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Idaho • Chronic Illness
If you have cancer in Idaho, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI and SSI, as well as state Medicaid programs and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available in 2025.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with cancer, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. This means your cancer must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months or result in death. SSDI requires a work history and enough Social Security credits. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. In 2025, the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is 2.5%, and the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) for SSDI/SSI. You must not earn above this limit to keep benefits.
Children with cancer may qualify for benefits if they are disabled and meet the SSA’s criteria. Adults with a disability that began before age 22 may also qualify for benefits based on a parent’s record if the parent is retired, disabled, or deceased.
[Source: SSA.gov, 2025 COLA and SGA limits, 2025-11-05]
In Idaho, cancer patients may qualify for Medicaid if they meet financial and medical eligibility. Medicaid can cover cancer treatment, medications, and related services. To apply, you must first complete a Medicaid application and be determined financially eligible. Then, you may need to complete an additional application for specific developmental disability or long-term care programs if your cancer causes functional limitations. Idaho’s Medicaid program may also offer Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for those needing extra support. These waivers can help with home care, transportation, and other services.
If your cancer is severe and chronic, you may qualify for Idaho’s Adult with Developmental Disabilities (DD) program if you meet the ICF/IID level of care. This includes having a chronic disability that appeared before age 22, or having functional limitations similar to intellectual disability. Cancer itself is not a listed condition, but if it causes severe, lifelong limitations, you may still qualify.
[Source: Idaho Medicaid, 2025-11-05]
Step 1: Review federal eligibility for SSDI/SSI. Cancer must be severe enough to prevent substantial work for at least 12 months or result in death. SSDI requires enough work credits; SSI requires low income and resources.
Step 2: Apply for SSDI/SSI. You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need medical records, work history, and personal information.
Step 3: Apply for Idaho Medicaid. Complete a Medicaid application online or by mail. If approved, you may need to complete an additional application for specific programs like DD or HCBS waivers if your cancer causes functional limitations.
Step 4: Idaho Disability Determinations Service (DDS) will review your medical records and make a decision on your SSDI/SSI claim. DDS does not accept applications directly; Social Security offices send claims to DDS for review.
Step 5: If approved, you will receive monthly benefits and may qualify for Medicaid coverage. If denied, you can appeal the decision.
Step 6: Report any changes in income, work, or health to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments.
Step 7: Explore work incentives and ABLE accounts to help manage your finances while receiving benefits.
[Source: SSA.gov, Idaho Medicaid, Idaho DDS, 2025-11-05]
[Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-05]
[Source: Idaho Medicaid, Idaho DDS, Idaho Department of Labor, 2025-11-05]
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Idaho, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like medical care, education, and housing. Contributions are limited to $18,000 per year in 2025. ABLE accounts do not count toward SSI resource limits.
[Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-05]
[Source: SSA.gov, Idaho Medicaid, 2025-11-05]
If your income, work, or health changes, you must report it to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in benefit reductions or repayment. Report changes online, by phone, or in person. Keep records of all reports and communications.
[Source: SSA.gov, Idaho Medicaid, 2025-11-05]
In 2025, SSDI/SSI benefits increase by 2.5% due to COLA. The SGA limit is $1,620/month (or $2,700 if blind). Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts offer extra support for cancer patients.
Yes, if your cancer is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months or results in death. SSDI requires a work history; SSI requires low income and resources. You must meet SSA’s definition of disability.
Apply for SSDI/SSI online at SSA.gov or at a local Social Security office. Apply for Idaho Medicaid online or by mail. Idaho DDS will review your medical records for SSDI/SSI.
The SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals in 2025. Earning above this limit may affect your SSDI/SSI benefits.
Yes, Idaho Medicaid covers cancer treatment, medications, and related services for eligible individuals. You must meet financial and medical eligibility requirements.
Yes, but you cannot earn more than the SGA limit. Work incentives like Ticket to Work can help you keep benefits while working.
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. It allows you to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
Report changes to Social Security and Medicaid online, by phone, or in person. Keep records of all reports and communications to avoid overpayments.
Idaho offers Medicaid waivers and the Adult with Developmental Disabilities program for those with severe, lifelong limitations. These programs can provide extra support for cancer patients.
If your claim is denied, you can appeal the decision. Contact your local Social Security office or Idaho DDS for help with the appeals process.
Yes, children with cancer may qualify for SSI if they meet SSA’s disability criteria and their family meets income requirements. Adults with a disability that began before age 22 may also qualify for benefits based on a parent’s record.
