Montana offers a range of benefits for people with traumatic brain injury (TBI), including federal disability programs, Medicaid, and state-specific supports. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key resources.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a traumatic brain injury that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. For SSDI, you need enough work credits from jobs covered by Social Security. For SSI, your income and assets must be low. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses strict medical rules to decide if your TBI meets the definition of disability. You must provide medical records showing your diagnosis, symptoms, and how your injury limits your daily activities and ability to work. [^1]
In Montana, people with traumatic brain injury may qualify for extra help beyond federal programs. Montana Medicaid covers medical care, therapy, and long-term supports for eligible people with TBI. The Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD) program lets people with TBI keep Medicaid while working, as long as their income is within limits. [^2]
Montana Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews your medical records to decide if you meet federal disability rules for SSI or SSDI. [^3]
Montana also offers vocational rehabilitation services to help people with TBI prepare for, find, and keep jobs. [^4]
Eligibility for state programs depends on your income, assets, and medical needs. You may need to apply through your local Office of Public Assistance or the Department of Public Health and Human Services. [^2][^3][^4]
Step 1: Get your medical records. You need detailed reports from doctors who have treated your traumatic brain injury. These should show your diagnosis, symptoms, and how your injury affects your daily life and ability to work. [^1]
Step 2: Apply for federal disability benefits. You can start your claim online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. Montana has 9 Social Security field offices. [^3]
Step 3: Montana Disability Determination Services (DDS) will review your medical evidence and decide if you meet federal disability rules. They may ask for more tests or records. [^3]
Step 4: Apply for Montana Medicaid. You can do this online, by phone, or in person at your local Office of Public Assistance. If you want to work, ask about the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD) program. [^2]
Step 5: Contact Montana Vocational Rehabilitation for help with job training, career counseling, and workplace accommodations. [^4]
Step 6: Reach out to local nonprofits like Disability Rights Montana or the Montana Aging and Disability Resource Center for extra support and advocacy. [^4]
ABLE accounts let people with TBI save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Montana offers ABLE accounts through the state program. You can use ABLE funds for things like housing, education, and disability-related expenses. [^5]
For SSI, your income and assets must be below certain limits. For Medicaid, your income must be below the state’s rules. The Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD) program uses a sliding fee scale based on your net-countable income. [^2]
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to Social Security and Medicaid. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. [^6]
Contact Disability Rights Montana or your local Office of Public Assistance for free help with your application.
SSI is for people with low income and few assets, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid into Social Security. Both programs provide monthly payments for people with TBI who cannot work. [^1]
Yes, Montana’s Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD) program lets you keep Medicaid while working. SSDI and SSI also have work incentives that let you try working without losing benefits. [^2][^6]
You can apply for Medicaid online, by phone, or in person at your local Office of Public Assistance. You will need to provide proof of income, assets, and medical records. [^2]
You need detailed reports from doctors who have treated your TBI. These should show your diagnosis, symptoms, and how your injury limits your daily activities and ability to work. [^1]
The MWD program lets people with TBI keep Medicaid while working, with a cost-share based on income. This helps people with TBI earn more without losing healthcare coverage. [^2]
Montana Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews claims and makes decisions based on federal rules. The process can take several months, depending on how fast medical records are received. [^3]
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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Montana Vocational Rehabilitation offers job training, career counseling, and workplace accommodations for people with TBI. [^4]
Yes, Disability Rights Montana and Montana Legal Services Association offer legal help and advocacy for people with TBI. [^4]
An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Montana offers ABLE accounts through the state program. [^5]
You must report changes in income to Social Security and Medicaid. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. [^6]
