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Wyoming • Chronic Illness
If you live in Wyoming and have fibromyalgia, you may qualify for federal disability benefits, Wyoming Medicaid, or work incentives for people with disabilities. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, what to expect, and where to get help in the Cowboy State.
Federal programs like SSDI and SSI require your condition (such as fibromyalgia) to prevent you from working for at least 12 months[6]. SSDI is for those with a work history who paid into Social Security, while SSI is based on financial need[4]. Both require medical evidence, and SSDI has a work credit rule[6].
Wyoming does not have a separate state disability program—SSL or state disability is not available[2]. However, Wyoming Medicaid offers coverage for eligible low-income residents with disabilities, including the Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) program for those who work and meet income limits[1]. For these programs, you must be a resident, U.S. citizen (or qualifying non-citizen), and meet program-specific rules[1]. ABLE accounts are an option to save money without losing benefits—federal rules apply, but Wyoming follows the national ABLE program[1].
Start online at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to apply for SSI or SSDI[3]. Gather your medical records, work history, and financial documents. For Medicaid, contact the Wyoming Department of Health; for the EID program, you must be employed and meet income limits[1]. Expect a wait—appeals are common, so be prepared for multiple steps[2][3].
Step 1: Collect your medical records, work history, and proof of income. If you have fibromyalgia, your doctor should document how it limits your ability to work[2].
Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at a local Social Security office. Wyoming has five field offices—check locations online[3].
Step 3: If denied, request reconsideration within 60 days. Most claims are denied at first; you can add new evidence at this stage[3].
Step 4: If denied again, request a hearing with an administrative law judge. Hearings for Wyoming residents are handled by judges from Billings, Montana, or Salt Lake City, Utah[5].
Step 5: While waiting, apply for Wyoming Medicaid if you meet income and residency requirements[1]. If you work and are disabled, check whether you qualify for the EID program, which allows you to earn more and still get Medicaid by paying a monthly premium[1].
Step 6: Notify agencies of any income or living situation changes to avoid overpayments that could affect your benefits[1].
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are the main federal disability benefits for people with fibromyalgia in Wyoming[2][4]. SSDI is for those who have worked and paid into Social Security; SSI is for those with limited income and resources[4]. Both programs require that your fibromyalgia severely limits your ability to work for at least 12 months[6].
Medicare helps those on SSDI after a waiting period; Medicaid may help those on SSI or who meet income limits. Veterans with fibromyalgia may also qualify for VA disability payments—these can be received alongside SSDI[3].
Wyoming has no state disability program[2]. However, Wyoming Medicaid covers low-income residents with disabilities, including those with fibromyalgia[1]. Special Medicaid programs like Kid Care CHIP (for children) and EID (for employed adults with disabilities) expand access for some groups[1]. The EID program allows people with disabilities who work to keep Medicaid by paying a monthly premium, with income up to 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate[1]. ABLE accounts, which help people with disabilities save money without losing benefits, are available under federal guidelines (Wyoming uses the national ABLE program)[1].
Wyoming does not have its own ABLE program but follows the federal ABLE Act. You can open an ABLE account through any national provider—these accounts let you save up to a certain limit without affecting your SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
For SSI, income and asset limits are strict and updated annually[4]. For Wyoming Medicaid and the EID program, income limits apply, but earned income may be treated more generously if you are working with a disability (EID allows income up to 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate)[1]. ABLE accounts also have annual and lifetime contribution limits governed by federal rules.
You must report changes in income, living situation, or work status to the Social Security Administration and Wyoming Health Department to avoid overpayments[1]. Overpayments may require repayment and can affect your eligibility for SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid. For more, see the guide to avoiding overpayments.
If you need food, shelter, or urgent health care, call Wyoming 211 to connect with local agencies. For legal help with disability claims, seek free or low-cost legal aid through Wyoming 211 or your local bar association[7].
Most people are denied at first. You have the right to appeal—request reconsideration within 60 days, and consider getting help from a disability attorney or advocate[2][5]. Keep detailed records and stay organized throughout the process.
Wyoming does not have a state disability program, but you can apply for federal SSI or SSDI if your fibromyalgia prevents you from working for at least a year. You may also qualify for Wyoming Medicaid if you meet income and disability requirements[1][2].
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at a local Social Security office. Gather your medical records and work history. Most applicants are denied at first, so be ready to appeal[2][3].
Yes, the EID program lets employed adults with disabilities (including fibromyalgia) get Medicaid by paying a monthly premium, even if their income is higher than usual limits[1].
SSI has strict income and asset limits; SSDI allows some work under certain rules. The EID program in Wyoming lets you earn up to 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate and still qualify for Medicaid by paying a premium[1].
Yes, you can receive both SSDI and VA disability payments at the same time. Each program has its own rules, but benefits from one do not cancel out the other[3].
Yes, you can open an ABLE account through the national program. These accounts help you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility[1].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Eligibility and benefit amounts depend on your personal situation. Contact the relevant agency to confirm your status.
Most applicants are denied at first. You can request reconsideration, then a hearing with an administrative law judge. In Wyoming, hearings are handled by judges from out-of-state offices, so the process may take longer[2][5].
Call Wyoming 211 for connections to local agencies, legal aid, and social services. You can also contact your local Social Security office or the Wyoming Department of Health[7].
Report changes to the Social Security Administration and Wyoming Medicaid right away to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits[1].
Wyoming offers Kid Care CHIP for children, which includes those with disabilities. Eligibility is based on family income and other factors[1].
