the state’s ABLE program.

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits in Montana?

  Yes, Montana’s Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program lets you work and keep Medicaid coverage. SSDI and SSI also have work incentives to help you return to work.