Fibromyalgia Benefits in Montana: A Complete 2025 Guide

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with fibromyalgia, you must show that your condition prevents you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses strict medical criteria and requires proof from your doctor. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require a detailed application and medical evidence.

• SSDI: You generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years.
• SSI: No work credits needed, but strict income and asset limits apply.
• Both require proof that your fibromyalgia limits your ability to work.

For more details, see the SSA’s eligibility page.

SSA: How Does Someone Become Eligible? (accessed 2025-11-06)

In Montana, people with fibromyalgia may qualify for state programs if they meet federal disability criteria. Montana Medicaid covers health care, prescriptions, and some disability-specific services for eligible residents. Montana’s Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD) program lets people with disabilities work and earn more without losing Medicaid coverage, as long as they meet income and disability requirements. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) runs these programs and can help with eligibility questions.

• Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities: You must have a disability, work, and meet income limits.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: Helps with job training, counseling, and workplace accommodations.
• Disability Determination Services: Makes decisions on SSI/SSDI eligibility using federal criteria.

For more, see Montana’s Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities page and DPHHS resources.

Montana Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (accessed 2025-11-06) Montana DPHHS Disability Determination Services (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Gather medical records and work history.
• Contact Montana Disability Determination Services or your local Social Security office.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online, by phone, or in person.
• For Medicaid, contact your local Office of Public Assistance.
• Ask about Vocational Rehabilitation if you want help finding or keeping a job.

• Step 1: Get medical records from your doctor that show your fibromyalgia diagnosis and how it limits your ability to work.
• Step 2: Call or visit your local Social Security office to start an SSI/SSDI application. You can also apply online at SSA.gov.
• Step 3: Complete the application with your personal, medical, and work history. Be honest and detailed.
• Step 4: If applying for Medicaid, contact your local Office of Public Assistance. They can help you apply for Medicaid or the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program.
• Step 5: If you want help with job training or accommodations, contact Montana Vocational Rehabilitation.
• Step 6: Follow up on your applications. Keep copies of all documents and correspondence.
• Step 7: If denied, you can appeal. Disability Rights Montana can help with appeals and legal questions.

Montana Disability Determination Services (accessed 2025-11-06) Montana Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (accessed 2025-11-06) Montana Vocational Rehabilitation (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people who have 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, including those on SSI/SSDI.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people on SSDI after a 24-month waiting period.
• Ticket to Work: Helps people with disabilities find and keep jobs while keeping benefits.

SSA: Disability Benefits (accessed 2025-11-06) Medicaid.gov (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Montana Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD): Lets people with disabilities work and earn more without losing Medicaid coverage. Eligibility is based on income and disability.
• Montana Vocational Rehabilitation: Job training, career counseling, and workplace accommodations.
• Disability Determination Services: Makes decisions on SSI/SSDI eligibility.
• Disability Rights Montana: Legal help and advocacy for people with disabilities.
• Montana Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC): Online database for resources and support.
• Special Olympics Montana: Sports and social activities for people with intellectual disabilities.
• Developmental Educational Assistance Program (DEAP): Early intervention and support for people with developmental disabilities.

Montana Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (accessed 2025-11-06) Montana DPHHS Disability Determination Services (accessed 2025-11-06) Ability MT: Resources for People with Disabilities (accessed 2025-11-06)

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Montana residents can open an ABLE account through the national ABLE United program. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like housing, education, and transportation.

ABLE United (accessed 2025-11-06)

SSI has strict income and asset limits. In 2025, the federal SSI limit is $943/month for an individual. Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities uses a sliding fee scale based on net-countable income. Check with your local Office of Public Assistance for current limits.

SSA: SSI Limits (accessed 2025-11-06) Montana Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (accessed 2025-11-06)

If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to SSA or Medicaid. Not reporting can lead to overpayments and penalties. Keep records of all changes and report them promptly.

SSA: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Montana Disability Determination Services
  Phone: 406-444-3710

  Website

  For SSI/SSDI eligibility questions.
• Disability Rights Montana
  Phone: 800-245-4840

  TTY: 800-253-0134

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

  Website

  Legal help and advocacy for people with disabilities.
• Montana Office of Public Assistance
  Phone: 888-706-5000

  Website

  For Medicaid and SNAP applications.

• Can fibromyalgia qualify for disability benefits in Montana?

  Yes, fibromyalgia can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it severely limits your ability to work for at least 12 months. You must provide medical evidence from your doctor.

• How do I apply for SSI/SSDI in Montana?

  You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need medical records and work history.

• What is Montana’s Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program?

  This program lets people with disabilities work and earn more without losing Medicaid coverage. Eligibility is based on income and disability status.

• Can I work while getting disability benefits in Montana?

  Yes, Montana has work incentives like the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program and the federal Ticket to Work program.

• What help is available for job training in Montana?

  Montana Vocational Rehabilitation offers job training, career counseling, and workplace accommodations for people with disabilities.

• How do I appeal a denial of disability benefits in Montana?

  You can appeal a denial by following the instructions in your denial letter. Disability Rights Montana can help with appeals and legal questions.

• 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 state agencies for current programs.