Traumatic Brain Injury Benefits in Wyoming

To get federal disability benefits for traumatic brain injury in Wyoming, you must meet Social Security’s rules. This means your injury must stop you from working for at least a year. You need to have worked enough to earn Social Security credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years) for SSDI. For SSI, your income and assets must be low. Both programs require a medical review to prove your disability. The Social Security Administration (SSA) decides if you qualify based on your medical records and work history [7].

Wyoming does not have its own state disability program, so residents rely on federal SSDI and SSI for income support. However, Wyoming Medicaid can help cover medical costs for people with traumatic brain injury if they meet income and disability rules. The Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) program lets people with disabilities who work get Medicaid by paying a monthly premium. To qualify, you must be a Wyoming resident, 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 not counted for Medicaid eligibility in this program [1].

• Gather your medical records and work history.
• Apply for SSDI/SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at a Social Security office.
• For Medicaid, apply online or through your local Department of Family Services office.
• If denied, you can appeal within 60 days.

• Step 1: Get your medical records and proof of income and work history.
• Step 2: Apply for SSDI/SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office. You can also start online and finish by phone or in person [3].
• Step 3: Wait for a decision. Most people are denied at first and must appeal. You can request a reconsideration and add more evidence [3].
• Step 4: If denied again, request a hearing with an administrative law judge within 60 days. Hearings for Wyoming are held by judges from Montana or Utah [6].
• Step 5: For Medicaid, apply online at the Wyoming Department of Health website or through your local Department of Family Services office. If you work and have a disability, ask about the EID program [1].
• Step 6: Keep all records and respond to all requests for information.

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Pays benefits if you worked and paid Social Security taxes. You must be unable to work for at least a year due to your injury [7].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Pays benefits based on financial need. You must have low income and assets, and meet the disability rules [5].
• Medicare: Most people on SSDI get Medicare after 24 months of benefits [7].

• Wyoming Medicaid: Covers medical costs for people with low income and a disability. The Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) program lets people with disabilities who work get Medicaid by paying a monthly premium. You must be a Wyoming resident, 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 not counted for Medicaid eligibility in this program [1].
• No State Disability Program: Wyoming does not have its own state disability program, so residents must use federal SSDI and SSI for income support [2].

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing benefits. You can use the funds for things like medical care, housing, and education. Wyoming residents can open an ABLE account through the national program. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to open one [internal_links].

For SSI, your income and assets must be low. For SSDI, you need enough work credits. For Wyoming Medicaid EID, your income must be at or below 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate. Earned income is not counted for Medicaid eligibility in the EID program [1].

If your income or work status changes, you must report it to Social Security and Medicaid. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Learn how to avoid overpayments and report changes [internal_links].

• Wyoming Department of Workforce Services - Disability Determination Services
  Phone: (307) 777-7341

  Website

  For questions about Social Security disability determination in Wyoming.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

  Website

  Apply for SSDI/SSI or get help with your claim.

• What is the difference between SSDI and SSI for traumatic brain injury in Wyoming?

  SSDI is for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with low income and assets. Both require a medical review to prove your disability. Wyoming does not have its own state disability program, so residents use these federal programs [7].

• Can I get Medicaid in Wyoming if I have a traumatic brain injury?

  Yes, if you meet income and disability rules. The Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) program lets people with disabilities who work get Medicaid by paying a monthly premium. You must be a Wyoming resident, U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, employed, disabled, age 16–64, and have income at or below 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate [1].

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

  It takes an average of 6.1 months to get an initial decision. Most people are denied at first and must appeal. If you appeal and go to a hearing, the process takes around two years on average. Hearings for Wyoming are held by judges from Montana or Utah [6].

• What medical records do I need for a disability claim in Wyoming?

  You need records from doctors, hospitals, and therapists that show your diagnosis, treatment, and how your injury affects your ability to work. The Social Security Administration will review these to decide if you qualify [7].

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

  Yes, but there are limits. For SSDI, you cannot earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,470 per month in 2024 and will likely increase in 2025. For Medicaid EID, earned income is not counted for eligibility [1][4].