If you are hard of hearing in Idaho, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid waivers, and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI or SSI, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. For adults, this means a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that prevents you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA) and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) [1].
SSDI requires work credits based on your earnings history. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Children with disabilities may also qualify for benefits if their condition began before age 22 and meets adult disability standards [5].
In Idaho, eligibility for disability services often starts with a Medicaid application. If you are hard of hearing and have other qualifying conditions, you may be eligible for Idaho’s Adult with Developmental Disabilities (DD) programs. These programs require financial eligibility and a determination of ICF/IID level of care. Your disability must be chronic, appear before age 22, and substantially limit your ability in at least three major life activities, such as communication, learning, or self-care [2].
Idaho’s Disability Determinations Service (DDS) reviews the medical portion of SSDI and SSI applications for Idaho residents. They do not accept applications directly; claims are sent from Social Security offices for review [3].
ABLE accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI and Medicaid. Idaho offers ABLE accounts for residents with disabilities that began before age 26. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, including assistive technology and education [ABLE Accounts].
For 2025, the SGA limit for SSDI is $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind). SSI has strict income and resource limits. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual, but this can be reduced by countable income [5].
You must report changes in income, employment, or health to the SSA or Idaho Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment or benefit suspension. Use the SSA’s online portal or contact your local office to report changes [Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
Contact your local Social Security office or Idaho Department of Health and Welfare for help with applications and eligibility questions.
Yes, if your hearing loss meets the SSA’s definition of disability and you have enough work credits. You must be unable to do substantial gainful activity due to your condition [5].
Yes, if your hearing loss meets the SSA’s definition of disability and you have limited income and resources. SSI is not based on work history [5].
For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind). Earning above this limit may affect your SSDI benefits [1].
Yes, there are work incentives that allow you to work and keep some benefits. The SSA offers programs like Ticket to Work and PASS plans to help you transition to employment [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives].
You must complete a Medicaid application and be determined financially eligible. If approved, you may need to complete an additional assessment for developmental disability services [2].
Idaho DDS reviews the medical portion of SSDI and SSI claims for Idaho residents. They do not accept applications directly; claims are sent from Social Security offices [3].
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, Idaho offers ABLE accounts for residents with disabilities that began before age 26. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses [ABLE Accounts].
Medicaid is a state and federal program for people with low income and disabilities. Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older or those with certain disabilities [Medicaid vs Medicare].
You must report changes in income, employment, or health to the SSA or Idaho Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Use the SSA’s online portal or contact your local office [Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
Yes, children with qualifying disabilities may receive benefits if their condition began before age 22 and meets adult disability standards. Benefits can continue into adulthood if the disability persists [5].
