Stuttering Benefits in Montana: Eligibility, Programs & How to Apply

• To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), stuttering must be severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months.
• The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a medical guide called the “Blue Book.” Stuttering is not listed, but it may qualify under speech or communication disorders if it causes major problems with speaking, understanding, or communicating.
• You must have enough work credits for SSDI, or low income/assets for SSI.
• Medical evidence from doctors, speech therapists, or specialists is required to prove how stuttering affects your life.
• Decisions are based on federal rules, not state laws.

Source: SSA Disability Qualifications (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Montana Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews medical evidence for Social Security disability claims. They use federal criteria but process Montana applications.
• Montana Medicaid covers speech therapy, communication devices, and related services for people with disabilities, including stuttering.
• The Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD) program lets people with disabilities work and keep Medicaid coverage, even if their income goes up.
• Eligibility for state programs is based on individual needs and income. Contact your local Office of Public Assistance for details.
• Montana also offers pre-employment transition services and independent living support for people with disabilities.

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

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Contact Montana Disability Determination Services or your local Social Security office.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online, by phone, or in person.
• Ask about Montana Medicaid and the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program.
• Get help from a local disability advocate or agency if needed.

Source: SSA Apply for Benefits (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Step 1: Collect medical records, including reports from speech therapists, doctors, or specialists that show how stuttering affects your daily life and work.
• Step 2: Contact Montana Disability Determination Services or your local Social Security office for help with the application.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office.
• Step 4: If you work, ask about the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program to keep health coverage.
• Step 5: Apply for Montana Medicaid if you need help with speech therapy or other services.
• Step 6: Follow up on your application and provide any extra information if requested.
• Step 7: If denied, you can appeal the decision with help from a disability advocate or legal aid.

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

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people who can’t work due to a disability.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with low income and limited resources.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities, including speech therapy and communication devices.
• Medicare: Health coverage after receiving SSDI for 24 months.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.

Source: SSA Disability Benefits (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Montana Disability Determination Services: Reviews medical evidence for Social Security disability claims.
• Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD): Lets people with disabilities work and keep Medicaid coverage.
• Developmental Disabilities Program: Supports people with developmental disabilities, including speech and language disorders.
• Pre-Employment Transition Services: Helps students with disabilities prepare for work.
• Statewide Independent Living Services: Supports independent living for people with disabilities.
• Long-Term Disability Insurance: Optional insurance for state employees.

Source: Montana Disability Determination Services (accessed 2025-11-06), Montana Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (accessed 2025-11-06), Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (accessed 2025-11-06)

• ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
• Montana offers ABLE accounts through the state’s ABLE program.
• You can use ABLE funds for disability-related expenses like therapy, equipment, and education.
• Learn more about Montana ABLE accounts and how to open one.

Source: Montana ABLE Program (accessed 2025-11-06)

• SSI has strict income and asset limits. In 2025, the federal SSI limit is $943/month for an individual.
• SSDI has no income limit, but you must not be able to do substantial work.
• 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 income limits.

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

• Report any changes in income, work, or living situation to avoid overpayments.
• Overpayments can happen if you don’t report changes or get benefits you’re not eligible for.
• If you get an overpayment notice, contact Social Security or Medicaid right away to set up a repayment plan.
• Learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes.

Source: SSA Overpayments (accessed 2025-11-06), Montana Medicaid Reporting (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Montana Disability Determination Services
  Phone: 406-444-2111

  Website

  For medical eligibility questions and disability claims.
• Montana Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSI/SSDI applications and questions.

• Can stuttering qualify for disability benefits in Montana?

  Yes, if stuttering is severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months. You must provide medical evidence showing how it affects your daily life and work.

• What medical evidence do I need for a stuttering disability claim?

  You need reports from doctors, speech therapists, or specialists that show how stuttering limits your ability to speak, understand, or communicate in daily life.

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

  You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. Montana Disability Determination Services will review your medical evidence.

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

  Yes, Montana has programs like Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities that let you work and keep health coverage. SSI and SSDI also have work incentives.

• Does Montana Medicaid cover speech therapy for stuttering?

  Yes, Montana Medicaid covers speech therapy and related services for people with disabilities, including stuttering. Check with your local Office of Public Assistance for details.

• What is the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program?

  It lets people with disabilities work and keep Medicaid coverage, even if their income goes up. You pay a cost-share based on your income.

• Are there state programs for independent living in Montana?