HIV/AIDS Benefits in Wyoming: Eligibility, How to Apply, and Programs

To qualify for federal disability benefits with HIV/AIDS, you must have a condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a medical listing for HIV infection (Listing 14.11) to determine eligibility. You must also meet financial requirements: for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your income and assets must be below certain limits; for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a qualifying work history and have paid Social Security taxes. Both programs require a formal disability determination by the SSA.

• SSI is for people with limited income and resources.
• SSDI is for those who have worked and paid into Social Security.
• Both programs require medical evidence of disability.
• Approval rates in Wyoming are higher than the national average for initial applications.

[Source: SSA.gov, Wyoming Disability Determination Services, Atticus.com] [Citations 1, 2, 5, 6]

Wyoming does not have a state disability program, but residents with HIV/AIDS can access federal disability benefits and Wyoming Medicaid. The Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) program allows people with disabilities who are working to get Medicaid by paying a monthly premium. To qualify for EID, you must be a Wyoming resident, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, employed, disabled (verified by SSA or Wyoming Department of Health), age 16–64, and have income at or below 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate. Earned income is exempt in eligibility determination, but the premium is based on total income.

• Wyoming Medicaid covers people with HIV/AIDS who meet income and disability criteria.
• The EID program is available for employed individuals with disabilities.
• No state disability program exists; federal programs are the main source of benefits.
• Wyoming uses SSA guidelines for disability determination.

[Source: Wyoming Department of Health, Atticus.com] [Citations 1, 2]

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online, by phone, or in person.
• Apply for Wyoming Medicaid if you meet income and disability criteria.
• For EID, apply through the Wyoming Department of Health.
• Submit all required documents and follow up on your application.
• If denied, you can appeal the decision.

• Step 1: Collect medical records that show your HIV/AIDS diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI/SSDI through the Social Security Administration. You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local SSA office.
• Step 3: Apply for Wyoming Medicaid if you meet income and disability criteria. You can apply online or through the Wyoming Department of Health.
• Step 4: If you are employed and disabled, apply for the EID program through the Wyoming Department of Health.
• Step 5: Submit all required documents, including medical records, proof of income, and proof of residency.
• Step 6: Follow up on your application and respond to any requests for additional information.
• Step 7: If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision. The appeals process includes reconsideration and a hearing.
• Step 8: If approved, you will receive benefits and may need to report changes in your income or medical status.

[Source: SSA.gov, Wyoming Department of Health, Atticus.com] [Citations 1, 2, 3, 5]

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people with disabilities who have a qualifying work history.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources.
• Medicaid: Provides health coverage to people with disabilities who meet income and disability criteria.
• Medicare: Available to people with disabilities after 24 months of SSDI eligibility.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.

[Source: SSA.gov, CMS.gov] [Citations 7, 8]

• Wyoming Medicaid: Covers people with HIV/AIDS who meet income and disability criteria. The EID program allows employed individuals with disabilities to get Medicaid by paying a premium.
• Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) Program: Allows employed people with disabilities to get Medicaid by paying a monthly premium. Eligibility is based on SSA disability guidelines and income at or below 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate.
• No State Disability Program: Wyoming does not have a state disability program; federal programs are the main source of benefits.
• Resources: 211 can connect you to local agencies for health, human services, and legal aid.

[Source: Wyoming Department of Health, Atticus.com] [Citations 1, 2, 8]

ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. In Wyoming, you can open an ABLE account to save for qualified disability expenses without affecting your eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. Contributions to an ABLE account do not count as income for SSI or Medicaid eligibility.

[Source: SSA.gov, CMS.gov] [Citations 7, 8]

• SSI: Income and resources must be below certain limits. For 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual.
• SSDI: No strict income limit, but you must not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. For 2025, the SGA limit is expected to be around $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals.
• Wyoming Medicaid EID: Income at or below 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate. Earned income is exempt in eligibility determination.

[Source: SSA.gov, Wyoming Department of Health] [Citations 1, 4, 7]

If your income or medical status changes, you must report it to the SSA and Wyoming Medicaid. Failure to report changes can result in overpayments and penalties. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person. If you receive an overpayment, you may be able to request a waiver or set up a repayment plan.

[Source: SSA.gov, Wyoming Department of Health] [Citations 1, 7]

• Wyoming Department of Health
  Phone: 307-777-7341

  Website

  For Medicaid and EID program questions
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSI/SSDI questions and applications

• Does HIV/AIDS qualify for disability benefits in Wyoming?

  Yes, HIV/AIDS can qualify for federal disability benefits in Wyoming if it prevents you from working for at least 12 months. You must meet SSA medical and financial criteria.

• How do I apply for disability benefits with HIV/AIDS in Wyoming?

  Apply for SSI/SSDI through the SSA online, by phone, or in person. Apply for Wyoming Medicaid if you meet income and disability criteria. Submit medical records and proof of income.

• What is the EID program in Wyoming?

  The EID program allows employed individuals with disabilities to get Medicaid by paying a monthly premium. You must meet SSA disability guidelines and income at or below 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate.

• What is the average disability payment in Wyoming?

  The average SSDI payment in Wyoming is $1,365.71 per month. The average SSI payment is $548.06 per month. Payments vary based on income and work history.

• How long does it take to get approved for disability in Wyoming?

  It takes an average of 6.1 months to get an initial disability decision in Wyoming. Most people are initially denied and must appeal, which can take up to two years.

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits in Wyoming?

  Yes, you can work while receiving disability benefits, but your earnings must not exceed the Substantial Gainful Activity limit. The EID program allows employed individuals with disabilities to get Medicaid.