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Connecticut • Mental Health
People with schizophrenia in Connecticut can get federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), Medicaid, and state programs for cash, health, and community support. Eligibility depends on income, assets, and medical need. State programs help with housing, personal care, and legal aid.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with schizophrenia, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. This means your condition must be severe, expected to last at least 12 months, and prevent you from doing substantial work. For SSI, you must also have limited income and assets. For SSDI, you need enough work credits from jobs covered by Social Security. Children with schizophrenia may qualify for benefits if they meet SSA’s childhood disability rules. Adults whose disability began before age 22 may qualify for Disabled Adult Child benefits based on a parent’s record[4].
In Connecticut, people with schizophrenia may qualify for state supplement cash assistance (AABD) if they meet income and asset limits. The state supplement is for those who are aged, blind, or disabled and need extra help. As of January 2025, the federal COLA increase will not count as income for AABD eligibility, so recipients keep more of their benefit[1]. You must also meet Medicaid financial and medical requirements for health coverage. Some state programs, like the Personal Services Program and Family Support Grant, help with personal care and family costs for people with severe disabilities[2].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. Connecticut residents can open an ABLE account to pay for disability-related expenses. Funds in the account do not count as income for SSI or Medicaid, up to $100,000. Learn more about ABLE accounts and eligibility[3].
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943/month for an individual. Connecticut’s state supplement may have different limits. The 2025 COLA increase will not count as income for state cash benefits, so recipients keep more of their benefit[1].
If your income or situation changes, you must report it to SSA and DSS. Not reporting can cause overpayments and penalties. Learn how to avoid overpayments and report changes[5].
The 2025 federal COLA increase will not count as income for Connecticut’s state supplement program. This means recipients keep more of their benefit and do not lose eligibility due to the COLA[1].
Yes, if your schizophrenia is severe and meets SSA’s disability criteria, and you have low income and assets. Apply through SSA and provide medical proof[4].
The state supplement is cash help for aged, blind, or disabled residents. It supplements SSI or SSDI and helps meet state-set living standards[2].
Yes, Medicaid in Connecticut covers mental health services, including therapy and medication for schizophrenia. You must meet financial and medical eligibility[3].
The 2025 COLA increase will not count as income for state cash benefits in Connecticut, so recipients keep more of their benefit[1].
Yes, SSA has work incentives for people with disabilities. You can work and keep some benefits, but earnings must stay below the substantial gainful activity limit[4].
Connecticut’s Personal Services Program offers grants for personal assistants to help people with severe disabilities live at home[2].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Yes, CT offers legal aid for indigent people with disabilities in housing and family matters[2].
Yes, children with schizophrenia may qualify for SSI or SSDI if they meet SSA’s childhood disability rules[4].
Contact CT DSS or visit ct.gov/dss to learn about Medicaid waiver programs for home and community services[2].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. Connecticut residents can open one for disability-related expenses[3].
