HIV/AIDS Benefits in Connecticut: Eligibility, How to Apply

To qualify for federal disability benefits with HIV/AIDS, you must have a severe condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers HIV/AIDS under its disability listings if it causes significant physical or mental impairments. You may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) based on your income, work history, and disability status. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid into Social Security. Both programs require medical evidence of your condition and its impact on your ability to work. [ssa.gov/disability/eligibility, accessed 2025-11-05]

In Connecticut, people with HIV/AIDS may qualify for state-specific programs such as the Aid to Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD) cash assistance program. The state disregards the 2025 federal Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase when calculating eligibility for AABD, meaning the full COLA will not count as income. This helps maintain eligibility and benefits for recipients. Connecticut also offers Medicaid waivers and home-based services for people with disabilities, including those with HIV/AIDS. Eligibility for these programs depends on income, assets, and medical need. [medicaid.gov/medicaid/spa/downloads/CT-25-0012.pdf, accessed 2025-11-05]

• Check if you meet federal and state eligibility requirements.
• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply online at connect.ct.gov or call 1-855-626-6632.
• Submit required documents and follow up on your application.
• Contact DSS for help with forms or questions.

• Review eligibility for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and state programs.
• Collect medical records, proof of income, and identification.
• Apply for federal benefits online at ssa.gov or in person at a Social Security office.
• Apply for state benefits online at connect.ct.gov or by calling 1-855-626-6632.
• Submit all required documents, including medical evidence of HIV/AIDS.
• Follow up with DSS or SSA to check application status.
• If denied, you can appeal the decision.
• Contact DSS for help with forms, questions, or reasonable accommodations.
• Keep records of all communications and documents.
• Report any changes in income or medical status to avoid overpayments.

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Provides cash assistance to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Provides benefits to people with disabilities who have a work history.
• Medicaid: Provides health coverage to people with disabilities and low income.
• Medicare: Provides health coverage to people with disabilities after a waiting period.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities.
• ABLE Accounts: Allow people with disabilities to save money without losing benefits.

• Aid to Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD): Provides cash assistance to people with disabilities, including those with HIV/AIDS. The state disregards the 2025 COLA increase for eligibility.
• Personal Services Program: Provides grants for personal assistants to help people with severe disabilities live in the community.
• Family Support Grant Program: Provides subsidies to families with children who have disabilities.
• Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver: Provides home and community-based services for adults with acquired brain injuries, including those with HIV/AIDS.
• State Supplement Program: Provides cash assistance to supplement income for people with disabilities.
• Legal Services for Indigent People: Provides civil legal services to low-income individuals with disabilities.
• Neighborhood Assistance: Provides tax credits to businesses that invest in programs for people with disabilities.

ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing benefits. In Connecticut, you can open an ABLE account to save for qualified expenses. Contributions are not taxed, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free. ABLE accounts can help with expenses like housing, education, and transportation. [ssa.gov/programs/able, accessed 2025-11-05]

Income limits for SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid vary by program and household size. For SSI in 2025, the federal benefit rate is $943 per month for an individual. SSDI limits depend on work history and earnings. Medicaid income limits are based on federal poverty guidelines. Connecticut may have higher limits for some programs. [ssa.gov/programs/ssi, accessed 2025-11-05]

If you receive more benefits than you are entitled to, you may have to repay the overpayment. Report changes in income, medical status, or living situation to avoid overpayments. DSS and SSA have procedures for reporting changes and appealing overpayment decisions. [ssa.gov/disability/overpayments, accessed 2025-11-05]

• Connecticut Department of Social Services
  Phone: 1-855-626-6632

  TTY: 1-800-842-4524

  Email: null

  Hours: null

  Website

  For benefits, disability services, and reasonable accommodations.

• Can I get disability benefits for HIV/AIDS in Connecticut?

  Yes, if HIV/AIDS causes severe limitations that prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. Connecticut also offers state-specific programs for people with disabilities.

• How does the 2025 COLA increase affect my benefits?

  Connecticut disregards the 2025 COLA increase when calculating eligibility for AABD, so the full COLA will not count as income. This helps maintain your eligibility and benefits.

• What documents do I need to apply for benefits?

  You need medical records, proof of income, identification, and any other documents required by the program. DSS and SSA will provide a list of required documents.

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits?

  Yes, there are work incentives for people with disabilities. You can earn a certain amount without losing benefits. Check with SSA for current limits and rules.

• How do I apply for Medicaid in Connecticut?

  You can apply online at connect.ct.gov or by calling 1-855-626-6632. You will need to provide proof of income, medical records, and identification.

• What is the Personal Services Program?

  The Personal Services Program provides grants for personal assistants to help people with severe disabilities live in the community. It is available to people with HIV/AIDS who meet eligibility requirements.