Deafness Benefits in North Dakota

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): For low-income individuals with a disability (such as deafness) regardless of work history. You must meet income and asset limits and prove that your disability significantly limits work. Deafness is recognized as a qualifying impairment under SSA rules.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): For those with a work history who have paid into Social Security, now disabled and unable to work. Deafness must be severe enough to prevent substantial work, and you must meet the 20/40 work credit rule (worked at least 5 of last 10 years)[6].
• Medicaid: SSI recipients in North Dakota are typically eligible, but must apply through local County Social Service Offices[1].
• Ticket to Work: Open to SSI/SSDI recipients ages 18–64 who want to explore employment without immediately losing benefits[3].

• SSI Maximum Payment: $967/month in 2025 for eligible North Dakotans[1].
• Medicaid for SSI Recipients: In North Dakota, people approved for SSI are also eligible for Medicaid, but you must submit a separate application to your local County Social Service Office for Medicaid activation[1].
• Disability Determination: Applications go through the national SSA process, but North Dakota’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews medical evidence and makes the disability finding for SSI/SSDI claims[2].
• Approval Rates: In 2024, the average SSDI approval rate in North Dakota is 61%, with an average 9-month wait for a hearing[4].
• Vocational Support: State and nonprofit programs offer support for community inclusion, but there is no unique state benefit specifically for sensory disabilities like deafness—federal programs are primary[5].

• Gather Medical Proof: Collect records about your deafness (diagnosis, treatments, communications supports).
• Choose Application Method: Apply for SSI/SSDI online, by phone at (800) 772-1213, or at your local Social Security office[2].
• Follow Up: Contact North Dakota DDS at (701) 328-8700 if you have questions, but submit your application only to SSA[2].
• Apply for Medicaid: After SSI approval, apply for Medicaid at your county social services office[1].
• Explore Work Supports: If you want to work, contact the Ticket to Work program for free career services[3].

1. Prepare Documentation: Gather medical records, school or work history, and any tests proving your deafness and its impact on daily life or work.
2. Start Your Application: Go to ssa.gov, call (800) 772-1213, or visit a local Social Security office to apply for SSI or SSDI. North Dakota DDS will review your medical evidence but you must apply through SSA[2].
3. Wait for Determination: The DDS team (a medical consultant and claims analyst) will review your case. If more info is needed, they may arrange a consultative exam[2].
4. Receive Decision: SSA will notify you of approval or denial. If denied, you can appeal—average wait for a hearing in North Dakota is about 9 months[4].
5. Apply for Medicaid: If approved for SSI, complete a Medicaid application at your local County Social Service Office[1].
6. Connect with Work Supports: If you want to work, enroll in the free Ticket to Work program for career planning, job training, and benefits counseling[3].
7. Report Changes: Always update SSA and Medicaid if your income, living situation, or disability status changes to avoid overpayments.

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash benefit for low-income individuals with disabilities including deafness. In North Dakota, the 2025 maximum is $967/month[1].
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly benefit based on your work history and Social Security tax contributions. The amount varies by individual[1].
• Medicaid: Health coverage for SSI recipients and others meeting income guidelines. Apply through your county after SSI approval[1].
• Ticket to Work: Free program helping SSI/SSDI recipients (ages 18–64) explore employment while protecting benefits[3].
• ABLED Account: A federal savings account for people with disabilities (not state-specific) to save without losing benefits.

• Medicaid for SSI Recipients: North Dakota automatically considers SSI recipients eligible for Medicaid, but you must apply through your local County Social Service Office[1].
• Disability Determination Services (DDS): Reviews medical evidence for SSI/SSDI claims and forwards decisions to SSA[2].
• Community Inclusion Supports: North Dakota offers services and training to promote independence for people with disabilities, including those with sensory impairments, though no unique state cash benefit exists for deafness[5].
• Work Incentives: North Dakota follows federal work incentives for SSI/SSDI (like Impairment Related Work Expenses and Student Earned Income Exclusion), but does not have additional state cash work incentives specifically for deafness[1]. State-specific information is limited; start here: North Dakota Department of Human Services Disability Determination Services[2] and Services to Individuals with Disabilities[5].

ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities, including deafness, to save for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility. These are federal and available in North Dakota. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, assistive technology, and more.

• SSI: For 2025, the maximum federal benefit in North Dakota is $967/month. Your benefit may be lower if you have other income or live in someone else’s household. SSI counts most income and has strict asset limits.
• SSDI: No income or asset limits, but you must have enough work credits. The benefit amount is based on your lifetime average earnings[1].
• Medicaid: Generally follows SSI income rules in North Dakota, but check with your county for specifics[1].

You must promptly report any changes in income, living situation, or assets to SSA and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money by mistake, you may have to pay it back. The process for reporting changes is the same as in other states—contact SSA or your county social services office. For more, see our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  Apply for SSI/SSDI online, by phone, or at a local office.
• North Dakota Disability Determination Services
  Phone: 701-328-8700

  TTY: 711

  Website

  For status updates on your disability application.

• What’s the max SSI payment for someone with deafness in North Dakota?

  The maximum SSI payment in North Dakota is $967/month in 2025. Actual amounts depend on income, living situation, and other benefits you receive[1].

• Can I work and still get SSI/SSDI if I’m deaf?

  Yes, through federal work incentives. SSI and SSDI both offer ways to work and keep some or all of your benefits, such as Impairment Related Work Expenses and the Ticket to Work program[1][3].

• Is Medicaid automatic if I get SSI in North Dakota?

  You are eligible, but you must apply separately at your local County Social Service Office after SSI approval[1].

• Where do I apply for disability benefits for deafness in North Dakota?

  Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at (800) 772-1213, or at a local Social Security office. Do not apply directly to North Dakota DDS—they review your medical evidence after you apply through SSA[2].

• How long does it take to get approved for SSDI in North Dakota?

  Average wait for a disability hearing in North Dakota is about 9 months, and the approval rate is 61%[4].

• Can I save money without losing benefits?

  Yes, with an ABLE account. This federal program lets people with disabilities save for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid benefits.

• What support is there if I want to work?