People with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Connecticut can qualify for federal and state disability benefits. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and state-specific cash and support programs. Eligibility depends on medical evidence, income, and work history.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) criteria. PTSD is listed in the SSA’s Blue Book under mental disorders (Section 12.15). You need medical documentation showing your symptoms severely limit your ability to work or function daily. For SSDI, you must have a work history and enough work credits. For SSI, your income and assets must be below set limits. Both programs require that your disability is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
In Connecticut, people with PTSD may qualify for state-specific disability benefits and support programs. The Aid to Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD) program provides cash assistance to supplement income for those who meet financial and medical criteria. The state disregards the 2025 federal Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase when calculating AABD eligibility, so recipients do not lose benefits due to the COLA. Connecticut also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, such as the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver, which can help adults with PTSD who need support outside of institutions. Eligibility for these programs depends on income, assets, and medical need.
For Medicaid waivers, contact the Department of Social Services regional office and return a completed waiver request form[^4].
These programs provide cash, health coverage, and support for people with PTSD and their families[^1][^2].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI and Medicaid. In Connecticut, you can open an ABLE account to pay for qualified disability expenses. Contributions are not tax-deductible, but earnings grow tax-free. Withdrawals for qualified expenses are also tax-free. For more information, visit the ABLE National Resource Center or the Connecticut ABLE program website[^5].
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple. Connecticut may have higher limits for state programs. The AABD program disregards the 2025 COLA increase when calculating eligibility, so recipients do not lose benefits due to the COLA. For Medicaid, income limits vary by program and household size[^3][^6].
If your income, address, or medical condition changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or loss of benefits. Report changes to SSA and DSS as soon as possible. For more information, see the SSA guide on reporting changes and the DSS guide on avoiding overpayments[^7][^8].
Contact the Connecticut DSS Client Information Line & Benefits Center at 1-855-6-CONNECT (1-855-626-6632) for help with applications and questions.
Yes, if your PTSD is severe enough to prevent you from working and you meet SSA or state eligibility criteria. You need medical documentation and may need to meet income and work history requirements.
Apply online at SSA.gov for federal benefits or at CT.gov for state benefits. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 for SSA or 1-855-626-6632 for Connecticut DSS.
For SSI, the 2025 federal limit is $943/month for an individual. Connecticut state programs may have different limits. The 2025 COLA is not counted as income for AABD eligibility.
Yes, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit ($1,620/month in 2025). SSA has work incentives to help you return to work without losing benefits.
Connecticut offers AABD cash assistance, Medicaid waivers, personal services grants, and family support grants for people with disabilities, including PTSD.
The 2025 federal COLA increase is not counted as income for AABD eligibility, so recipients do not lose benefits due to the COLA.
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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Yes, if you meet Medicaid financial and medical criteria. Medicaid covers health care for people with disabilities who have low income and assets.
An ABLE account lets you save money for disability expenses without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. Connecticut residents can open an ABLE account through the state program.
No, but legal aid organizations can help you with the application and appeals process if needed.
The process can take several months. SSA reviews medical evidence and may request additional information before making a decision.
