When you are disabled paying for living expenses can be tough. But you may qualify for disability benefits in North Dakota if you worked before you became disabled. Or, if you’ve been disabled since you were a child you may also qualify for Social Security disability benefits in North Dakota.
If you are disabled and your application for Social Security disability benefits in North Dakota is approved you can use the money that you receive from the Social Security Administration to help make ends meet. The money from the Social Security Administration can be used to pay your rent or mortgage, utilities, and bills, or to buy food.
Understanding The Definition Of Disability In North Dakota
Whether or not your application for disability benefits is approved will depend largely on whether or not you meet the definition of disability in North Dakota. In North Dakota, you will be considered disabled if you have a medical condition that you expect to last at least a year which makes it impossible for you to engage in substantial gainful activity.
Substantial gainful activity just means paid work. If your medical condition makes it impossible for you to get a job then you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits in North Dakota.
If the state of North Dakota finds that you are disabled you may also qualify for other benefits like housing assistance, WIC or SNAP, help with utility bills, or reduced-cost medical care.
What Disabling Conditions Qualify In North Dakota?
When you apply for Social Security disability benefits you will have to submit medical records and other documents showing that you have a medical condition that the Social Security Administration recognizes as a disability.
The SSA keeps an updated list of all the conditions that qualify for disability benefits in the Blue Book. Each listing in the Blue Book also has a set of requirements that you must meet if you have that condition. There are more than 200 mental and physical health conditions in the Blue Book.
To find out if the medical condition you have is recognized by the Social Security Administration You can search the Blue Book on the SSA’s website, or you can visit your local SSA office to read through the Blue Book there.
When you submit your application packet for disability benefits you will need to include as much medical proof as you can that your condition meets all of the requirements listed in the Blue Book.
You also need to show in your application that you have earned work credits to be approved for disability benefits in North Dakota. You can earn up to 4 credits per year. The number of work credits you will need to qualify for disability benefits in North Dakota depends on your age and how many years you worked.
Types of Disability Benefits Available in North Dakota
There are two different types of disability benefits available in North Dakota: SSDI or SSI. The type of benefit that you qualify for depends on whether or not you have been able to work in the past.
North Dakota Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
If you have worked in the past you should apply for SSDI. Social Security disability insurance is a program for workers who can’t work anymore. When you worked you paid into the Social Security disability benefits system through deductions to your paycheck.
In order to qualify for SSDI in North Dakota you must show that you have a condition listed in the Blue Book, and that you won’t be able to work for at least 12 months. You will also need to show that you have earned the required amount of work credits for your age. The average monthly SSDI payment in North Dakota in 2024 is $1388.96
North Dakota Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
North Dakota Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is a disability benefit paid to people who have never been able to work because of a disability. If you have been disabled since you were a child so you have never worked and won’t be able to work in the future you can apply for SSI.
If you’re a parent who has a disabled or terminally sick child, you may apply for SSI for your child. Parents who are low-income or can’t work because they must take care of their sick child can apply for SSI for the child’s expenses. If your application is approved you will need to submit documentation of how the money is spent each month to prove it’s being spent on the child’s expenses.
You will have to show that your total household income is below the income cap set by the SSA. There is a cap because SSI is only supposed to go to parents who really need it for their child. To prove your income is below the cap you will need to submit W-2s, tax returns, or other financial documents that show your total income.
State of North Dakota Disability Programs
North Dakota doesn’t offer state-sponsored short-term or long-term disability benefits. However, private employers in North Dakota offer short-term disability coverage to their employees.
To get short-term disability coverage from your employer you must have signed up for this coverage before you became disabled. Usually, there is a 30-day waiting period for coverage. And, if you become disabled, you can apply for benefits starting the 8th day after you become disabled.
If your previous employer offers long-term disability coverage and you opted into that, you can receive both long-term disability benefits and SSDI. You don’t have to choose between long-term disability and disability benefits.
The total combined amount of long-term disability benefits and Social Security disability benefits can’t be more than you were previously getting paid. If you have both long-term disability benefits and SSDI your SSDI will be reduced in whatever amount is necessary to bring your total benefit under your previous salary.
Find A Disability Lawyer In North Dakota
If you’re confused about the process of applying for Social Security disability benefits in North Dakota, you’re not alone. Often people find the process of applying for disability benefits intimidating. However, working with a disability lawyer in North Dakota can make the process of applying easier. A disability attorney in North Dakota can help you:
- Evaluate Your Case
- Gather Medical Evidence
- Prepare and File Your Application
- Navigate Complex Regulations.
- Represent You at Hearings
- Communicate with SSA for you
- Challenge Denial
- Ensure Accurate Documentation
- Advise on Work History and Eligibility
You will never have to spend money upfront to talk with a North Dakota disability lawyer. Fill out a Free Case Evaluation now to get connected with a North Dakota disability attorney who can answer your questions and give you advice.
How Much Disability Can You Receive in North Dakota?
If the application for Social Security disability benefits in North Dakota is approved you could receive the maximum disability benefit payment of $3,822 a month from the Social Security Administration. If you are approved for SSI the maximum SSI benefit is $943 for one person, and $1,415 a month if you are married to someone that also receives SSI.
To find out what your Social Security benefit payment could be use our disability benefit calculator. Then, reach out to a North Dakota Social Security lawyer who can help you start your application.