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Connecticut • Neurological/Developmental
People with Down Syndrome in Connecticut may qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), Medicaid, and state cash assistance. Eligibility depends on medical criteria, income, assets, and work history. State programs include the State Supplement for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled, Medicaid waivers, and family support grants.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) in Connecticut, you must have a medically documented condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For SSDI, you need enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years). For SSI, you must meet strict income and asset limits. If you are not blind, your monthly earnings must be below the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit of $1,620 in 2025. For blind individuals, the SGA limit is $2,700 in 2025. Children with Down Syndrome may qualify for benefits as dependents or on their own record if they meet the definition of disability for adults.
In Connecticut, people with Down Syndrome may qualify for the State Supplement for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled if they are 18-64 with a disability that meets Social Security criteria, have a source of income (such as Social Security, SSI, or Veterans benefits), and have net income below the state standard of living. The asset limit is $1,600 for an individual or $2,400 for a couple. Recipients also get Medicaid. Connecticut also offers Medicaid waivers (such as the ABI Waiver) and family support grants for children with developmental disabilities. These programs help people with disabilities live in the community and reduce costs of care.
Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-05, CT.gov, 2025-11-05, 211CT.org, 2025-11-05
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI and Medicaid. In Connecticut, you can open an ABLE account to pay for qualified disability expenses. Contributions are not tax-deductible, but earnings grow tax-free. Withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free. The account does not count as an asset for SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
For SSI in 2025, the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. For the State Supplement in Connecticut, net income must be below the state standard of living, and assets cannot exceed $1,600 for an individual or $2,400 for a couple. Homeownership does not count as an asset, but a lien may be placed on the home.
Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-05, 211CT.org, 2025-11-05
If your income, assets, or medical status changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment or loss of benefits. Report changes to Social Security and DSS as soon as possible. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person.
Connecticut offers free legal help for people with disabilities through nonprofit organizations. Contact CTLawHelp.org for assistance with applications and appeals.
Yes, a child with Down Syndrome may qualify for SSI if they meet the Social Security definition of disability and their family meets income and asset limits. Benefits can continue into adulthood if the disability continues.
It is a cash assistance program for people with disabilities who have a source of income and meet income/asset limits. Recipients also get Medicaid and may qualify for SNAP and energy assistance.
Contact DSS regional offices to apply for Medicaid waivers such as the ABI Waiver. You will need to meet medical, financial, and technical requirements and return a completed application form.
Yes, you can work and still get disability benefits, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit ($1,620/month in 2025 for non-blind individuals). There are work incentives to help you keep benefits while working.
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money for qualified expenses without losing eligibility for SSI and Medicaid. Earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free.
You do not need a lawyer, but working with a disability attorney can help you navigate the process, avoid mistakes, and appeal denials.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
You must report changes to Social Security and DSS as soon as possible. Failure to report can result in overpayments, repayment, or loss of benefits.
Yes, adults with Down Syndrome who became disabled before age 22 may be eligible for benefits on a parent's Social Security record if the parent is retired, disabled, or deceased.
SSI is for people with low income and assets, while SSDI is for people with enough work credits. Both programs have medical criteria and income limits.
Yes, Connecticut offers the Family Support Grant Program to help families with children with developmental disabilities. There are also Medicaid waivers and legal services for low-income families.
