Muscular Dystrophy Benefits in Connecticut

• To qualify for SSDI, you must have a medically documented condition that prevents work for at least 12 months and have enough work credits. In 2025, you cannot earn more than $1,620 per month from substantial gainful activity (SGA) unless you are blind ($2,700/month) [1].
• SSI is for people with limited income and assets. You must be disabled, blind, or 65+, and meet federal income and asset limits [5].
• Children with Muscular Dystrophy may qualify for benefits if their parent receives Social Security or if they have a qualifying disability that started before age 22 [5].
• Adults with a disability that began before age 22 may get benefits based on a parent’s record if the parent is deceased or receiving benefits [5].

• Connecticut’s State Supplement for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled gives cash to people 65+ or ages 18–64 with a qualifying disability. You must have another income source (like SSI or SSDI), and your net income must be below the state’s standard of living. Assets cannot exceed $1,600 for an individual or $2,400 for a couple (home ownership may result in a lien) [2].
• The State Supplement also makes you categorically eligible for Medicaid [2].
• Connecticut Medicaid waivers, like the ABI Waiver, provide home and community-based services for adults with severe disabilities, including Muscular Dystrophy, to avoid institutionalization [4].
• The 2025 federal COLA increase will not count as income for State Supplement eligibility, helping maintain benefits [3].

• Check if you meet federal SSI/SSDI requirements.
• Gather medical records and proof of income/assets.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov or at a local office.
• Apply for Connecticut State Supplement at DSS offices, online, or by phone.
• Ask about Medicaid waivers if you need home care or support services.

• Step 1: Get a medical diagnosis and documentation for Muscular Dystrophy from a doctor.
• Step 2: Review federal SSI/SSDI eligibility. If you worked, check your work credits. If not, focus on SSI [5].
• Step 3: Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. Include all medical and financial documents [5].
• Step 4: If approved for SSI/SSDI, apply for Connecticut State Supplement. You can apply at DSS regional offices, online at www.connect.ct.gov, or by calling 1-855-626-6632 [2].
• Step 5: If you need home care or support, ask about Medicaid waivers like the ABI Waiver. Contact DSS regional offices for forms and eligibility [4].
• Step 6: Report any changes in income, assets, or medical status to avoid overpayments [6].

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash for people with disabilities, limited income, and assets. Paid by Social Security Administration [5].
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly cash for people with disabilities who have worked and paid Social Security taxes [5].
• Medicare: Health coverage for people on SSDI after 24 months [5].
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and assets, often automatic with SSI [5].
• Medicaid Waivers: Home and community-based services for people with severe disabilities to avoid institutional care [5].

• State Supplement for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled: Cash assistance for people 65+ or ages 18–64 with a qualifying disability. Requires another income source and asset limits. Recipients get Medicaid [2].
• Personal Services Program: Grants for personal assistants to help people with severe disabilities live at home [4].
• Family Support Grant Program: Subsidies for families raising children with developmental disabilities [4].
• Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver: Medicaid waiver for adults 18–64 with severe disabilities, including Muscular Dystrophy, to get home and community-based services [4].
• Legal Services for Indigent People: Civil legal help for housing and domestic relations [4].
• Neighborhood Assistance: Tax credits for businesses supporting community services [4].

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Connecticut offers ABLE accounts for eligible residents. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to open one in Connecticut [internal_link: ABLE Accounts].

• SSI/SSDI: In 2025, SGA is $1,620/month (or $2,700/month if blind) [1].
• State Supplement: Net income must be below the state’s standard of living. Assets cannot exceed $1,600 for an individual or $2,400 for a couple [2].
• Medicaid: Income and asset limits apply; State Supplement recipients are categorically eligible [2].

Report any changes in income, assets, or medical status to Social Security and DSS to avoid overpayments. Learn how to report changes and avoid penalties [internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].

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

  Website

  Apply for State Supplement, Medicaid, and other benefits.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  Apply for SSI, SSDI, and get federal disability help.

• Can I get SSI if I have Muscular Dystrophy in Connecticut?

  Yes, if you have Muscular Dystrophy and meet federal SSI income and asset limits, you can get SSI in Connecticut. You must be disabled, blind, or 65+, and have limited income and assets [5].

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

  It’s a Connecticut cash assistance program for people 65+ or ages 18–64 with a qualifying disability. You must have another income source and meet asset limits. Recipients get Medicaid [2].

• How do I apply for Medicaid waivers in Connecticut?

  Contact DSS regional offices for Medicaid waiver programs like the ABI Waiver. You’ll need to fill out forms and meet medical and financial requirements [4].

• Do I need to report changes in my income or assets?

  Yes, report any changes to Social Security and DSS to avoid overpayments and keep your benefits. Learn how to report changes and avoid penalties [internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].

• Can children with Muscular Dystrophy get benefits?

  Yes, children with Muscular Dystrophy may get benefits if their parent receives Social Security or if they have a qualifying disability that started before age 22 [5].

• What is the income limit for SSI/SSDI in 2025?

  In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620/month for most people, or $2,700/month if blind. You cannot earn more than this and still qualify for SSI/SSDI [1].