The Montana Disability Determination Services (DDS) determines medical eligibility for Social Security Disability, making decisions using federal criteria. DDS is a part of the Disability Employment and Transitions Division in the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.

Social Security Disability Benefits Resources: Montana

The state of Montana has 9 Social Security field offices, 1 Office of Disability Determination Services and 1 Office of Disability Adjudication and Review. Any of these offices will gladly answer any questions regarding your Montana disability claim.

Billings Office
2900 4th Ave N, Suite 304
Billings, MT 59101
Phone: 1-866-895-1795

Bozeman Office
3205 N 27th Ave
Bozeman, MT 59718
Phone: 1-877-405-5473

Butte Office
2201 Harrison Ave, Suite A
Butte, MT 59701
Phone: 1-888-632-7068

Glasgow Office
630 2nd Ave S
Glasgow, MT 59230
Phone: 1-406-228-8272

Great Falls Office
2008 23rd St. S
Great Falls, MT 59405
Phone: 1-877-583-4114

Havre Office
123 5th Ave, Suite A
Havre, MT 59501
Phone: 1-406-265-9511

Helena Office
10 W 15th Street, Suite 1600
Helena, MT 59626
Phone: 1-866-563-9496

Kalispell Office
275 Corporate Dr, Suite D
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone:1-888-487-0150

Missoula Office
3701 American Way
Missoula, MT 59808
Phone: 1-866-931-9029

Do I qualify for disability? Free Disability Evaluation

Creating an account: MySSA account is free and safe. It offers tools to help everyone, whether you get Social Security benefits or not. You can replace your Social Security card, check applications, estimate future benefits, or manage the ones you receive. Many notices are now online, so you can get updates faster instead of waiting for mail. You can also get alerts by email or text when there’s a new notice ready. This way, nothing gets lost or delayed.

Office of Disability Determination Services

The Office of Disability Determination Services is responsible for making decisions on the Montana disability claims made by individuals. Decisions are based on:

  • Medical Records
  • Medical and Psychological Evidence
  • Continuing Disability review
  • The applicant’s own Statement

Montana Office of Disability Determination Services

Disability Determination Bureau
P.O. Box 4189 
Helena, Montana 59604-4189
Telephone: 406-444-3054 
Fax: 800-545-3054 

Social Security Disability programs

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Social Security Disability Insurance gives money and health benefits to people who are disabled. To qualify, they must also have paid Social Security taxes from their work earnings.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) helps adults and kids who are blind or disabled by giving them money and medical benefits. To qualify, they must also meet rules about income and resources.

Social Security definition of disability

Social Security has a strict definition of disability. It only covers full disability, not partial or short-term disability. To qualify, you must be unable to do your old job, unable to adjust to a new job because of your health, and your disability must last at least one year or be expected to cause death. Social Security assumes families have other ways to get help for short-term disabilities, like savings, insurance, or workers’ compensation.

For more information, visit the  Social Security website.

Visit the SSA website at  www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices to apply online.

Do I qualify for disability? Free Disability Evalutation

How DDS determines disability

When you apply for disability, a trained examiner and medical consultant review your case. They ask your doctors for details about your condition, like how it limits your work and daily life, when it started, and the treatments you’ve received. Doctors don’t decide if you’re disabled—that decision is made by the review team.

If more evidence is needed, they may arrange and pay for special exams. The team uses a five-step process to decide:

  1. Are you working and earning over $1,600 a month? If yes, you’re not considered disabled.
  2. Is your condition severe and does it limit basic work activities? If not, your claim is denied.
  3. Is your condition on a list of severe impairments? If yes, you’re approved. If not, they check if it’s just as severe as one on the list.
  4. Can you still do the work you’ve done in the past 15 years? If yes, you’re denied.
  5. Can you do other kinds of work? If no, you’re approved. If yes, you’re denied.

The process takes different amounts of time, depending on how fast your medical records are sent. Once a decision is made, you’ll get a letter with the result.

Disagree with a recent decision?

Please follow this link for more details if you do not agree with a disability decision that was made. Appeal a decision here.

Request reconsideration

Start by asking us to reconsider a decision we made.

Hearing with a judge

Request a hearing with an administrative law judge if you don't agree with our response to your request for reconsideration.

Review of hearing decision

Request a review with the Appeals Council if you don't agree with the decision made by the judge in your hearing.

File federal district court action

File a federal district court action with the U.S. District Court if you don't agree with the response from the Appeals Council.

Visit the SSA website at  www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices to apply online.

Do I qualify for disability? Free Disability Evalutation

DETD Services