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Connecticut • Chronic Illness
People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Connecticut may be eligible for federal and state disability benefits, health coverage, and support services. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and available programs—helping you navigate SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and state-specific assistance.
To qualify for SSDI, you must have a medically documented condition (like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You must also have a sufficient work history and have paid enough into Social Security, typically by working five of the last ten years. For those under 24, fewer credits may be needed[1][5].
SSI is a needs-based program for people with disabilities, those 65+, or those who are blind. You must meet strict income and asset limits. Your countable income must be below federally set thresholds, and you must have very limited resources. The substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit for 2025 is $1,620/month for non-blind applicants; if you earn more, you generally do not qualify[1][6].
Connecticut follows federal guidelines for SSI and SSDI, but also administers its own programs. The State Supplement Program provides extra cash assistance to low-income residents who are aged, blind, or disabled, including those with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, to help them meet a basic standard of living[3]. Medicaid in Connecticut (HUSKY Health) covers eligible individuals with disabilities, including children and adults with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver does not cover Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, but other Medicaid waivers and programs may apply[3][4].
Connecticut’s Department of Social Services (DSS) treats federal COLA increases (cost-of-living adjustments) differently for some state supplemental programs—starting in 2025, the COLA will not count as income when calculating eligibility for the Aid to Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD) program, helping some recipients maintain benefits despite small income increases[2].
For detailed guidance, contact DSS directly or visit their website for the latest rules and how they apply to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
If you think Chronic Fatigue Syndrome prevents you from working, start by gathering your medical records and work history. Decide if you are applying for SSI (needs-based) or SSDI (work-based). You can apply online at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. For Connecticut state programs and Medicaid, call the DSS Client Information Line at 1-855-6-CONNECT (1-855-626-6632) or visit the DSS website for forms and application steps[3][4].
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for people who have worked and paid into Social Security. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can qualify if it severely limits your ability to work. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for those with limited income and resources. Both programs are administered by the Social Security Administration and have strict medical and financial criteria[1][5][6].
Medicaid is a federal-state health program that covers low-income people, including many with disabilities. In some cases, people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may qualify for Medicaid even if they do not get SSI, especially through state Medicaid expansion or special eligibility pathways.
Medicare is available after 24 months of SSDI benefits for those under 65, or immediately for those 65+. For more on how these programs compare, see our guide on Medicaid vs Medicare.
Connecticut’s State Supplement Program provides extra cash assistance to low-income residents who are aged, blind, or disabled—this can include people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome who qualify for SSI but still need more help to meet basic expenses[3].
HUSKY Health (Medicaid) covers individuals with disabilities, including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, if they meet income and resource limits. Special Medicaid pathways may be available for working individuals with disabilities[4].
Personal Services Program helps people with severe disabilities stay out of institutions by funding personal assistants. Family Support Grant Program helps families with children who have developmental disabilities, which may overlap with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in some cases[3].
Legal Services for Indigent People provides free legal help for housing and family issues. Neighborhood Assistance programs offer tax credits for services that support people with disabilities.
For those over 60, additional aging and disability services, including nutrition and transportation, are available. For children, HUSKY Plus offers extra coverage for those with chronic conditions[4].
State-specific information is limited for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; start with the DSS Disability Services page and HUSKY Health for detailed, up-to-date program options[3][4].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities—including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome—to save money without affecting eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses. In Connecticut, you can open an ABLE account through a national provider; learn more in our ABLE Accounts guide.
For SSDI, there is no asset test, but you must have worked enough and have a severe medical condition. For SSI, you must have very limited income and resources: the 2025 SGA limit is $1,620/month for non-blind applicants[1]. Connecticut’s State Supplement Program has its own income and asset limits, which may be higher than SSI. Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size[3][4].
Special rules apply to income from work for people with disabilities—see our SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide for details.
If you receive benefits you are not eligible for, you may have to pay them back. Always report changes in income, living situation, or medical condition to Social Security and DSS right away. Keeping good records and reporting on time can help you avoid overpayments—see our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for more.
If you are unable to complete forms or attend appointments due to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, you can request reasonable accommodations from the Connecticut Department of Social Services. Call 1-855-6-CONNECT (1-855-626-6632) for assistance[3].
Even if you do not qualify for SSI, Connecticut’s State Supplement Program may offer extra cash help if you are aged, blind, or disabled and have very low income. This is unique to Connecticut—ask DSS for details[3].
Yes, if it severely limits your ability to work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, you may qualify for SSI, SSDI, or Connecticut’s State Supplement Program, depending on your income, work history, and resources[1][3][6].
Start by gathering your medical records. Apply online at ssa.gov (for SSI/SSDI) or contact the Connecticut DSS for state programs. Call 1-855-6-CONNECT (1-855-626-6632) for help or to request accommodations[3][4]. If denied, you can appeal.
In 2025, you generally cannot earn more than $1,620/month from work (the SGA limit) if you are not blind. You must also meet strict asset limits. Connecticut’s State Supplement Program may have different limits[1][3].
Yes, but your earnings must stay below the SGA limit for SSI/SSDI. Connecticut’s Medicaid for Employed People with Disabilities (MED) may allow higher income if you have significant medical expenses. See our SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide for details[4].
Yes, the State Supplement Program offers extra cash assistance to low-income residents who are aged, blind, or disabled, even if they do not get SSI. Medicaid coverage may also be available through HUSKY Health[3][4].
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only and is not legal advice. Program rules and eligibility can change. Always check with official agencies for the latest details before applying.
Many applications are denied at first. You can appeal the decision. Consider getting help from a Connecticut disability lawyer or legal aid organization. Always respond quickly to requests for more information[3].
Medicaid (HUSKY Health) covers eligible individuals with disabilities, including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Income and asset limits apply, but special pathways like Medicaid for Employed People with Disabilities may help if you work[4].
The state’s Acquired Brain Injury Waiver does not cover Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, but other Medicaid waivers and community-based programs may offer limited support. Contact DSS for details[3].
Yes, ABLE accounts let you save for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility built specifically for people with disabilities—see our ABLE Accounts guide.
Notify Social Security and DSS of any changes in income, living situation, or medical condition. Keeping records and reporting promptly helps you avoid owing money back—see our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide.
