Filing for Disability in Idaho

Residents of Idaho who become disabled can apply for Social Security disability benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The application process is the same as elsewhere, but the approval rates are unique to Idaho, as are SSI state supplemental payments, vocational rehabilitation services, and the agencies that make the initial disability determinations. Below is a review of the aspects of the disability program that are specific for Idaho.

Idaho Disability Determination Office

Idaho's Disability Determinations Services (DDS), a state agency, is the office that makes the initial decisions regarding Idahoans' disability benefits applications. After you file your initial disability application with your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office, it is reviewed for technical requirements (including income and work history requirements). Once your application is approved by your local SSA office, it is sent to Idaho DDS so that a decision may be made as to whether or not you meet the medical requirements for disability benefits. In Idaho, there is one DDS office. Below is the contact information for that office.

Idaho DDS
1505 N. McKinney
Boise, ID 83704
Telephone: 208-327-7333

Social Security Hearing Offices for Idaho

The Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) is the office that handles all appeals, including hearings before an administrative law judge (ALJ). The hearing office that oversees the appeals process for those in Idaho is located in Washington. Below is the contact information.

Spokane OHO
714 N Iron Bridge Way, Ste 200
Spokane, Washington 99202
Telephone: (888) 253-3903

Vocational Rehabilitation Services

The Idaho Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (IDVR) can help with job evaluation, training, placement, and retention for those who want to and are able to return to work. Those who are receiving Social Security disability benefits and are looking for employment services are automatically eligible for services through IDVR. To apply, you should contact your local IDVR office to set up an appointment. Below is the contact information for the central IDVR office; IDVR also has offices in Boise, Caldwell, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Falls, Lewiston, Pocatello, and Twin Falls .

Central Office
650 W. State Street
Room 150
Boise, Idaho 83720
Telephone: (208) 334-3390

Social Security Disability Benefits Statistics

In Idaho, the chances of being approved for benefits and the average wait times for hearings are better than the national average. Below is an overview of the approval rates and wait times.

*Hearing approval rates and wait times are statistics from the Spokane hearing office, which serves the Coeur d'Alene and Lewiston field offices as well as areas outside of Idaho.

Idaho State Supplement for SSI

Idaho makes an extra payment to those who receive SSI to supplement the monthly benefit paid by the federal government. The Idaho State Department of Health and Welfare administers the state supplement, under the Aid for Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD) program.

Idaho pays an extra $53 to individuals who are living independently or in someone else's household (though the amount can be adjusted if you have additional income). The amount of the supplement for a person living in a group or residential care facility is based on the living arrangement type and the cost, but the bulk of the payment must go to the facility.

In 2019, the federal government provided the following monthly benefits to SSI disability recipients with no other income:

Disability Lawyers in Idaho

If Idaho DDS denies you disability benefits after the initial application and reconsideration, you should appeal to Social Security and request a hearing in front of an administrative law judge. If you don't live near the Spokane hearing office, you can request a video conference hearing. You may want to consult a disability lawyer before initiating your appeal; your chances of winning an appeal increase if you are represented by a disability lawyer. To find a local lawyer, visit our Idaho disability lawyers page.

_{Updated July 16, 2019}