Español

Social Security disability

Disability benefits in North Dakota

Social Security rules are the same in every state. This page covers what is different in North Dakota: who decides your claim, state money added to SSI, Medicaid, hearings and free help.

You have 60 days to appeal each decision, plus 5 days for mail.

How to appeal a denialAppeal deadline calculator

Who decides your claim in North Dakota?

North Dakota Disability Determination Services (DDS)

This state office decides the medical part of your Social Security disability claim (SSDI and SSI). Social Security checks the other rules, like work credits and income. DDS staff ask your doctors for your medical records. A two-person team, a medical or psychological consultant and a claims analyst, makes the decision. Do not send your application to DDS. You must apply through Social Security.

Part of
North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Phone
855-953-9654 (TTY 711)
Mail
Disability Determination Services, 1237 W. Divide, Suite 4, Bismarck, ND 58501

If your medical records are not available or are not enough to make a decision, DDS will set up a consultative medical exam to get more information.

Find a Social Security office

Does North Dakota add money to SSI?

North Dakota does not add a monthly cash supplement to SSI. The state does help pay for care in licensed basic care facilities for some people who are aged, blind or disabled and get Medicaid.

Medicaid in North Dakota

North Dakota uses some Medicaid rules that are stricter than SSI rules. Getting SSI does not sign you up for Medicaid by itself. You must apply for Medicaid with the state. If your income is too high, you may still be able to get Medicaid by subtracting your medical bills (a 'spend down').

Program
North Dakota Medicaid
Medicaid agency
North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services - Medical Services
https://www.hhs.nd.gov/healthcare/medicaid
701-328-7068 (toll-free 800-755-2604, TTY 711)

Medicaid for working people with disabilities: Workers with Disabilities coverage

This Medicaid buy-in is for people ages 16 to 64 who work and meet SSI's disability rule except for earnings. Household net income must be under 225% of the federal poverty level. You may have up to $10,000 more in assets than usual. You pay a monthly premium on a sliding scale of 2.5% to 7.5% of your gross countable income, plus a one-time $100 enrollment fee. Missing premiums for three months may end your coverage.

https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t50c24-1.pdf

State disability and paid leave in North Dakota

North Dakota has no state-run short-term disability or paid medical leave program listed here.

Hearing offices and federal court in North Dakota

1 hearing office serves North Dakota. Hearing office locator (Social Security)

Fargo, ND Hearing Office

Hearing office

Address
Suite 150, 655 First Avenue North, Fargo, ND 58102-4971
Fax
(833) 702-0723

Federal district court

If you appeal to federal court, you file in the district court that covers your county.

U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota

Counties covered (1)
  • All counties in North Dakota (the whole state is one district)

Free help in North Dakota

Protection & Advocacy agency (P&A)

North Dakota Protection & Advocacy Project

Phone
701-328-2950 (toll-free 800-472-2670)

Legal aid

Benefits counseling and work (WIPA)

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)

North Dakota Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Department of Health and Human Services

Phone
701-328-8950 (toll-free 800-755-2745, TTY 711)

More free help across the country →

Good to know in North Dakota

  • North Dakota is a 209(b) state. SSI does not bring Medicaid with it automatically. You must apply for Medicaid with the state. (POMS SI 01715.010)
  • North Dakota's disability office (DDS) has a new phone number: 855-953-9654. (ND HHS)
  • ND HHS says some people's Medicaid eligibility will change starting in 2026. (ND HHS)

Recent changes

ND HHS: new DDS phone number 855-953-9654 (date not stated). ND Medicaid eligibility changes starting in 2026 (ND HHS 'Stay Enrolled' notice).

More RobinClaim guides for North Dakota → · All states

Sources

Last checked: November 2026