Deafness Benefits in Connecticut

To qualify for federal disability benefits for deafness in Connecticut, you must show your hearing loss prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death[1]. For SSDI, you need enough work credits from Social Security taxes, usually based on 5 years of work in the last 10[1][5]. For SSI, there are strict income and asset limits, and no work history is required. You must also earn less than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,620 per month in 2025 for non-blind disabilities[1]. The Social Security Administration uses specific medical criteria to evaluate hearing loss; your audiometric test results, work history, and daily functioning are all considered.

Connecticut’s State Supplement Program for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled provides extra cash assistance to those with limited income and assets—individuals must have less than $1,600 in assets ($2,400 for couples)[2]. You must already receive some income, such as SSI, SSDI, or Veterans benefits[2]. Connecticut also administers Medicaid for people with disabilities, and eligibility often relies on your enrollment in SSI or other programs. The state’s Personal Services Program and Family Support Grant Program can help those with severe disabilities—including deafness—access care at home and avoid institutionalization[4]. The Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver is a Medicaid program for adults aged 18–64 with brain injuries, not developmental disabilities[4].

1. Determine which benefits you need: Compare [SSI vs SSDI], and check if you might qualify for Connecticut’s State Supplement or Medicaid[1][2].
2. Gather medical records and work history: For SSI/SSDI, you’ll need proof of your hearing loss and how it affects your ability to work[1].
3. Contact your local DSS office: To apply for state benefits, visit a DSS office, apply online at connect.ct.gov, or call the Benefits Center at 1-855-626-6632[2][6].
4. Consider legal help: Disability attorneys can help with complex cases and denials.

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

• Medical records: Hearing tests, doctors’ notes, and evidence your deafness affects daily activities and work.
• Work and financial records: Tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements (for SSI/SSDI and state benefits).

Step 2: Apply for Federal Benefits

• SSI/SSDI: Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office.
• SSI vs SSDI: SSI is based on financial need; SSDI on work history[1].

Step 3: Apply for Connecticut State Benefits

• State Supplement, Medicaid, and Waivers: Visit a local DSS office, apply online at connect.ct.gov, or call 1-855-626-6632[2][6].
• For Medicaid waivers (like ABI): Contact your regional DSS office and complete a waiver request form[4].

Step 4: Follow Up

• Track your applications: Save confirmation numbers and dates.
• Respond quickly to requests: Answer questions from Social Security or DSS promptly.
• Appeal if denied: You have the right to appeal; legal aid or a disability lawyer can help[1].

Step 5: Explore Other Supports

• Consider an ABLE account: For eligible individuals, these accounts let you save money without losing benefits—learn more in our [ABLE Accounts] guide.
• Use [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives]: If you can work, incentives may help you keep benefits while earning income.

For people with deafness, the main federal programs are:

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For low-income individuals with significant disabilities, including deafness, who do not have enough work credits for SSDI. SSI has strict income and asset limits.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For those with a work history who have paid into Social Security. Deafness must prevent gainful employment for at least 12 months.
• Medicare: After receiving SSDI for 24 months, you qualify for Medicare.
• Medicaid: In Connecticut, SSI recipients are often automatically eligible for Medicaid. See our [Medicaid vs Medicare] guide for more on these programs and how they differ.

SSA evaluates deafness under specific criteria for hearing loss. Guidelines emphasize audiometric thresholds and functional limitations.

Connecticut offers several state-specific programs for people with disabilities, including deafness:

• State Supplement for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled: Monthly cash benefit for eligible residents with limited income and assets. Recipients are also eligible for Medicaid[2].
• Medicaid and Medicaid Waivers: The state administers Medicaid for low-income residents; some waivers, like the ABI Waiver, offer extra services for adults with acquired disabilities (ages 18–64), though not typically for congenital deafness[4].
• Personal Services Program: Provides grants for personal assistants to help individuals with severe disabilities live in the community instead of institutions[4].
• Family Support Grant Program: Offers subsidies to families of children with developmental disabilities to help with extra expenses—check with DSS to see if your situation qualifies[4].
• Legal Services for Indigent People: Grants for nonprofit legal aid organizations that help low-income residents with housing and domestic matters[4].

For most state programs, you must first apply for federal SSI/SSDI. Connecticut’s Department of Social Services (DSS) can help you navigate benefits, waivers, and waivers for home- and community-based services. Visit their website or call for details.

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without affecting eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other means-tested programs. Connecticut residents can open an ABLE account through the national ABLE program. See our [ABLE Accounts] guide for details.

For SSI and the State Supplement, strict income and asset rules apply. In 2025, the SSI substantial gainful activity limit is $1,620/month for non-blind disabilities, including deafness[1]. The Connecticut State Supplement has low asset ceilings: $1,600 for an individual, $2,400 for a couple[2]. Check our [SSI Income Estimator] tool for up-to-date thresholds.

If your income or situation changes, you must report it to SSA or DSS to avoid overpayments. Failing to report can result in penalties or loss of benefits. See our [Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes] guide for steps to protect your benefits.

• Connecticut DSS
  Phone: 1-855-626-6632

  TTY: 1-800-842-4524

  Website

  Main benefits and Medicaid information
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  SSI and SSDI applications

• Does Connecticut have special benefits for deafness?

  Connecticut offers the State Supplement for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled, which includes people with severe hearing loss, and various Medicaid programs. While there is no program exclusively for deafness, people with deafness can access general disability supports[2][4].

• How do I know if my deafness qualifies for SSI or SSDI?

  SSA uses strict criteria for hearing loss. You must provide audiometric test results showing significant hearing loss, and demonstrate it prevents you from working for at least 12 months. A doctor’s evaluation and records of how deafness affects daily life are essential[1].

• Can I work and still get Connecticut disability benefits?

  You can earn up to $1,620/month in 2025 for non-blind disabilities (including deafness) and still qualify for SSDI/SSI, but earning more may affect your eligibility[1]. Connecticut’s State Supplement also has income limits[2]. See our [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives] guide for more.

• What happens if my SSI or SSDI application is denied?

  If denied, you can appeal. Many people are approved after appeal with help from a lawyer familiar with disability law in Connecticut[1].

• Does Connecticut help with hearing aids or assistive devices?

  Connecticut Medicaid may cover hearing aids for eligible recipients. Coverage and requirements change, so contact DSS or review your Medicaid plan for details.

• How do I apply for the Connecticut State Supplement?

  Apply at a DSS office, online at connect.ct.gov, or by phone at 1-855-626-6632[2]. You must have another source of income, such as SSI, SSDI, or Veterans benefits.