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North Dakota • Speech/Language
North Dakota residents with stuttering may be eligible for disability benefits programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Medicaid. Applications are handled by the Social Security Administration and Disability Determination Services. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, money management, and where to find help in North Dakota.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) for stuttering, you must show your speech impairment is severe enough to prevent you from doing most work and is expected to last at least a year. SSDI requires a sufficient work history with Social Security tax payments, while SSI is for low-income individuals with limited resources[6]. Depending on your situation, you may be evaluated on factors like your ability to communicate, engage with others, and perform work tasks. You will need medical and speech/language evidence to support your claim.
In North Dakota, the federal rules for SSI and SSDI apply but there are a few state-specific factors. You must apply through the Social Security Administration, which forwards your case to North Dakota Disability Determination Services (DDS) for medical review[2]. If approved for SSI, you may also qualify for North Dakota Medicaid but must submit a separate application at your local County Social Service Office[1]. The maximum SSI payment in North Dakota is $967 per month in 2025, but this can be reduced by other income[1]. If you are working or considering work, North Dakota supports work incentives, such as the Ticket to Work program, which helps you keep benefits while exploring employment options[1][3]. If you do not qualify for Social Security benefits, North Dakota does not offer a separate state disability payment program; start with federal applications and Medicaid.
If you have stuttering that limits your ability to work, you can apply for federal disability benefits through the Social Security Administration—not directly to North Dakota’s DDS. You can apply online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. If you need help, contact the North Dakota DDS for support, but do not send your application to them directly[2].
North Dakota does not have a stand-alone state disability program. However, if you qualify for SSI, you may also be eligible for North Dakota Medicaid. You must apply for Medicaid at your local County Social Service Office[1]. The state also offers Services to Individuals with Disabilities through its Department of Health & Human Services, which provides support, training, and resources to help maximize independence and community inclusion for people with disabilities[5]. For help with meals and nutrition, North Dakota offers the Senior Meals and Commodity Food programs at sites across the state[7]. If you are not eligible for SSI/SSDI, these local resources may help fill gaps in coverage and support.
ABLE accounts allow people who developed their disability before age 26 to save up to $100,000 without losing SSI eligibility. These accounts help people with disabilities save for future needs. North Dakotans can open an ABLE account through any state’s program, but there is no North Dakota-specific plan at this time.
For SSI, your income and resources must be very low. In 2025, the maximum SSI payment in North Dakota is $967 per month, but actual payments are reduced if you have other income or live with family who help pay expenses[1]. SSDI does not have strict income limits, but you must have a qualifying work history and not be able to engage in substantial gainful activity (usually $1,550/month in 2025 for most people). Income sources beyond wages (like SSI) can affect your SSI payment.
If you receive SSI or SSDI, you must report changes in your income, living situation, or work status to the Social Security Administration as soon as possible to avoid overpayments, which must be repaid[6]. If you get SSI, you must also report changes to your local Medicaid office. Overpayments can be appealed if you believe they are incorrect. Always keep records of your reports and any evidence you submit.
Stuttering is a recognized speech/language impairment. For SSI or SSDI, you must prove it substantially limits your ability to work—such as communicating with customers, using the phone, or speaking in public. Medical and speech-language evaluations are critical evidence in your application.
If you are denied benefits, contact North Dakota Disability Determination Services for clarity on your case[2]. For help with community living, food, or training for independence, check with the North Dakota Department of Health & Human Services[5].
North Dakota’s Ticket to Work program lets you try a job without immediately losing your SSI or SSDI. Certain work incentives also help reduce benefit loss as you start earning[3]. Report any income changes to the SSA to avoid overpayments.
Yes, if your stuttering severely limits your ability to work and is expected to last at least a year. You must provide medical and speech/language evidence to support your claim. The process is the same as for other disabilities[6].
Apply online, by phone, or at your local Social Security office. North Dakota’s Disability Determination Services reviews medical evidence, but you apply through the SSA, not directly with the state[2].
$967 per month, but actual payments may be less if you have other income or resources[1].
No, North Dakota does not offer a separate state disability payment. You must apply for SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid through federal and state processes[1].
SSI recipients in North Dakota qualify for Medicaid, but you must submit a separate application to your local County Social Service Office[1].
North Dakota supports work incentives such as the Ticket to Work program, which helps you keep benefits while exploring employment[3]. You should learn about all available incentives and report income changes promptly.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Benefits eligibility depends on individual circumstances and official agency determinations.
North Dakota’s average disability hearing wait time is about 9 months, which is slightly less than the national average[4]. Having a representative can help improve your chances of approval.
You can appeal within 60 days. Consider getting a representative, as applicants with representation are three times more likely to be approved[4].
Yes, North Dakota offers support and training for independence and community inclusion. There are also programs for meals and nutrition, especially for seniors[5][7].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save for future needs without losing SSI eligibility. North Dakota residents can open ABLE accounts through other states’ programs, as there is no North Dakota-specific plan.
