Mobility Impairment Benefits in Connecticut

• To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSDI or SSI), 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 1, 5.
• For SSDI, you need enough work credits (usually 5 of the last 10 years, unless under 24) and must have paid Social Security taxes 1, 5.
• For SSI, you must meet strict income and asset limits and have a qualifying disability, be 65+, or be blind 6.
• If you are not blind, your monthly earnings must be below the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit of $1,620 in 2025 1.

• Connecticut offers a State Supplement for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD), which provides extra cash to people who already receive Social Security, SSI, or Veterans benefits 2.
• To qualify for the State Supplement, you must be 65+ or 18-64 with a disability that meets federal criteria, have a source of income, and your net income must be below the state’s standard of living 2.
• Asset limits are $1,600 for an individual or $2,400 for a couple (home ownership does not count against this limit, but a lien may be placed on the home) 2.
• Recipients of the State Supplement are automatically eligible for Medicaid 2.
• The federal 2025 COLA increase will not count as income for AABD eligibility, helping recipients keep more of their benefits 3.

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for federal benefits (SSI/SSDI) online at SSA.gov or at your local Social Security office.
• If approved for federal benefits, apply for the Connecticut State Supplement at DSS regional offices, online at connect.ct.gov, or by calling 1-855-626-6632 2.
• For Medicaid and other state programs, apply through the same DSS channels.
• Consider working with a disability attorney for help with appeals or denials 1.

• Step 1: Collect all medical records that document your mobility impairment, including doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment plans.
• Step 2: Apply for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) through the Social Security Administration. You can do this online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local office 5.
• Step 3: If you are approved for SSI or SSDI, you may be eligible for the Connecticut State Supplement. Apply at a DSS regional office, online at connect.ct.gov, or by calling 1-855-626-6632 2.
• Step 4: For Medicaid and other state programs, use the same DSS application process. You may be automatically enrolled if you receive the State Supplement 2.
• Step 5: If your application is denied, you can appeal. Consider hiring a disability attorney for help with the appeals process 1.
• Step 6: Report any changes in income, assets, or living situation to avoid overpayments 6.

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For people with a qualifying work history and a disability that prevents work for at least 12 months 5.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For people with limited income and assets who have a disability, are 65+, or are blind 6.
• Medicare: Available to most SSDI recipients after a 24-month waiting period 5.
• Medicaid: Available to SSI recipients and others who meet income and asset limits 6.

• State Supplement for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD): Provides extra cash to people who already receive federal benefits and meet state income and asset limits 2.
• Medicaid: Automatic for State Supplement recipients; covers medical care and some home and community-based services 2.
• Personal Services Program: Provides grants for personal assistants to help people with severe disabilities live outside institutions 4.
• Family Support Grant Program: Offers subsidies to families raising children with developmental disabilities 4.
• Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver: Provides home and community-based services for adults with acquired brain injuries who would otherwise need institutional care 4.

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. Learn more about Connecticut ABLE accounts and how to open one internal_link.

• SSDI: No strict income limit, but you must earn less than the SGA limit ($1,620/month in 2025 for non-blind individuals) 1.
• SSI: Strict income and asset limits. In Connecticut, the asset limit for the State Supplement is $1,600 for an individual or $2,400 for a couple 2.
• State Supplement: Net income must be below the state’s standard of living 2.

If your income, assets, or living situation changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or loss of benefits. Learn how to report changes and avoid overpayments internal_link.

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

  Website

  For State Supplement, Medicaid, and other state disability programs.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSI and SSDI applications and information.

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

  For SSDI, you must earn less than $1,620/month in 2025. For SSI and the State Supplement, there are strict income and asset limits. The asset limit is $1,600 for an individual or $2,400 for a couple [1](https://nationaldisabilityalliance.com/connecticut-social-security-benefits/), [2](https://uwc.211ct.org/state-supplement-for-the-aged-blind-and-disabled/).

• Can I get Medicaid if I have a mobility impairment in Connecticut?

  Yes, if you receive SSI or the State Supplement, you are automatically eligible for Medicaid. Medicaid covers medical care and some home and community-based services for people with disabilities [2](https://uwc.211ct.org/state-supplement-for-the-aged-blind-and-disabled/).

• How do I apply for disability benefits in Connecticut?

  Apply for federal benefits (SSI/SSDI) through SSA.gov or your local Social Security office. For state benefits, apply at DSS regional offices, online at connect.ct.gov, or by calling 1-855-626-6632 [2](https://uwc.211ct.org/state-supplement-for-the-aged-blind-and-disabled/).

• What is the State Supplement for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled?

  It is a cash assistance program for people 65+ or 18-64 with a disability who already receive federal benefits. It helps maintain a standard of living and provides automatic Medicaid eligibility [2](https://uwc.211ct.org/state-supplement-for-the-aged-blind-and-disabled/).

• Are there work incentives for people with disabilities in Connecticut?

  Yes, there are work incentives for SSI and SSDI recipients, such as the Ticket to Work program and special rules for earned income. Learn more about work incentives [internal_link](/guides/work-incentives).