Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Benefits in Connecticut

To qualify for federal disability benefits with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, 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. You must also meet income and asset limits.

• For SSDI, you need a work history and have paid enough Social Security taxes. Generally, this means working five of the last 10 years, unless you are 24 or younger.
• For SSI, you must have limited income and assets. SSI is for people with disabilities, those 65 or older, and those who are blind.
• In 2025, the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for most disabilities, or $2,700 if you are blind. Earning above this limit usually disqualifies you from SSDI and SSI.
• Children with disabilities may qualify for benefits if they meet the criteria.

Learn more about federal eligibility and SSI vs SSDI.

Connecticut residents with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome may qualify for state supplemental cash assistance and Medicaid programs. The state does not count the 2025 Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) as income for its Aid to Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD) program. This means your benefits will not be reduced due to the COLA increase.

• The AABD program provides cash assistance to supplement income for people who are aged, blind, or disabled.
• Connecticut also offers Medicaid waivers, such as the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver, which can provide home and community-based services for adults with disabilities.
• To qualify for state programs, you must meet federal and state income and asset limits.

Learn more about Connecticut disability services and Connecticut Medicaid waivers.

• Gather medical records that document your Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and how it affects your ability to work.
• Check if you meet federal and state income and asset limits.
• Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office.
• Apply for Connecticut state supplemental cash assistance and Medicaid through the Department of Social Services.
• Consider seeking help from a disability attorney or legal aid organization.

• Step 1: Collect all medical records, doctor’s notes, and test results that show your Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome diagnosis and how it limits your daily activities and ability to work.
• Step 2: Review the federal and state eligibility requirements for SSDI, SSI, and Connecticut’s AABD program. Make sure your income and assets are below the limits.
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office.
• Step 4: Apply for Connecticut’s AABD program and Medicaid through the Department of Social Services. You can apply online, by phone, or in person.
• Step 5: If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision. Consider getting help from a disability attorney or legal aid organization.
• Step 6: Report any changes in your income, assets, or medical condition to avoid overpayments and keep your benefits.

Learn more about applying for SSI and SSDI and avoiding overpayments.

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to a disability.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with disabilities who have limited income and assets.
• Medicaid: Provides health coverage to people with disabilities who meet income and asset limits.
• Medicare: Provides health coverage to people who receive SSDI for 24 months.

Learn more about federal disability programs and Medicaid vs Medicare.

• Aid to Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD): Provides cash assistance to supplement income for people who are aged, blind, or disabled in Connecticut.
• Personal Services Program: Provides grants for personal assistants to help people with severe disabilities live outside of institutions.
• Family Support Grant Program: Provides subsidies to help families with children who have developmental disabilities.
• Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver: Provides home and community-based services for adults with acquired brain injuries, including those with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome if they meet the criteria.
• Legal Services for Indigent People: Provides civil legal services to low-income individuals in areas like housing and domestic relations.

Learn more about Connecticut disability programs and Connecticut Medicaid waivers.

ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI and other benefits. Connecticut offers ABLE accounts for residents with disabilities that began before age 26. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, and transportation.

Learn more about Connecticut ABLE accounts.

• SSDI: No strict income limit, but you must not earn more than the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit of $1,620 per month in 2025 (or $2,700 if blind).
• SSI: Must have limited income and assets. The exact limits change each year.
• Connecticut AABD: Must meet federal and state income and asset limits. The 2025 Social Security COLA is not counted as income for AABD eligibility.

Learn more about SSI income limits.

You must report any changes in your income, assets, or medical condition to avoid overpayments and keep your benefits. If you receive too much money, you may have to pay it back. Reporting changes promptly helps prevent problems.

Learn more about avoiding overpayments.

• Connecticut Department of Social Services
  Phone: 1-855-6-CONNECT (1-855-626-6632)

  Website

  For questions about state disability programs and cash assistance.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For questions about federal disability benefits.

• Can I get disability benefits for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in Connecticut?

  Yes, if your Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome prevents you from working for at least 12 months and you meet federal and state income and asset limits, you may qualify for SSDI, SSI, and Connecticut state programs.

• What is the income limit for disability benefits in Connecticut?

  For SSDI, you must not earn more than $1,620 per month in 2025 (or $2,700 if blind). For SSI and Connecticut AABD, you must have limited income and assets. The 2025 Social Security COLA is not counted as income for AABD.

• How do I apply for disability benefits in Connecticut?

  Gather medical records, check eligibility, apply for SSDI or SSI online, by phone, or in person, and apply for Connecticut state programs through the Department of Social Services. Legal help is available.

• What state programs are available for people with disabilities in Connecticut?

  Connecticut offers AABD cash assistance, Personal Services Program, Family Support Grant Program, ABI Waiver, and legal services for indigent people. These programs help with income, personal care, and legal issues.

• Can children with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome get benefits in Connecticut?

  Yes, children with disabilities may qualify for SSI and other programs if they meet the criteria. Benefits for children usually stop at age 18 unless they are full-time students or have a qualifying disability.

• What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

  SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with disabilities who have limited income and assets. Both programs have different eligibility requirements and benefit amounts.