If you have an amputation in Illinois, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and special programs for workers. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key resources for Illinois residents.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a medical condition that meets Social Security’s definition of disability. For amputation, this usually means a major limb loss that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. SSDI requires work credits from jobs covered by Social Security. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. In 2025, the SSI federal benefit rate is $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple. The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for non-blind individuals is $1,620 per month in 2025, and $2,700 for blind individuals. If your earnings exceed these limits, you may not qualify for benefits unless you use work incentives [2][3][6].
In Illinois, people with amputations may qualify for Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) if they are aged 16–64, working, and have countable income up to $4,393 per month for a single person or $5,962 for a couple. HBWD allows up to $25,000 in assets, which is higher than most Medicaid programs. You must pay a monthly premium based on your income. Illinois also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help with personal care and support services. These programs are designed to help people with disabilities live independently and work if possible [1][4][7].
IL ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save up to $17,000 per year (2025) without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like medical care, education, housing, and transportation. Account holders must have a qualifying disability that began before age 26. More information and applications are available at IL ABLE [8].
For SSI in 2025, the federal benefit rate is $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple. The SGA limit for non-blind individuals is $1,620 per month, and $2,700 for blind individuals. For Illinois Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD), the income limit is $4,393 per month for a single person and $5,962 for a couple. Asset limits for HBWD are up to $25,000 [1][3][6].
You must report changes in income, work, or health to Social Security and the Illinois Department of Human Services. Failure to report can result in overpayments, which you may have to repay. Use the SSI Income Estimator tool to help plan your work and avoid overpayments. If you have questions, contact a Work Incentives Planning and Assistance expert [4][6].
Contact the Illinois Department of Human Services Help Line at 1-800-843-6154 or a Work Incentives Planning and Assistance expert for free help with your application.
Yes, you can work and still get disability benefits in Illinois. Programs like SSI and SSDI have work incentives that let you keep benefits while you work. The SGA limit for non-blind individuals is $1,620 per month in 2025. If you earn more, you may still qualify for benefits under certain rules [2][3].
The income limit for Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) in Illinois is $4,393 per month for a single person and $5,962 for a couple. You can have up to $25,000 in assets and still qualify. Premiums are based on your income [1].
You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. You will need medical records, proof of income, and identification. For Medicaid (HBWD), apply through the Illinois Department of Human Services [4][5].
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. In Illinois, you can open an IL ABLE account if your disability began before age 26. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits [8].
Yes, you must report changes in income, work, or health to Social Security and the Illinois Department of Human Services. Failure to report can result in overpayments, which you may have to repay. Use the SSI Income Estimator tool to help plan your work [4][6].
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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Medicaid waivers provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including those with amputations. These services can help with personal care, therapy, and support so you can live independently in the community [7].
Yes, you may be able to get both SSI and SSDI in Illinois if you meet the eligibility rules for both programs. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes [6].
The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for non-blind individuals in 2025 is $1,620 per month. For blind individuals, it is $2,700 per month. If you earn more than these amounts, you may not qualify for SSI or SSDI unless you use work incentives [2][3].
To avoid overpayments, report any changes in income, work, or health to Social Security and the Illinois Department of Human Services. Use the SSI Income Estimator tool to help plan your work and avoid overpayments [4][6].
Young people with amputations in Illinois may qualify for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and special programs for workers. Contact the Illinois Department of Human Services or a local Benefits Planning Program for help [4].
