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North Dakota • Mental Health
If you have bipolar disorder in North Dakota, you may be eligible for federal benefits like SSI and SSDI, as well as state Medicaid and work support programs. These benefits can help with medical care, daily living costs, and employment. Learn how to apply, what’s available, and your rights when living with a mental health disability in ND.
To qualify for SSDI, you must have a medical condition (such as bipolar disorder) severe enough to prevent substantial work for at least 12 months, or expect it to result in death. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is for people with limited income and assets who meet the same medical criteria as SSDI. For SSDI, you typically need to have earned at least 40 work credits, with 20 in the last 10 years before your disability began, but bipolar disorder can qualify you with fewer credits if diagnosed earlier in life[5]. SSI is based on financial need, regardless of work history. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews your medical records to determine if bipolar disorder is severe enough to qualify you for either program.
In North Dakota, SSI payments in 2025 are up to $967 per month[1]. SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid but must apply through their local County Social Service office[1]. The state’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews your application—typically after you file with SSA—and your medical evidence, sometimes requesting a consultative exam if records are unclear[2]. If you receive SSDI, you may also qualify for Medicare after a waiting period. While North Dakota has no unique disability definition for bipolar disorder, the process for mental health conditions is the same as physical ones. Start by contacting SSA to apply for SSI or SSDI, not DDS directly[2].
To apply for North Dakota disability benefits for bipolar disorder, file with the Social Security Administration (SSA) online, by phone, or in person at a local office. Collect your medical records, work history, and personal details. After you submit, North Dakota DDS reviews your medical evidence, and SSA makes the final eligibility decision. Do not send applications directly to DDS[2].
Step 1: Gather Information Collect your medical records, work history, W-2s or tax returns, and a list of medications. Include any evidence that shows how bipolar disorder affects your daily life.
Step 2: Start Your Application Apply as soon as possible. Choose one of three ways to apply:
Step 3: Complete Forms Fill out all required forms honestly and completely. The SSA may send you additional questionnaires.
Step 4: Medical Review North Dakota’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) will review your medical records. They may contact your doctors or request a consultative examination if your records are not clear[2].
Step 5: Decision SSA makes the final decision and notifies you by mail. This process can take several months.
Step 6: Medicaid Application If approved for SSI, apply for North Dakota Medicaid through your local County Social Service office[1].
Keep copies of all documents and record all contact with SSA and DDS.
Federal programs available to North Dakotans with bipolar disorder include:
Work incentives include IRWE, PASS, SEIE, TWP, and others to help you test employment without losing benefits[1][3].
North Dakota’s main state-level support for people with bipolar disorder is its Medicaid program, which covers SSI recipients[1]. There are no unique North Dakota state disability cash programs, but residents have access to Medicaid for health care, including mental health treatment. The state’s DDS reviews all disability applications for SSA but does not administer benefits directly[2]. Community-based services and waivers may be available through Medicaid for additional support, such as case management or therapies, but you must apply separately through your local county agency after SSI approval[1]. For employment support, the ND Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities and the Ticket to Work program can help those who want to work while maintaining coverage[1][3].
An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested programs like SSI and Medicaid. This tax-advantaged account is open to those who became disabled before age 26. ABLE accounts can help you manage bipolar disorder expenses and achieve greater financial independence. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how they work in North Dakota[internal: ABLE Accounts].
SSI has strict income and resource limits. In 2025, North Dakotans on SSI can receive up to $967 per month, but this amount may be reduced if you have other income or resources[1]. SSDI does not have the same strict income limits, but your benefit amount is based on your work history. Medicaid eligibility for SSI recipients is linked to these income and resource rules[1].
If Social Security pays you too much, they may reduce your future benefits until the overpayment is repaid. Always report changes in your income, living situation, or medical improvement to SSA promptly to avoid overpayments. For help understanding overpayment rules, reporting requirements, and your appeal rights, see our guide to avoiding overpayments[internal: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
If you are in crisis, contact the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services or a local mental health provider immediately.
If you want to work but worry about losing benefits, the free Ticket to Work program can help you explore employment options without immediately losing SSI or SSDI benefits[3].
Yes, if your bipolar disorder is severe enough to prevent full-time work for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. Both programs use the same medical criteria, but SSDI requires a work history, while SSI is based on financial need[5].
In 2025, the maximum SSI payment in North Dakota is $967 per month. This amount may be reduced if you have other income or assets[1].
Yes, SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid, but you must apply through your local County Social Service office[1].
Apply online, by phone, or in person through the Social Security Administration. North Dakota DDS will review your medical records, but you must submit your application to SSA, not DDS[2].
Yes, programs like Ticket to Work and work incentives allow you to test work while keeping some benefits. Contact SSA or a local provider for details[1][3].
Ticket to Work is a free federal program for people 18–64 on SSI or SSDI who want to explore employment while keeping benefits. Community Options is a local provider and can help you get started[3].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes and is not legal advice. Always verify with official agencies.
You can appeal the decision. Many applicants are denied at first but approved after providing more medical evidence or appealing. Keep your records and consider seeking help from a legal aid group.
If you receive SSDI, you will qualify for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period. SSI recipients do not receive Medicare unless they are also eligible for SSDI.
No unique state disability cash programs exist for bipolar disorder, but Medicaid and DDS provide access to health care and review for federal programs. Ask your county social service about community-based Medicaid waivers for extra support[1][2].
You must report changes to SSA. Your benefit amount may be adjusted, and failure to report changes can lead to overpayments. For help, see our guide on reporting changes[internal: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
