If you have rheumatoid arthritis in Connecticut, you may qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI) and state programs like Medicaid, cash assistance, and home-based services. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) with rheumatoid arthritis, your condition must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. This means your arthritis must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You must also meet work history requirements for SSDI or income/resource limits for SSI. The SSA uses a medical listing for inflammatory arthritis (Listing 14.09) to evaluate eligibility. If your symptoms match or equal the listing, you may qualify. If not, SSA will assess your ability to work based on your medical records and work history.
For children, disability benefits may be available if the child is under 18 and meets SSA criteria.
Learn more about SSA disability eligibility and how to qualify for disability benefits.
In Connecticut, people with rheumatoid arthritis may qualify for state programs in addition to federal benefits. The state offers the Aid to Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD) cash assistance program, which supplements income for those who are disabled. As of January 2025, Connecticut will not count the federal Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) as income when calculating eligibility for AABD, which helps maintain benefits and Medicaid funding. This means your SSI or SSDI COLA increase will not reduce your state cash aid.
Connecticut also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, such as the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver, which can provide personal care and support services for adults with severe disabilities. Other programs include the Personal Services Program and Family Support Grant Program, which help people with disabilities live independently in the community.
To qualify for state programs, you must meet financial and medical criteria set by the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS). Applications are made through DSS or regional offices.
Apply for federal disability benefits Apply for Connecticut benefits ABI Waiver application info
Federal benefits are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Eligibility is based on medical and financial criteria.
Learn more about SSI vs SSDI Learn about Medicaid vs Medicare
These programs are administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS). Applications are made online, by phone, or in person.
Learn more about Connecticut Medicaid waivers Learn about Connecticut ABLE accounts
Connecticut offers ABLE accounts, which allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, and transportation. Contributions are limited each year, and there are state tax benefits for Connecticut residents.
Learn more about ABLE accounts in Connecticut
Federal SSI has strict income and resource limits. In 2025, the SSI federal benefit rate is $943/month for an individual. Connecticut’s AABD program has its own income and resource limits, which are higher than SSI. The state does not count the federal COLA as income for AABD, so your benefits may not be reduced if you get a COLA increase.
Learn about SSI income limits Learn about Connecticut AABD income limits
It’s important to report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. Connecticut and federal programs require timely reporting of changes. Keep records of all reports and correspondence.
Connecticut will not count the 2025 federal Social Security COLA as income for AABD eligibility. This means your state cash aid will not be reduced by the COLA increase.
Yes, if your rheumatoid arthritis is severe enough to meet federal or state disability criteria. You may qualify for SSI, SSDI, or Connecticut’s AABD program. Medical documentation is required.
As of January 2025, Connecticut does not count the federal Social Security COLA as income for AABD eligibility. This means your state cash aid will not be reduced by the COLA increase.
SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both require medical proof of disability.
Yes, if you meet income and disability criteria. Medicaid covers health care and may include home and community-based services through waivers.
Apply for federal benefits at SSA.gov or by phone. For state benefits, apply online at CONNECT or call 1-855-626-6632. You’ll need medical records and proof of income.
Connecticut offers Medicaid waivers like the ABI Waiver, which provides personal care and support services for adults with severe disabilities, including rheumatoid arthritis.
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, but there are limits on how much you can earn. The SSA defines substantial gainful activity (SGA) as earning more than $1,620/month in 2025. Work incentives may help you keep benefits while working.
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing benefits. Connecticut offers ABLE accounts with state tax benefits for residents.
Yes, you must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Failure to report can result in having to repay benefits.
You can get help from the Connecticut Department of Social Services, nonprofit legal aid organizations, or by calling 1-855-626-6632 for benefits assistance.
