This guide explains Connecticut benefits, Medicaid waivers, and application help for people with intellectual disabilities and their families.
To qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) as an adult with intellectual disability, you must have a medically documented condition that severely limits your ability to work (or, for children, function at age level), and the condition must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death[6]. If you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must also have a sufficient work history—generally five of the last ten years—and meet SSA’s medical and income rules[1][5]. Both programs check your income and assets: SSI is means-tested, while SSDI does not count assets but limits how much you can earn[1][6]. For SSDI, the 2025 earnings limit is $1,620 per month ($2,700 for blindness)[1]. For SSI, asset limits are $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple (excluding your home and one car)[6]. Families applying for a child may use parental income and assets, but special rules apply for disabled children.
Connecticut supplements federal disability benefits through the State Supplement Program, which provides extra cash assistance to people aged 65+, blind, or living with a disability—including intellectual disability—who meet income and asset limits. For State Supplement, your net monthly income must be below state-set standards and your assets (not counting your home and one car) cannot exceed $1,600 for an individual or $2,400 for a couple[2]. You must also receive SSI or another qualifying income source. Connecticut families may benefit from the Family Support Grant Program, which helps cover costs of raising a child with a developmental or intellectual disability. State Medicaid also offers home- and community-based waiver programs, but specific waivers for intellectual disability (vs. developmental disability) are limited; eligibility for most waivers is linked to Medicaid financial and functional criteria. Starting January 2025, Connecticut is disregarding the full 2.5% federal COLA when determining eligibility for cash assistance, helping protect your benefits from cost-of-living adjustments[3].
Step 1: Gather documents. Collect medical records, proof of income, assets, and identification. For children, include school records and medical evaluations.<br><br>Step 2: Apply for SSI/SSDI. Complete the application at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person. If you don’t have enough work history for SSDI, apply for SSI[1][5][6].<br><br>Step 3: Apply for State Supplement. After receiving federal benefits, apply for State Supplement at a DSS office, online (connect.ct.gov), or by phone (1-855-626-6632)[2]. You must already have a qualifying income source.<br><br>Step 4: Apply for Medicaid and Waivers. Once enrolled in SSI or State Supplement, you are categorically eligible for Connecticut Medicaid[2]. For waivers (like home- and community-based services), contact DSS directly or fill out program-specific forms[4].<br><br>Step 5: Family Support Grants. If you have a child with intellectual disability, ask your regional DSS office about the Family Support Grant Program.<br><br>Step 6: Follow up. Track your application status by phone or online. Respond quickly to any requests for more information.<br><br>Step 7: Report changes. Notify DSS and Social Security if your income, living situation, or disability status changes to avoid overpayments or interruptions.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash assistance for people with disabilities who meet strict income and asset limits[6].<br>Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Income replacement based on work history, not affected by assets but limited by earnings[1][5].<br>Medicare: After 24 months of SSDI, you become eligible for Medicare health coverage. SSI recipients in Connecticut also get Medicaid[6].
State Supplement Program: Connecticut provides additional cash assistance to SSI and other income-eligible people with intellectual disabilities, those who are blind, or aged 65+[2]. Benefit amounts are based on the state’s living cost standards. Recipients are categorically eligible for Connecticut Medicaid—including both health care and long-term supports[2].<br><br>Family Support Grant Program: Available to families raising a child with a developmental or intellectual disability, this program helps cover extra expenses associated with the child’s care, aiming to keep the child at home with their family[4].<br><br>Personal Services Program: Provides grants for hiring personal assistants to help adults with severe disabilities live independently in the community, reducing reliance on institutional care[4].<br><br>Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver: While mainly for brain injuries, some services could overlap with needs for intellectual disability. Focuses on non-medical, community-based supports for adults age 18–64[4].<br><br>Medicaid Waivers: Connecticut’s Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers include options for people with developmental disabilities (which includes intellectual disability). These waivers can fund services like respite, day programs, and supported employment. Check with DSS for current waiver availability and eligibility details[4].
Connecticut ABLE Accounts: Connecticut’s ABLE program—like the federal ABLE Act—lets people with disabilities save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility, and earn tax-free interest. ABLE accounts can be used for qualified disability expenses and help families save for future needs while keeping benefits intact.
2025 Income Limits: For SSDI, monthly earnings must stay under $1,620 (non-blind); for SSI, countable income and assets must be below $2,000 (individual) and $3,000 (couple), not counting the home and one car[1][6]. Connecticut’s State Supplement has its own income and asset limits—net income must be below state standards and assets (excluding home and car) cannot exceed $1,600 (individual) or $2,400 (couple)[2].
Avoiding Overpayments: Always report changes in your income, living situation, or disability status to Social Security and DSS right away. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments, benefit cuts, or even legal action. See our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for more details and tips.
If you are denied or frustrated with delays, consider reaching out to a disability attorney, legal aid, or a trusted advocate. Connecticut’s Legal Services for Indigent People can help with certain civil legal issues[4].
Open a Connecticut ABLE account to save for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. These accounts are tax-advantaged and can help you or your family plan for a secure future.
If your income, living situation, or disability status changes, immediately notify both Social Security and Connecticut DSS. This helps prevent overpayments and benefit interruptions. See our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for more.
Yes, intellectual disability is a qualifying condition if it meets Social Security’s definition and medical requirements, regardless of the state where you live[1][6].
Yes, but your earnings must stay below the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit ($1,620/month in 2025 for SSDI; $2,000/month for SSI—older, special rules apply)[1][6]. Use the [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives](#) guide for details.
Connecticut offers Medicaid waivers for developmental disabilities, which include intellectual disability. These waivers fund community-based services—check with DSS for current details and eligibility[4].
Apply at a DSS regional office, online at connect.ct.gov, or by phone at 1-855-626-6632. You must already be receiving SSI or another qualifying income source[2].
You may still qualify for Connecticut’s State Supplement and Medicaid—check your income and assets against the state’s rules, and contact DSS for help[2][4].
Yes, with a Connecticut ABLE account. These accounts let you save tax-free for disability expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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It offers subsidies to help families cover costs of caring for a child with intellectual or developmental disability, aiming to keep the child at home[4].
Report any changes in income, assets, or living situation to Social Security and DSS immediately to avoid overpayments and benefit interruptions. Visit our [Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes](#) guide for more.
You do not need a lawyer, but an attorney or advocate familiar with Connecticut’s system can help with appeals and complex cases[1].
Yes, including the Personal Services Program (helps adults live at home), legal services for low-income families, and neighborhood assistance through local nonprofits[4].
