What disability programs exist in Minnesota

Minnesota has two main paths to disability support. The first is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is federal and available to anyone in the United States who meets Social Security's medical and work history requirements. The second is Minnesota Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a state program that adds money to federal SSI payments for people who receive them.

There is also Minnesota Disability information Services (DDS), which is the state agency that decides whether you meet Social Security's medical requirements for disability. When you file for SSDI or SSI, Social Security sends your case to Minnesota DDS to make the medical decision.

A third option is Minnesota Vocational Rehabilitation Services, which helps people with disabilities prepare for work or return to work through training, job coaching, and other support — but this is not a cash benefit program.

Key Takeaways

  • SSDI is a federal program you can file for through Social Security, and Minnesota DDS will review your medical records to decide if you meet the disability standard.
  • Minnesota SSI is a state program that adds extra money to your federal SSI check if you are already receiving SSI and live in Minnesota.
  • You file for SSDI and SSI through Social Security directly, either online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office.
  • The medical decision usually takes three to six months, though it can take longer if Social Security needs more information from your doctors.
  • If Social Security denies you, you can request reconsideration, and if they deny you again, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge.

How to file for SSDI in Minnesota

You file for SSDI through Social Security, not through the state of Minnesota. You can start the process online at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or by visiting your local Social Security office in person. Social Security will ask you questions about your medical condition, your work history, and when your disability began.

When you file, have ready: your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, medical records from your doctors, and a list of all jobs you have worked in the past 15 years. If you do not have all of these, you can still file — Social Security can request medical records directly from your doctors and hospitals.

After you file, Social Security will send your case to Minnesota DDS. DDS will review your medical records and decide whether your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working. This decision usually takes 30 to 90 days, though it can take longer if DDS needs more information.

How to file for Minnesota SSI

Minnesota SSI is only available if you are already receiving federal SSI from Social Security. You do not file for it separately — Social Security automatically enrolls you in Minnesota SSI when you start receiving federal SSI and you live in Minnesota.

The extra payment amount changes each year. To find out the current amount, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit ssa.gov. Minnesota SSI is not available to everyone on federal SSI — there are income and resource limits, and your situation must meet specific state rules.

What happens after you file

After you file for SSDI, Social Security will send you a notice telling you that your case has been received. You will then receive a letter from Minnesota DDS asking you to sign a form allowing them to get your medical records. Sign this form and return it quickly — DDS cannot make a decision without it.

DDS will contact your doctors and hospitals to get your medical records. This can take several weeks. Once DDS has your records, a disability examiner will review them and decide whether you meet Social Security's definition of disability. You will receive a written decision in the mail.

If DDS approves you, Social Security will send you a letter telling you when your benefits will start and how much you will receive each month. If DDS denies you, you have the right to request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter.

What to do if Social Security denies you

If you are denied, you have three chances to appeal. The first is reconsideration, which means a different examiner at Minnesota DDS will review your case and the same medical records. You must request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is a real hearing where you can present new medical evidence and testify about your condition. The judge will make a new decision based on everything presented at the hearing. You must request a hearing within 60 days of the reconsideration denial.

If the judge denies you, you can appeal to the Appeals Council, and after that, you can file a lawsuit in federal court. At the hearing stage, many people choose to work with a disability representative or lawyer who knows the Social Security rules. Some representatives work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win.

Minnesota Vocational Rehabilitation Services

If you have a disability and want to work or return to work, Minnesota Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) can help you prepare. VRS offers job training, education support, assistive technology, job coaching, and help finding employment. You do not have to be on SSDI or SSI to use VRS.

To contact VRS, visit mn.gov/deed/vrs or call your local VRS office. There are offices throughout Minnesota. VRS will assess your skills and interests, help you set a work goal, and create a plan to reach it. Services are free to people with disabilities who are determined to be may be able to access.

How long benefits take and what to expect

The entire SSDI process from filing to approval usually takes four to six months, though some cases take longer. The medical decision itself (made by Minnesota DDS) typically takes 30 to 90 days. If you are denied and request reconsideration, that usually takes another 30 to 90 days. A hearing before a judge can take anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on how busy the judge's office is.

While you wait for a decision, you do not receive any payments. If you are approved, your benefits usually start the month after Social Security approves you, though the exact start date depends on when your disability began. If your disability began more than 12 months before you filed, you may receive back pay for some of those months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while waiting for a disability decision?

Yes. You can work and earn money while your case is being decided. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may decide you are not disabled because you are able to work. Keep records of your earnings and any work-related problems caused by your condition.

What if my condition gets worse while I am waiting for a decision?

Tell Social Security or Minnesota DDS when ready. Send them new medical records from your doctors showing the worsening. This new information can help your case, and it may speed up the decision process.

Do I need a lawyer to file for disability in Minnesota?

No, you can file on your own. However, a disability representative or lawyer can help you gather medical evidence, prepare for a hearing, and present your case. Many work on contingency and only charge you if you win.

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security taxes you have paid. SSI is based on financial need and is available to people with low income and resources, regardless of work history. You may be able to receive both at the same time.

How much will I receive each month if I am approved?

SSDI payments depend on your work history and earnings record. SSI payments vary by state and change each year. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to get an estimate based on your specific situation.