Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Benefits in North Dakota

• To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes. You generally need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began [^1].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Your disability must meet Social Security’s definition, which includes severe mental health conditions like PTSD [^1].
• Both programs require medical proof that your PTSD prevents you from doing substantial work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a strict process to review your medical records and determine eligibility [^1].

• In North Dakota, SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid, but you must apply through your local County Social Service Office [^2].
• The maximum SSI payment in North Dakota for 2025 is $967 per month [^2].
• SSDI payments are based on your work history and Social Security contributions, not state rules [^2].
• North Dakota’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews your medical evidence to decide if you meet federal disability criteria for PTSD [^2].
• You must apply for benefits through the SSA, not DDS. DDS only reviews medical information after your application is submitted [^2].

• Gather medical records showing your PTSD diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work.
• Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local SSA office.
• The SSA will forward your application to North Dakota’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) for medical review.
• Respond promptly to any requests for more information or medical exams.
• If approved, you will receive monthly payments and may qualify for Medicaid [^2].

• Step 1: Collect all medical records related to your PTSD, including treatment history, therapy notes, and any hospitalizations.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI through the Social Security Administration (SSA). You can apply online at www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability, by phone at (800) 772-1213, or in person at your local SSA office [^2].
• Step 3: The SSA will send your application to North Dakota’s Disability Determination Services (DDS). DDS staff will review your medical evidence and may request additional information or arrange a consultative exam if needed [^2].
• Step 4: A two-person team at DDS will make a medical determination based on federal criteria. Only SSA can decide if you are eligible for benefits [^2].
• Step 5: If approved, you will receive monthly payments. SSI recipients in North Dakota must apply separately for Medicaid through their local County Social Service Office [^2].
• Step 6: If denied, you can appeal the decision. Consider seeking help from a disability advocate or legal aid organization [^4].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people with a work history who are unable to work due to PTSD. Payments are based on your earnings record [^1].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with limited income and resources who are unable to work due to PTSD. Maximum payment in North Dakota is $967 per month in 2025 [^2].
• Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income individuals, including SSI recipients. You must apply separately through your local County Social Service Office [^2].
• Medicare: Health coverage for SSDI recipients after a 24-month waiting period [^1].

• Disability Determination Services (DDS): Reviews medical evidence for disability claims in North Dakota. DDS determines if you meet federal criteria for PTSD disability [^2].
• Medicaid: North Dakota Medicaid covers medical care for SSI recipients. You must apply through your local County Social Service Office [^2].
• Ticket to Work Program: Free and voluntary program for SSDI and SSI recipients aged 18-64. Provides career development and vocational support to help you work while keeping benefits [^3].
• Work Incentives: North Dakota offers several work incentives for SSI and SSDI recipients, including Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE), Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS), and State Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities [^2].
• Support Services: North Dakota provides support and training to help individuals with disabilities maximize independence and community inclusion [^5].

ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. North Dakota residents can open an ABLE account through the national ABLE program. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how they work for people with PTSD in North Dakota [internal_link: ABLE Accounts].

SSI is for people with limited income and resources. In North Dakota, the maximum SSI payment is $967 per month in 2025. SSDI payments depend on your work history and Social Security contributions. Both programs have strict rules about how income affects your benefits. Learn more about income limits and how working can impact your benefits [internal_link: SSI & SSDI Work Incentives].

You must report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to the SSA. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Learn how to avoid overpayments and report changes correctly [internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: (800) 772-1213

  TTY: 800-325-0778

  Website

  Apply for SSI/SSDI, get help with your application.
• North Dakota Disability Determination Services
  Phone: (701) 328-8700

  TTY: 711

  Website

  Medical review for disability claims.
• Community Options Ticket to Work
  Phone: Contact via website

  Website

  Career development and support for disability beneficiaries.

• Can I get disability benefits for PTSD in North Dakota?

  Yes, if your PTSD is severe enough to prevent you from working, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must provide medical evidence and meet federal eligibility rules. North Dakota’s Disability Determination Services reviews your medical records to decide if you qualify [^2].

• How much money can I get for PTSD disability in North Dakota?

  The maximum SSI payment in North Dakota for 2025 is $967 per month. SSDI payments depend on your work history and Social Security contributions. Both programs have strict rules about how income affects your benefits [^2].

• Do I get Medicaid with SSI in North Dakota?

  Yes, SSI recipients in North Dakota qualify for Medicaid, but you must apply separately through your local County Social Service Office. Medicaid covers medical care for low-income individuals with disabilities [^2].

• How do I apply for PTSD disability benefits in North Dakota?

  Apply for SSI or SSDI through the Social Security Administration (SSA) online, by phone, or in person. The SSA will forward your application to North Dakota’s Disability Determination Services for medical review [^2].

• What work incentives are available for PTSD disability in North Dakota?

  North Dakota offers several work incentives for SSI and SSDI recipients, including Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE), Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS), and State Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities. These help you keep benefits while working [^2].

• Can I work while getting PTSD disability benefits in North Dakota?