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Connecticut • Rare/Genetic
People with Williams Syndrome in Connecticut may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, plus state programs for cash assistance, Medicaid, and home-based services. Eligibility depends on medical documentation, income, and assets. This guide explains how to apply and what support is available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) with Williams Syndrome, 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. For SSDI, you need a work history and enough Social Security tax payments. For SSI, you must meet strict income and asset limits. In 2025, the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for most people, or $2,700 if you are blind. If your earnings are above these amounts, you generally cannot qualify for benefits. Children with disabilities may also qualify for benefits based on a parent’s record if they meet the criteria.
In Connecticut, people with Williams Syndrome may qualify for state cash assistance through the Aid to Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD) program, which supplements federal SSI. The state also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, such as the Personal Services Program and the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver. To qualify for state programs, you must meet federal disability criteria and state income and asset limits. Connecticut does not count the federal cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) as income for AABD eligibility, which helps maintain benefits. State programs may have additional requirements, such as age or type of disability.
Gather medical records that document Williams Syndrome and its impact on daily life.
Check if you meet federal SSI/SSDI income and asset limits.
Contact the Social Security Administration to apply for SSI or SSDI.
Apply for Connecticut state programs like AABD or Medicaid waivers through the Department of Social Services.
Consider working with a disability attorney for help with your application.
SSA: Apply for Disability (2025-11-05)
CT.gov: Disability Services (2025-11-05)
Step 1: Get a diagnosis and medical records from your doctor that show Williams Syndrome and how it limits your ability to work or do daily activities.
Step 2: Review federal SSI and SSDI eligibility rules. For SSI, your income and assets must be below the limits. For SSDI, you need enough work credits.
Step 3: Apply for SSI or SSDI online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You will need to provide medical records, work history, and financial information.
Step 4: If you are approved for SSI, you may also qualify for Connecticut’s AABD cash supplement. Apply for AABD through the Department of Social Services.
Step 5: Look into Connecticut Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, such as the Personal Services Program or ABI Waiver. Contact DSS regional offices for details.
Step 6: If your application is denied, you can appeal. Consider hiring a disability attorney for help.
Step 7: Report any changes in income, assets, or health to avoid overpayments.
SSA: How to Apply for Disability (2025-11-05)
(2025-11-05)
SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash payments for people with disabilities who have low income and assets. Payments are based on need.
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly payments for people with disabilities who have a work history and paid Social Security taxes.
Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities who meet income and asset limits.
Medicare: Health coverage for people who receive SSDI for 24 months.
Family Benefits: Spouses, ex-spouses, and children of people with disabilities may also qualify for benefits.
SSA: Disability Benefits (2025-11-05)
SSA: SSI vs SSDI (2025-11-05)
Aid to Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD): State cash supplement for people with disabilities who receive SSI. The amount is based on state standards and does not count the federal COLA as income.
Personal Services Program: Grants for personal assistants to help people with severe disabilities live at home.
Family Support Grant Program: Subsidies for families raising children with developmental disabilities.
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver: Medicaid waiver for adults with acquired brain injury (not developmental or degenerative) to receive home and community-based services.
Legal Services for Indigent People: Grants for civil legal services for low-income individuals.
State Supplement Program: Cash assistance for the aged, blind, or disabled to supplement income.
CT.gov: Disability Services (2025-11-05)
Medicaid.gov: CT State Plan Amendment CT-25-0012 (2025-11-05)
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Connecticut, you can open an ABLE account to pay for qualified disability expenses. The account has annual and lifetime contribution limits, and withdrawals for eligible expenses are tax-free.
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $1,620 per month for most people, or $2,700 if you are blind. Connecticut’s AABD program does not count the federal COLA as income, which helps maintain eligibility. Asset limits also apply for SSI and state programs.
You must report changes in income, assets, or health to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Report changes to the Social Security Administration and the Connecticut Department of Social Services as soon as possible.
Connecticut residents can get free legal help with disability applications from nonprofit organizations. Contact CTLawHelp.org for assistance.
Yes, if Williams Syndrome causes a severe disability that limits work and meets federal SSI criteria, including income and asset limits. Connecticut also offers a state supplement for SSI recipients.
The federal SSI income limit in 2025 is $1,620 per month for most people. Connecticut does not count the federal COLA as income for state cash assistance, which helps maintain eligibility.
Gather medical records, check eligibility, and apply for SSI or SSDI through the Social Security Administration. For state programs, contact the Department of Social Services.
Connecticut offers cash assistance (AABD), Medicaid waivers for home-based services, and grants for families raising children with disabilities. Contact DSS for details.
Yes, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit ($1,620/month in 2025). Work incentives and ABLE accounts can help you keep benefits while working.
SSI is for people with low income and assets, while SSDI is for those with a work history. Both programs have different eligibility rules and benefit amounts.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for your specific situation.
CTLawHelp: Apply for SSI and SSDI (2025-11-05)
You can get free legal help from nonprofit organizations or hire a disability attorney. CTLawHelp.org lists legal aid groups that can assist with applications.
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Connecticut residents can open an ABLE account for qualified disability expenses.
Yes, children with Williams Syndrome may qualify for SSI or SSDI based on a parent’s record if they meet the criteria. Benefits can continue into adulthood if the disability persists.
You can appeal the decision. Consider hiring a disability attorney for help with the appeals process. Legal aid organizations may also provide free assistance.
