Schizophrenia Benefits in North Dakota

To get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a work history and enough Social Security credits. Your schizophrenia must be severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have low income and limited resources, and your schizophrenia must meet Social Security’s disability rules. Both programs use the same medical criteria for schizophrenia, which is listed in Social Security’s Blue Book under mental disorders [1].

If you are approved, you may also qualify for Medicaid (healthcare) and other state help. SSDI is based on your work record, while SSI is based on financial need [1].

In North Dakota, people with schizophrenia who qualify for SSI automatically qualify for Medicaid, but you must apply for Medicaid at your local County Social Service Office. The maximum SSI payment in North Dakota for 2025 is $967 per month. SSDI payments depend on your work history and Social Security taxes paid. North Dakota also offers work incentives and support programs for people with disabilities, including those with schizophrenia, to help with employment and independence [1].

State agencies like Disability Determination Services (DDS) review your medical records to decide if you meet federal disability rules. Only Social Security can approve your benefits, but DDS makes the medical decision for them [2].

• Check if you meet federal SSI or SSDI rules for schizophrenia.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply online, by phone, or in person at Social Security.
• Wait for Social Security to send your case to North Dakota DDS for medical review.
• Respond to requests for more information.
• If approved, apply for Medicaid at your local County Social Service Office [2].

• Step 1: Review eligibility for SSI or SSDI. SSI is for people with low income and resources. SSDI is for those with a work history. Both require your schizophrenia to be severe and long-term [8].
• Step 2: Collect medical records, doctor’s notes, and proof of income or work history.
• Step 3: Apply for benefits through Social Security:
  • Online at www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability
  • By phone at (800) 772-1213 (TTY: 800-325-0778)
  • In person at a local Social Security office [2]
• Step 4: Social Security will forward your application to North Dakota Disability Determination Services (DDS) for medical review. DDS may ask for more medical evidence or schedule a consultative exam [2].
• Step 5: Wait for a decision from Social Security. If approved, you may need to apply for Medicaid at your local County Social Service Office [1].
• Step 6: If denied, you can appeal the decision. You can also ask for help from local agencies or nonprofits [2].

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash payments for people with low income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65+. Amounts depend on income and state rules [1].
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly payments for people with a work history who are disabled. Amounts depend on your earnings record [1].
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income who get SSI or meet other rules [1].
• Medicare: Health coverage for people who get SSDI after a 24-month waiting period [1].
• Work Incentives: Programs like Ticket to Work, Impairment Related Work Expenses, and Expedited Reinstatement help you keep benefits while working [1].

• Medicaid: Automatic eligibility for people with schizophrenia who get SSI. Apply at your local County Social Service Office [1].
• Disability Determination Services (DDS): Reviews medical evidence to decide if you meet federal disability rules for schizophrenia [2].
• Financial Assistance: North Dakota Association for the Disabled (NDAD) offers help with prescriptions, medical equipment, home accessibility, travel, attendant care, and transportation [3].
• Assistive Technology Loans: North Dakota Assistive offers low-interest loans and grants for devices that help with daily living [4].
• Ticket to Work: Free program to help people with schizophrenia find jobs and keep benefits while working [5].
• Support and Training: State agencies provide support and training for independence and community inclusion [6].

North Dakota offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities. These accounts let you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like education, housing, and transportation. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to open one in North Dakota [internal_link: ABLE Accounts].

For SSI in North Dakota in 2025, the maximum monthly payment is $967. This amount can be reduced by other income. SSDI payments depend on your work history and Social Security taxes paid. Both programs have rules about how income affects benefits. Use the SSI Income Estimator to see how your income affects your benefits [internal_link: SSI Income Estimator].

If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to Social Security. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Learn how to avoid overpayments and report changes to keep your benefits safe [internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].

• North Dakota Disability Determination Services
  Phone: (701) 328-8700

  TTY: 711

  Website

  For medical review of disability claims.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: (800) 772-1213

  TTY: (800) 325-0778

  Website

  For applying for SSI/SSDI benefits.

• Can schizophrenia qualify for disability benefits in North Dakota?

  Yes, schizophrenia can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it meets Social Security’s medical criteria and stops you from working for at least 12 months. You must apply through Social Security and provide medical evidence [8].

• How much money can I get from SSI in North Dakota?

  The maximum SSI payment in North Dakota for 2025 is $967 per month. This amount can be reduced by other income. SSDI payments depend on your work history [1].

• Do I get Medicaid if I get SSI in North Dakota?

  Yes, people with schizophrenia who get SSI in North Dakota qualify for Medicaid. You must apply for Medicaid at your local County Social Service Office [1].

• What work incentives are available for people with schizophrenia in North Dakota?

  North Dakota offers work incentives like Ticket to Work, Impairment Related Work Expenses, and Expedited Reinstatement. These programs help you keep benefits while working and gaining independence [1].

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

  Apply for SSI or SSDI through Social Security online, by phone, or in person. Social Security will send your case to North Dakota DDS for medical review. You must apply for Medicaid separately at your local County Social Service Office [2].

• What extra help is available for people with schizophrenia in North Dakota?

  North Dakota offers financial help for prescriptions, medical equipment, home accessibility, travel, attendant care, and transportation. Nonprofits like NDAD and North Dakota Assistive provide extra support [3][4].