Bipolar Disorder Benefits in Wyoming: A Complete Guide

To qualify for federal disability benefits with Bipolar Disorder, you must have a medical condition (like Bipolar Disorder) that prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death[2][7]. For SSDI, you must also have a work history and enough work credits; for SSI, you must meet strict income and resource limits[2][5][7]. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses the same medical criteria nationwide, but local offices handle applications and appeals[3][5].

Wyoming does not have its own state disability program[2]. However, the state does participate in federal SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid programs. For Medicaid, Wyoming offers the Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) program, which allows working people with disabilities (including mental health conditions like Bipolar Disorder) to get Medicaid by paying a monthly premium, as long as they meet SSA disability guidelines, are Wyoming residents, U.S. citizens or permanent residents (living in the U.S. at least five years), employed, and have income at or below 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate[1]. Earned income is exempt when determining Medicaid eligibility under EID[1]. For all programs, you must provide medical proof of your disability.

Start your application for federal disability benefits online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office[3]. Gather your medical records, work history, and personal information before applying. For Wyoming Medicaid, contact the Wyoming Department of Health or visit their website for program details and applications[1].

Step 1: Gather Documentation

• Collect medical records, treatment history, and work history.
• Have proof of identity, residency, and income ready.

Step 2: Choose Your Application Method

• Online: Start at SSA.gov[3].
• Phone: Call 1-800-772-1213[3].
• In Person: Visit a Social Security office—Wyoming has five locations[3].

Step 3: Complete the Application

• Answer all questions truthfully and consistently.
• Submit all required documents. Incomplete applications often lead to delays or denials[2].

Step 4: Await a Decision

• Initial decisions take about six months on average in Wyoming[2].
• If denied, you can request reconsideration and, if needed, a hearing before an administrative law judge[3][6].

Step 5: Explore Medicaid Options

• If you are employed and disabled, check if you qualify for the Wyoming Medicaid EID program[1].
• Contact the Wyoming Department of Health for applications and guidance[1].

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Pays monthly benefits if you have a sufficient work history and meet SSA’s medical criteria for Bipolar Disorder[5][7]. Benefits continue as long as you remain disabled and do not exceed earnings limits[4].

Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to those with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or aged[5]. SSI amounts are based on financial need and living situation.

Medicare and Medicaid: After 24 months of SSDI, you may qualify for Medicare. Medicaid is available based on income and disability status, and in Wyoming, special Medicaid programs exist for working individuals with disabilities[1].

Note: Veterans with Bipolar Disorder may also qualify for VA disability benefits, which can be received alongside SSDI[3].

Wyoming does not have a separate state disability program, but participates fully in federal SSI and SSDI programs[2]. For health coverage, Wyoming Medicaid offers several pathways:

• Standard Medicaid: For low-income individuals with disabilities.
• Kid Care CHIP: For children in low-income families.
• Programs for Pregnant Women: For pregnant women meeting income guidelines.
• Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD): For those who are aged, blind, or disabled and meet income/resource limits.
• Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID): For working people with disabilities (including mental health conditions) who pay a monthly premium based on income. Earned income is not counted against Medicaid eligibility under EID, and the income limit is up to 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate[1].

Wyoming’s approval rate for initial SSDI applications is higher than the national average, but hearing appeals are handled out of state[6]. Local help is available through the Wyoming Department of Health and Department of Workforce Services[1][5].

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility. These accounts help pay for disability-related expenses. Wyoming residents can open an ABLE account through any state program that offers them—check our ABLE Accounts guide for details.

SSI has strict income and resource limits, updated annually. In 2025, Social Security will increase benefits and likely adjust the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which affects how much you can earn before benefits are reduced or stopped[4]. Wyoming Medicaid EID allows higher income limits (up to 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate) and exempts earned income when determining eligibility[1].

If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to Social Security and Wyoming Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to reduced or stopped benefits and require repayment. For steps on avoiding and managing overpayments, see our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide.

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: Mon–Fri, 7am–7pm

  Website

  Apply for SSDI/SSI by phone or online.
• Wyoming Department of Health (Medicaid)
  Phone: (307) 777-7531

  Website

  Medicaid programs for people with disabilities.
• Wyoming Disability Determination Services
  Phone: (307) 777-7341

  Website

  State office for disability claims and appeals.

• Can I work and still get disability benefits in Wyoming?

  Yes, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI with some work, but earnings must stay below the SGA limit. Wyoming’s Medicaid EID program is specifically for employed individuals with disabilities and has higher income limits[1][4].

• How long does it take to get a disability decision in Wyoming?

  Initial decisions average about six months. If denied, appeals can take much longer—sometimes up to two years if a hearing is needed[2].

• How much does SSDI pay for Bipolar Disorder in Wyoming?

  The average SSDI payment in Wyoming is $1,365.71 per month; SSI averages $548.06 per month. Actual amounts depend on your work history or financial need[2].

• Can I apply for Medicaid if I’m denied SSI or SSDI?

  Yes, you can apply for Wyoming Medicaid separately, especially through special programs like EID if you are working and disabled[1].

• What if my Bipolar Disorder improves?

  SSA conducts Continuing Disability Reviews every 3 years (or every 5–7 years if improvement is unlikely). If your condition improves enough to work, benefits may stop[3].

• Are there special programs for children with Bipolar Disorder in Wyoming?

  Wyoming offers Kid Care CHIP and Medicaid for children with disabilities in low-income families. These programs have separate eligibility rules and applications[1].

• How do I appeal a denied disability claim in Wyoming?