Traumatic Brain Injury Benefits in North Dakota

To qualify for federal disability benefits, your traumatic brain injury must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. For SSDI, you need a work history and enough Social Security credits (usually 40, with 20 earned in the last 10 years). For SSI, your income and resources must be low. Both programs require medical proof of your disability from doctors or hospitals. The Social Security Administration (SSA) makes the final decision on eligibility based on federal rules.

• SSDI: For people who worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• SSI: For people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.

Medical evidence must show your traumatic brain injury limits your ability to work and do daily activities.

Learn more about federal eligibility [accessed 2025-11-06].

In North Dakota, people with traumatic brain injury who qualify for SSI receive up to $967 per month in 2025. SSI recipients also qualify for Medicaid, but must apply separately at their local County Social Service Office. North Dakota does not have a separate state disability program for traumatic brain injury, but residents can access Medicaid waivers and support services through the Department of Human Services. Work incentives like the Ticket to Work program help you keep benefits while working. The state’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews your medical records and makes the disability decision for SSA.

• SSI: Maximum $967/month in 2025.
• Medicaid: Automatic for SSI recipients, but separate application required.
• Work incentives: Available for SSI and SSDI beneficiaries.

Learn more about North Dakota SSI [accessed 2025-11-06].

• Gather medical records for your traumatic brain injury.
• Apply online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office.
• Social Security will forward your application to North Dakota Disability Determination Services (DDS).
• DDS will review your medical evidence and may ask for more tests.
• Wait for a decision from Social Security.

Start your application at ssa.gov/benefits/disability [accessed 2025-11-06].

• Step 1: Collect all medical records related to your traumatic brain injury, including doctor reports, imaging, and therapy notes.
• Step 2: Apply for SSDI or SSI through the Social Security Administration:
  • Online: www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability
  • Phone: (800) 772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778)
  • In person: Visit your local SSA office.
• Step 3: Social Security will send your application to North Dakota Disability Determination Services (DDS) for medical review.
• Step 4: DDS may request more medical information or schedule a consultative exam.
• Step 5: DDS makes a disability determination and sends it back to Social Security.
• Step 6: Social Security notifies you of the decision.
• Step 7: If approved, you may need to apply for Medicaid at your local County Social Service Office.

Apply for disability benefits [accessed 2025-11-06]. Contact North Dakota DDS [accessed 2025-11-06].

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash payments for people with limited income and resources.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly payments for people with a qualifying work history.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income individuals, including SSI recipients.
• Medicare: Health coverage for SSDI recipients after 24 months.
• Ticket to Work: Free program to help you work while keeping benefits.
• Work Incentives: Programs to help you keep benefits while working, like Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE) and Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS).

Learn more about federal programs [accessed 2025-11-06].

North Dakota offers Medicaid to SSI recipients, but you must apply at your local County Social Service Office. The state does not have a separate disability benefit for traumatic brain injury, but residents can access Medicaid waivers and support services through the Department of Human Services. The Ticket to Work program is available for people aged 18–64 who receive SSI or SSDI. Work incentives like the State Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities help you keep health coverage while working. North Dakota’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews medical evidence for SSA.

• Medicaid: Automatic for SSI recipients, but separate application required.
• Medicaid Waivers: Available for home and community-based services.
• Ticket to Work: Free career support for SSI/SSDI recipients.
• Work Incentives: Help you keep benefits while working.

Learn more about North Dakota programs [accessed 2025-11-06].

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. North Dakota residents can open an ABLE account through the national program. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like education, housing, and transportation. ABLE accounts do not affect SSI or Medicaid eligibility as long as the balance is under $100,000.

Learn more about ABLE accounts [accessed 2025-11-06].

For SSI in North Dakota, the maximum monthly benefit is $967 in 2025. SSI is income-based, so any earned or unearned income will reduce your benefit. SSDI payments depend on your work history and Social Security taxes paid. Medicaid eligibility is based on income and resources, but SSI recipients automatically qualify.

Learn more about SSI income limits [accessed 2025-11-06].

You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security to avoid overpayments. If you earn money while on SSI or SSDI, your benefits may be reduced. Work incentives like IRWE and PASS can help you keep more of your benefits. Always report changes promptly to avoid repayment.

Learn more about reporting changes [accessed 2025-11-06].

• 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.

• Can I get disability benefits for traumatic brain injury in North Dakota?

  Yes, if your traumatic brain injury is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must apply through Social Security and provide medical evidence.

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

  In 2025, the maximum SSI benefit in North Dakota is $967 per month. Your actual payment may be less if you have other income or resources.

• Do I get Medicaid with SSI in North Dakota?

  Yes, SSI recipients in North Dakota qualify for Medicaid, but you must apply separately at your local County Social Service Office.

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

  Apply online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. Social Security will send your application to North Dakota Disability Determination Services for medical review.

• What work incentives are available in North Dakota?

  North Dakota offers work incentives like the Ticket to Work program, Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE), and the State Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities.

• Can I work while getting SSI or SSDI in North Dakota?

  Yes, work incentives help you keep benefits while working. Programs like IRWE, PASS, and the Ticket to Work program support your employment goals.

• How long does it take to get a decision on my disability claim in North Dakota?