Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Benefits in Vermont

To get federal disability benefits for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) criteria. PTSD is listed in the SSA’s Blue Book under mental disorders. You need a diagnosis from a qualified professional and proof that your symptoms severely limit your ability to work or do daily activities. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs require U.S. citizenship or legal residency and living in the U.S. [^1]

In Vermont, people with PTSD may qualify for state programs like 3SquaresVT (food assistance) and Medicaid. Vermont does not have a separate state disability insurance program for private workers, but people with PTSD who receive federal disability benefits may get extra help with food, housing, and medical costs. Vermont also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help people with PTSD live independently. Legal Services Vermont can help you appeal if your application is denied or services are cut. [^2][^3]

• Get a diagnosis from a doctor or mental health professional.
• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for SSI or SSDI online, by phone, or at a Social Security office.
• Apply for Vermont Medicaid and 3SquaresVT through the Department for Children and Families.
• Contact Legal Services Vermont if you need help appealing a decision.

• Get a diagnosis: See a doctor or mental health professional for a PTSD diagnosis. Keep all medical records.
• Gather documents: Collect proof of income, resources, and medical records.
• Apply for federal benefits: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at a local Social Security office. The SSA will review your medical evidence and work history.
• Apply for Vermont benefits: Apply for Medicaid and 3SquaresVT through the Department for Children and Families. You can apply online, by phone, or in person. Vermont may not require a resource test if everyone in your household gets disability benefits.
• Appeal if needed: If your application is denied, you can appeal. Legal Services Vermont can help you with the appeal process.
• Get help with costs: If you have out-of-pocket medical costs, like therapy or medication, report them to increase your benefit amount.
• Stay informed: Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments.

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash payments for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or 65 or older.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people who are disabled and have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and resources.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people who get SSDI after a 24-month waiting period.
• 3SquaresVT (SNAP): Food assistance for people with low income.

• 3SquaresVT: Vermont’s food assistance program. People with PTSD who get federal disability benefits may qualify for easier eligibility and higher benefits if they have medical costs.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Vermont offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help people with PTSD live independently.
• Legal Services Vermont: Provides free legal help for people with disabilities, including help with appeals and complaints.
• Vermont Communication Support Project: Offers free help for people with disabilities in court or administrative hearings.
• Vermont Family and Medical Leave Insurance (VT-FMLI): Starting in 2025, this program will provide paid family and medical leave for Vermont workers, including those with PTSD.

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Vermont offers ABLE accounts through the ABLE United program. You can use ABLE funds for qualified disability expenses, like therapy, education, or housing. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to apply. [^4]

For SSI, the resource limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. Income limits vary based on your situation. For SSDI, there is no resource limit, but you must meet work requirements. Vermont may not require a resource test for 3SquaresVT if everyone in your household gets disability benefits. [^1][^2]

Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Learn how to report changes and avoid overpayments. [^5]

• Legal Services Vermont
  Phone: 1-800-889-2047

  Website

  Free legal help for Vermonters with disabilities.
• Vermont Communication Support Project
  Phone: 1-888-686-8277

  Email: csp@disabilityrightsvt.org

  Website

  Free help for people with disabilities in court or administrative hearings.

• Can I get disability benefits for PTSD in Vermont?

  Yes, if your PTSD is severe enough to limit your ability to work or do daily activities, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. Vermont also offers Medicaid and food assistance for people with disabilities.

• How do I apply for SSI or SSDI with PTSD?

  Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at a local Social Security office. You will need medical records and proof of income.

• What medical evidence do I need for PTSD?

  You need a diagnosis from a doctor or mental health professional and records showing how PTSD affects your daily life and ability to work.

• Can I get food assistance with PTSD in Vermont?

  Yes, Vermont’s 3SquaresVT program helps people with disabilities stretch their food budgets. If you get disability benefits, you may qualify for easier eligibility and higher benefits.

• What is a Medicaid waiver in Vermont?

  A Medicaid waiver lets people with disabilities get home and community-based services, like therapy or personal care, instead of living in an institution.

• Can I work while getting disability benefits for PTSD?

  Yes, SSI and SSDI have work incentives that let you try working without losing benefits. Learn about work incentives and how they can help you.

• How do I appeal a denial of benefits in Vermont?