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Idaho • Chronic Illness
If you have diabetes in Idaho, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with diabetes, your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. For SSDI, you need a work history and enough Social Security credits. For SSI, your income and resources must be low. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a medical guide called the Blue Book to decide if diabetes is disabling. If your diabetes causes complications like kidney failure, vision loss, or nerve damage, you may qualify. In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Earning above this may affect your benefits [1].
In Idaho, you may also qualify for Medicaid if you have diabetes and meet income and asset limits. Medicaid can help pay for doctor visits, insulin, and other diabetes care. Idaho also offers Medicaid waivers for people with developmental disabilities or long-term care needs, which may apply if diabetes causes severe complications. To get these services, you must first apply for Medicaid and then for the waiver program. Idaho’s Disability Determinations Service (DDS) reviews medical evidence for Social Security disability claims. They do not accept applications directly, but work with SSA offices to decide if you meet the medical criteria for disability [3].
Idaho offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities, including diabetes. ABLE accounts let you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for medical care, education, housing, and more. Learn more about Idaho ABLE accounts and how to open one [ABLE Accounts].
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Idaho Medicaid has its own income limits, which vary by program and household size. For Medicaid waivers, you must meet both financial and medical criteria. The SGA limit for SSDI is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals in 2025 [1].
If your income, resources, or health changes, you must report it to SSA and Idaho Health and Welfare. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Learn how to avoid overpayments and report changes to keep your benefits [Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
Contact Idaho’s Disability Determinations Service or your local Social Security office for help with your application. You can also get free help from Idaho’s legal aid programs.
Yes, if diabetes severely limits your ability to work for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. Complications like kidney failure, vision loss, or nerve damage can help your case. Idaho Medicaid may also cover diabetes care if you meet income limits.
Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov or at a Social Security office. For Medicaid, apply through Idaho Health and Welfare. For Medicaid waivers, complete both Medicaid and waiver applications. Gather medical records and financial documents before applying.
The federal SSI income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Idaho Medicaid has its own income limits, which vary by program and household size. The SGA limit for SSDI is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals.
Yes, Idaho Medicaid covers diabetes care for those with low income. This includes doctor visits, insulin, and other supplies. You must apply and meet financial and medical criteria. Medicaid waivers may also provide home and community-based support for severe complications.
Medicaid waivers in Idaho provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including those with severe diabetes complications. Waivers cover personal care, respite care, therapy, and more. You must meet both financial and medical criteria to qualify.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Yes, work incentives let you keep benefits while working. The SGA limit in 2025 is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals. If you earn above this, your benefits may be affected. Learn about work incentives to keep benefits while working [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives].
An ABLE account in Idaho lets people with disabilities, including diabetes, save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for medical care, education, housing, and more. Learn more about Idaho ABLE accounts [ABLE Accounts].
The time to get benefits varies. SSDI and SSI decisions can take 3–6 months or longer. Medicaid and waiver applications may take several weeks. Keep records and follow up with SSA and Idaho Health and Welfare.
If your diabetes worsens, report the change to SSA and Idaho Health and Welfare. You may qualify for more benefits or services. Keep medical records and update your application if needed.
Children with diabetes may qualify for SSI if their condition is severe and meets income limits. Children may also get Medicaid or Medicaid waivers if they have severe complications. Parents can apply through Idaho Health and Welfare.
