Speech Impairment Benefits in North Dakota

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require that your speech impairment is severe enough to prevent substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a medical guide called the Blue Book to determine if your condition meets their criteria for disability[6].

In North Dakota, individuals with speech impairments who qualify for SSI receive a maximum of $967 per month in 2025. SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid but must apply through their local County Social Service Office. SSDI payments depend on your work history and contributions to Social Security. North Dakota also offers special work incentives for people with disabilities, including those with speech impairments, to help them work while keeping their benefits[1].

• Confirm your speech impairment meets SSA criteria.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office.
• Submit all required documents promptly.
• Follow up with SSA or Disability Determination Services (DDS) as needed.

• Step 1: Review SSA’s disability criteria for speech impairments. Your condition must be severe and expected to last at least 12 months or result in death[6].
• Step 2: Collect medical records, including speech therapy notes, doctor’s reports, and any relevant test results.
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI through the SSA website, by phone, or in person at a local office. You cannot apply directly to North Dakota’s Disability Determination Services (DDS)[2].
• Step 4: After applying, SSA forwards your case to DDS for a medical review. DDS may request additional medical evidence or schedule a consultative exam[2].
• Step 5: Wait for a decision from SSA. If denied, you can appeal. North Dakota’s hearing wait times are slightly shorter than the national average, and having a representative can increase your approval chances[4].
• Step 6: If approved, you will receive benefits and may qualify for Medicaid and work incentives[1].

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): For people with limited income and resources, including those with speech impairments.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): For those with a qualifying work history.
• Medicaid: Available to SSI recipients; provides health coverage.
• Medicare: Available to SSDI recipients after a 24-month waiting period.
• Work Incentives: Programs like Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE), Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS), and Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) help people work while keeping benefits[1].

• Medicaid: SSI recipients in North Dakota qualify for Medicaid but must apply through their local County Social Service Office[1].
• Work Incentives: North Dakota offers state-specific work incentives, including the State Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities, which allows people to keep Medicaid while working[1].
• Disability Determination Services (DDS): Reviews medical evidence and makes disability determinations for SSA[2].
• Ticket to Work Program: Free and voluntary program for SSDI and SSI recipients aged 18-64, providing career development and vocational support[3].
• Community Options: Partners with Social Security to help people with disabilities find employment and achieve financial independence[3].

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 state’s ABLE program. These accounts help with expenses like education, housing, and transportation[ABLE Accounts].

In North Dakota, the maximum SSI payment for 2025 is $967 per month. SSDI payments vary based on work history. SSI payments are reduced if you have other income. Work incentives can help you keep more of your benefits while working[1].

It’s important to report any changes in income, living situation, or medical condition to SSA to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or benefit reductions. Learn how to report changes and avoid overpayments[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 benefit applications and questions.
• Community Options North Dakota
  Phone: (701) 235-5555

  Email: [email protected]

  Website

  For vocational support and Ticket to Work Program.

• Can a speech impairment qualify for disability benefits in North Dakota?

  Yes, if your speech impairment is severe enough to prevent substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. The Social Security Administration uses specific criteria to determine eligibility[6].

• How much can I receive in SSI for a speech impairment in North Dakota?

  In 2025, the maximum SSI payment in North Dakota is $967 per month. The actual amount depends on your income and resources[1].

• Do I need to apply for Medicaid separately if I get SSI?

  Yes, SSI recipients in North Dakota must apply for Medicaid through their local County Social Service Office, even though they automatically qualify[1].

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

  North Dakota offers work incentives like Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE), Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS), and the State Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities. These help you work while keeping benefits[1].

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

  Apply online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You cannot apply directly to North Dakota’s Disability Determination Services. SSA will forward your application to DDS for medical review[2].

• What happens if my disability claim is denied?

  If denied, you can appeal. North Dakota’s hearing wait times are slightly shorter than the national average. Having a representative can increase your approval chances[4].