If you or your child has Cerebral Palsy in Connecticut, several federal and state programs can help pay for living costs, health care, and support services. This guide covers Social Security (SSI/SSDI), Connecticut Medicaid, waiver programs, and other critical resources—with clear steps to check your eligibility and apply.
To get federal disability benefits for Cerebral Palsy through Social Security (SSI or SSDI), you must have a medical condition that severely limits your ability to work or, for children, to function as other children do—and the condition must be expected to last at least 12 months or be terminal[5].
Connecticut supplements federal programs with extra cash help, health coverage, and community support. HUSKY Health (Medicaid) covers eligible children and adults with disabilities, including Cerebral Palsy. The Medicaid for Employed People with Disabilities (MED) program lets you work and keep benefits, even if your income would normally disqualify you[4].
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers help adults and children stay independent and at home. Connecticut’s Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver is for people 18–64 with an acquired brain injury, not developmental conditions, so it does not apply for most Cerebral Palsy cases—but check for other waivers[3].
State Supplement Program (AABD) gives cash to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled if federal benefits are too low. You must meet state income and asset rules. In 2025, Connecticut is increasing the income disregard so more federal dollars do not affect your eligibility[2].
Family Support Grant Program helps children with disabilities, including Cerebral Palsy, remain at home with their families—if you have extra costs, you may get help[3].
Personal Services Program provides grants for personal care aides, helping people with severe disabilities live at home and avoid institutions[3].
If you or your child has Cerebral Palsy and you need benefits in Connecticut, start here:
Step 1: Gather documentation
Step 2: Apply for federal benefits
Step 3: Apply for Connecticut Medicaid (HUSKY Health)
Step 4: Seek state assistance and waivers
Step 5: Check for legal and community resources
ABLE Accounts let people with disabilities who became disabled before age 26 save money without losing SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. Connecticut participates in the national ABLE program, which allows individuals to build a tax-advantaged savings account for disability-related expenses.
Connecticut law requires you to report changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security and DSS. Not doing so can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. If you receive a notice of overpayment, contact SSA or DSS immediately to understand your appeal rights.
Need help now? Call the DSS Client Information Line at 1-855-6-CONNECT (1-855-626-6632) for direct assistance with Connecticut disability benefits and Medicaid applications[3].
You can work and still get benefits. Connecticut’s Medicaid for Employed People with Disabilities (MED) and federal work incentives let you earn income without losing critical health coverage or cash assistance—if you follow the rules[1][4].
Free legal help is available for benefits appeals, housing, and disability rights. Contact CTLawHelp.org or a local legal aid office if you’re denied benefits or need help applying[6].
If your household income and assets are above SSI limits, your child may not qualify, even with a severe disability. However, Connecticut’s Family Support Grant and HUSKY Health may still help. Each program has different rules, so check with DSS for your family’s options[3][6].
Yes: SSI and SSDI have work incentives and higher income limits for people with disabilities. If you’re on Connecticut Medicaid, the MED program lets you earn more and keep coverage. Always report your income to avoid overpayments[1][4].
Connecticut’s main waiver is for acquired brain injury, not developmental disabilities like Cerebral Palsy. However, HUSKY Health and the Family Support Grant can provide care at home. Contact DSS about any new or updated waiver programs[3].
Yes, you can have both Medicare and Medicaid (“dual eligible”). This is common for people with disabilities who require extra services. Contact Access Health CT to see if you qualify for Medicaid in addition to Medicare[4].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities, including Cerebral Palsy if onset was before age 26, save up to $100,000 without losing SSI or Medicaid. Connecticut residents can open a national ABLE account online.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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At 18, eligibility changes. A child receiving SSI as a minor may qualify for adult SSI if the family income and assets are still low. If the disability started before age 22, the adult may get SSDI or DAC benefits on a parent’s Social Security record[5].
Yes, the Connecticut State Supplement Program gives extra cash to aged, blind, and disabled residents with low federal benefits. Eligibility is based on need—contact DSS for details[3].
Statewide Legal Services and CTLawHelp.org offer free legal assistance with SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and appeals for people with disabilities[6].
Yes: Connecticut’s Personal Services Program provides grants for personal care aides to help people with severe disabilities live at home. The Family Support Grant helps families with extra costs. Contact DSS for details[3].
Starting January 2025, Connecticut will not count the federal cost-of-living increase as income for the State Supplement Program (AABD). This means more income is “disregarded” when you apply or renew, so you may see a larger cash benefit[2].
