Bipolar Disorder Benefits in Connecticut

To qualify for federal disability benefits with bipolar disorder, you must have a medically documented condition that stops you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or lead to death. For SSDI, you need a work history and enough Social Security tax payments. For SSI, you must have low income and few assets. In 2025, you cannot earn more than $1,620 per month from substantial work (or $2,700 if blind) to qualify for SSDI or SSI. Children and adults with disabilities that began before age 22 may also qualify for benefits based on a parent’s work record[1][5].

In Connecticut, you can get extra cash help through the State Supplement for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled if you are 18–64 with a disability that meets federal criteria. You must have another income source like Social Security, SSI, or Veterans benefits. Your net income must be below the state’s living standard, and assets cannot exceed $1,600 for an individual or $2,400 for a couple (home ownership may result in a lien). People who get the state supplement also get Medicaid. The state does not count the federal cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) as income when calculating eligibility for the state supplement[2][3].

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply online at www.connect.ct.gov or call 1-855-626-6632.
• Submit your application to the Department of Social Services (DSS) or Social Security Administration (SSA).
• Follow up on your application and respond to requests for more information.

• Step 1: Collect all medical records that show your bipolar disorder diagnosis and how it affects your daily life and ability to work.
• Step 2: Get proof of income, assets, and any other benefits you receive.
• Step 3: Apply for federal benefits (SSI or SSDI) at the SSA website or your local SSA office.
• Step 4: Apply for Connecticut’s State Supplement at a DSS office, online at www.connect.ct.gov, or by calling 1-855-626-6632.
• Step 5: Respond to any requests for more information or interviews from DSS or SSA.
• Step 6: If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision. Consider getting help from a disability attorney or legal aid organization.
• Step 7: If approved, you will receive monthly payments and may also qualify for Medicaid, SNAP, and energy assistance[2][4].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For people with a work history who can no longer work due to a medical condition.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For people with low income and few resources who have a disability, are 65+, or are blind.
• Disabled Adult Child (DAC): For adults whose disability began before age 22 and who have a parent who receives Social Security benefits[5].

• State Supplement for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled: Cash assistance for people 18–64 with a qualifying disability and low income. Must have another income source. Recipients also get Medicaid, and may qualify for SNAP and energy assistance.
• Medicaid: Automatic for those who get the state supplement. Covers health care costs.
• SNAP (food stamps) and energy assistance: Available to those who qualify for the state supplement and meet additional criteria[2][3].

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Connecticut residents with bipolar disorder may open an ABLE account if their disability started before age 26. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other qualified expenses[internal_link_able_accounts].

For SSI and SSDI in 2025, you cannot earn more than $1,620 per month from substantial work (or $2,700 if blind). For Connecticut’s State Supplement, net income must be below the state’s living standard, and assets cannot exceed $1,600 for an individual or $2,400 for a couple[1][2].

If your income or assets change, you must report it to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to benefit reductions or repayment. Always report changes to SSA and DSS as soon as possible[internal_link_overpayments_and_reporting].

• Connecticut Department of Social Services
  Phone: 1-855-626-6632

  Website

  Apply for state supplement and Medicaid
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  Apply for SSI and SSDI

• Can I get disability benefits for bipolar disorder in Connecticut?

  Yes, if your bipolar disorder prevents you from working for at least 12 months and meets federal and state criteria, you may qualify for SSI, SSDI, or Connecticut’s State Supplement.

• What income limits apply for disability benefits in Connecticut?

  For SSI and SSDI, you cannot earn more than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) in 2025. For the state supplement, net income must be below the state’s living standard.

• Do I need a work history to get disability benefits in Connecticut?

  For SSDI, yes. For SSI, no. The state supplement requires another income source, but not necessarily work history.

• Can I get Medicaid with bipolar disorder in Connecticut?

  Yes, if you qualify for SSI or the state supplement, you automatically get Medicaid in Connecticut.

• How do I apply for disability benefits in Connecticut?

  Apply online at www.connect.ct.gov, at a DSS office, or by calling 1-855-626-6632. You can also apply for federal benefits at the SSA website.

• What documents do I need to apply for disability benefits?

  You need medical records, proof of income, assets, and any other benefits you receive. The SSA and DSS may ask for more information.

• Can I work while getting disability benefits in Connecticut?