People with epilepsy in North Dakota may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, plus state programs for Medicaid, work incentives, and financial help. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get support.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with epilepsy, your condition must meet Social Security’s definition of disability. This means your epilepsy must be severe enough to stop you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You must provide medical records showing your diagnosis, seizure frequency, and how seizures affect your daily life. For SSI, your income and resources must be low. For SSDI, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain time. Both programs require a formal application and review by Social Security and state agencies.
In North Dakota, people with epilepsy who qualify for SSI receive up to $967 per month in 2025. SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid, but you must apply at your local County Social Service Office. SSDI payments depend on your work history and taxes paid. North Dakota also offers work incentives for people with disabilities, including those with epilepsy, to help you keep benefits while you try working. State agencies and nonprofits provide extra help with prescriptions, medical equipment, home accessibility, and travel for medical care.
Step 1: Get your medical records. You need a diagnosis from a doctor, details about your seizures, and how epilepsy affects your daily activities.
Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI. You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office.
Step 3: Social Security will send your application to North Dakota Disability Determination Services (DDS). DDS will review your medical evidence and may ask for more tests.
Step 4: Wait for a decision. If approved, you’ll get a notice from Social Security.
Step 5: If you get SSI, apply for Medicaid at your local County Social Service Office.
Step 6: Ask about work incentives and other state programs for people with disabilities.
Step 7: Report any changes in your income or health to Social Security to avoid overpayments.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income): For people with low income and resources who can’t work due to disability. Payments are based on need.
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): For people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Payments are based on work history.
Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income, including SSI recipients.
Medicare: Health coverage for people who get SSDI after a waiting period.
Work Incentives: Programs that let you keep benefits while you try working, such as Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE), Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS), and Expedited Reinstatement (ExR).
North Dakota offers several programs for people with epilepsy and other disabilities:
Medicaid: Automatic for SSI recipients; apply at your local County Social Service Office.
Financial Assistance: The North Dakota Association for the Disabled (NDAD) helps with prescriptions, medical equipment, home accessibility, medical travel, attendant care, and transportation.
Work Incentives: North Dakota follows federal work incentive rules, including Medicaid buy-in for workers with disabilities.
Ticket to Work: Free program to help people with disabilities find jobs and keep benefits.
Disability Determination Services: Reviews medical evidence for disability claims.
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In North Dakota, you can open an ABLE account if your disability started before age 26. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like medical care, education, and housing. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to open one.
For SSI in North Dakota, the maximum monthly benefit is $967 in 2025. Your income and resources must be below certain limits. SSDI payments depend on your work history and taxes paid. Work incentives can help you keep benefits if you start working. Report any changes in income to Social Security to avoid overpayments.
You must report changes in your income, resources, or health to Social Security. If you don’t, you may get an overpayment and have to pay it back. Report changes as soon as possible to avoid problems. Social Security has rules for how to report changes and what to do if you get an overpayment.
Contact your local Social Security office or the North Dakota Disability Determination Services for help with your application. Nonprofits like the North Dakota Association for the Disabled also offer support.
Yes, epilepsy can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it is severe enough to stop you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months. You must provide medical records showing your diagnosis and how seizures affect your life.
In 2025, the maximum SSI payment in North Dakota is $967 per month. Your actual payment may be less if you have other income or resources.
Yes, SSI recipients in North Dakota automatically qualify for Medicaid. You must apply at your local County Social Service Office to get coverage.
North Dakota offers federal work incentives like Impairment Related Work Expenses, Plan for Achieving Self-Support, and Expedited Reinstatement. These help you keep benefits while you try working.
You can apply for SSI or SSDI online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. Social Security will send your application to North Dakota Disability Determination Services for review.
North Dakota offers financial assistance for prescriptions, medical equipment, home accessibility, medical travel, attendant care, and transportation through the North Dakota Association for the Disabled.
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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Yes, work incentives let you keep benefits while you try working. Programs like Ticket to Work help you find jobs and keep Medicaid or Medicare.
You must report changes in income, resources, or health to Social Security as soon as possible. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person to avoid overpayments.
SSI is for people with low income and resources who can’t work due to disability. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs have different rules and payment amounts.
The North Dakota Association for the Disabled offers financial assistance for gas and lodging expenses for out-of-town medical travel when you’re referred by a local physician.
