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Montana • Rare/Genetic
People in Montana with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome can access federal and state disability benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and work support programs. Eligibility depends on medical evidence and income. State agencies help with applications and ongoing support.
To qualify for 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 and meets Social Security’s definition of disability. For SSDI, you need enough work credits from jobs covered by Social Security. For SSI, your income and resources must be limited. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome can qualify if it causes severe symptoms that stop you from working, such as chronic pain, joint instability, or frequent hospitalizations. Medical records from doctors are required to prove your condition and its impact on your ability to work [^1].
In Montana, the Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews your medical records to decide if you meet federal disability standards for SSDI or SSI. Montana also offers the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD) program, which lets people with disabilities keep Medicaid coverage while working, even if their income is too high for regular Medicaid. You must have a qualifying disability, be employed, and pay a monthly premium based on your income. Other state programs, like pre-employment transition services and independent living support, are available for people with disabilities who want to work or live independently [^2][^3].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Montana residents can open an ABLE account to pay for disability-related expenses, such as medical care, education, or housing. Contributions do not count as income for SSI or Medicaid, but there are annual and lifetime limits [^4].
For SSI, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual in 2025. For Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities, there is no strict income cap, but your premium is based on your net-countable income. SSDI payments do not have a strict income limit, but you must not be able to work [^1][^2].
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to Social Security or Medicaid. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Always keep records of your income and report changes as soon as possible [^5].
Contact Montana Disability Determination Services or your local Social Security office for help with your application. They can answer questions and guide you through the process.
Yes, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome can qualify for SSDI or SSI if it causes severe symptoms that prevent you from working for at least 12 months. You must provide medical records to prove your condition and its impact on your ability to work [^1].
Gather your medical records, then apply for SSDI or SSI at your local Social Security office or online. Montana Disability Determination Services will review your medical evidence and decide if you qualify [^1].
Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD) lets people with disabilities keep Medicaid coverage while working, even if their income is too high for regular Medicaid. Premiums are based on a sliding scale according to your net-countable income [^2].
Yes, Montana offers pre-employment transition services and statewide independent living services to help people with disabilities prepare for work and live independently [^3].
Yes, through the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program, you can keep Medicaid coverage while working, even if your income is too high for regular Medicaid. You will pay a monthly premium based on your income [^2].
You need records from your doctors, including diagnosis, treatment plans, test results, and notes on how your Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome affects your daily life and ability to work [^1].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Most decisions take 3 to 6 months, but it can take longer if more information is needed. You can check the status of your application online or by calling Social Security [^1].
If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision. You have 60 days to file an appeal. You may want to get help from a disability advocate or attorney [^1].
Yes, Montana offers programs for home modifications and assistive technology through statewide independent living services. Grants may be available for equipment or minor home changes [^3].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Montana residents can open an ABLE account to pay for disability-related expenses [^4].
