Hard of Hearing Benefits in Connecticut

• To qualify for federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and meet Social Security's definition of disability, which includes being hard of hearing if it severely limits your ability to work or function independently. SSI is for people with low income and assets.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) requires a work history and payment of Social Security taxes. You must have a qualifying disability that prevents substantial work. The amount you receive is based on your past earnings.
• Both programs require a medical determination of disability. For hearing loss, Social Security uses specific criteria for hearing acuity and speech discrimination.
• Children with hearing loss may qualify for SSI if their family meets income and resource limits and the child's hearing loss meets the disability criteria.
• Adults with hearing loss that began before age 22 may qualify for benefits based on a parent's Social Security record if the parent is retired, disabled, or deceased.

Citations: 4, 2 (general SSDI info, applicable nationally)

• Connecticut residents who are hard of hearing may qualify for state-specific programs such as vocational rehabilitation services, which help with job training, placement, and assistive technology.
• The Connecticut Department of Social Services administers Medicaid, which covers hearing aids, hearing tests, and related services for eligible individuals, including children and adults.
• The Connecticut Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH) provides advocacy, communication access services, and information about rights and resources.
• Eligibility for state programs often depends on income, age, and the severity of hearing loss. Some programs may have waiting lists or require documentation from a healthcare provider.
• Connecticut also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can include support for independent living and communication devices for people with hearing loss.

Citations: Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing,

• Start by applying for federal benefits (SSI/SSDI) online at ssa.gov or by calling Social Security.
• For Medicaid and state programs, contact the Connecticut Department of Social Services or the Connecticut Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
• Gather medical records and proof of income to support your application.
• Complete all required forms and submit them to the appropriate agency.
• Follow up on your application and respond to any requests for additional information.

Citations: 4, Connecticut Department of Social Services

• Step 1: Determine which benefits you may qualify for (SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, state programs).
• Step 2: Gather necessary documents, including medical records, proof of income, and identification.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI/SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. The application will ask for detailed information about your hearing loss and how it affects your daily life.
• Step 4: Apply for Medicaid through the Connecticut Department of Social Services. You can apply online, by mail, or in person. Medicaid may cover hearing aids and related services.
• Step 5: Contact the Connecticut Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing for information about state programs, advocacy, and communication access services.
• Step 6: If you need help with employment, contact the Connecticut Department of Rehabilitation Services for vocational rehabilitation services.
• Step 7: Follow up on all applications and respond promptly to any requests for additional information or documentation.
• Step 8: Once approved, report any changes in your income, living situation, or medical condition to avoid overpayments.

Citations: 4, Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Connecticut Department of Rehabilitation Services

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash payments for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. SSI can help cover basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes and are unable to work due to a disability. SSDI is based on your work history and earnings.
• Medicare: Health insurance for people who receive SSDI after a 24-month waiting period. Medicare covers some hearing-related services, but not routine hearing aids.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and resources. Medicaid covers hearing aids, hearing tests, and related services for eligible individuals.

Citations: 4, 2 (general SSDI info, applicable nationally)

• Connecticut Medicaid: Covers hearing aids, hearing tests, and related services for eligible individuals, including children and adults who are hard of hearing.
• Connecticut Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH): Provides advocacy, communication access services, information about rights and resources, and support for independent living.
• Connecticut Department of Rehabilitation Services: Offers vocational rehabilitation services, including job training, placement, and assistive technology for people with hearing loss.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Home and community-based services waivers can provide support for independent living, communication devices, and other services for people with hearing loss.
• State Vocational Rehabilitation: Helps people with disabilities, including those who are hard of hearing, prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment.

Citations: Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Connecticut Department of Rehabilitation Services

• ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. Connecticut residents can open an ABLE account through the state's ABLE program.
• Funds in an ABLE account can be used for disability-related expenses, including hearing aids, communication devices, and other support services.
• There are annual and lifetime contribution limits, and the account must be opened before age 26.

Citations: Connecticut ABLE Program

• SSI has strict income and resource limits. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $967 per month for an individual, but this can be reduced by other income.
• SSDI payments vary based on your work history and earnings, with a maximum of $4,018 per month for new recipients in 2025.
• Medicaid eligibility depends on income and resources, with different limits for children, adults, and families.

Citations: 2 (general SSDI info, applicable nationally), Connecticut Department of Social Services

• It is important to report any changes in your income, living situation, or medical condition to Social Security and other benefit agencies to avoid overpayments.
• Overpayments can result in repayment demands and may affect your eligibility for future benefits.
• If you receive an overpayment notice, contact the agency to discuss repayment options.

Citations: 4, Connecticut Department of Social Services

• Connecticut Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
  Phone: 860-713-5115

  TTY: 860-713-5116

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm

  Website

  Advocacy, communication access, and resource information.
• Connecticut Department of Social Services
  Phone: 855-626-6632

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm

  Website

  Medicaid, SSI, and other benefits.
• Connecticut Department of Rehabilitation Services
  Phone: 860-713-5115

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm

  Website

  Vocational rehabilitation and employment support.

• What federal benefits are available for people who are hard of hearing in Connecticut?

  People who are hard of hearing in Connecticut may qualify for federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). These programs provide monthly payments to help cover basic needs and are based on income, resources, and work history.

• Does Connecticut Medicaid cover hearing aids?

  Yes, Connecticut Medicaid covers hearing aids, hearing tests, and related services for eligible individuals who are hard of hearing. You must meet Medicaid's income and resource requirements to qualify.

• How do I apply for SSI or SSDI in Connecticut?

  You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You will need to provide medical records and proof of income to support your application.

• What state programs are available for people who are hard of hearing in Connecticut?

  Connecticut offers vocational rehabilitation services, communication access support, and Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services. The Connecticut Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing provides advocacy and information about resources.

• Can I save money in an ABLE account if I am hard of hearing?

  Yes, people with disabilities, including those who are hard of hearing, can open an ABLE account in Connecticut. These accounts allow you to save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits.

• What is the income limit for SSI in Connecticut?