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Illinois • Mental Health
Illinois offers disability, health, and financial programs for people with severe anxiety disorders. Most applicants rely on SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, or special Illinois work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, benefit amounts, and how working–or not–affects your support, including access to ABLE accounts and avoiding overpayments.
To qualify for SSI or SSDI with an anxiety disorder, you must meet Social Security’s strict definition of disability: your condition must cause “marked and severe” limitations, last at least 12 months, and make work impossible. For SSDI, you also need enough work credits. SSI has strict income and asset limits, and rules are different for children[5].
Illinois uses federal rules for SSI/SSDI but adds programs for extra support. Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) lets people with disabilities keep Medicaid coverage if they work. Income limits for HBWD are much higher—up to $4,393/month for a single person—and the asset limit is $25,000. You must be 16–64, have a disability, and be working. IL ABLE accounts help you save without losing benefits. State-specific mental health waivers may also assist with community supports[1][8].
Ready to apply? Start online at ssa.gov for SSI or SSDI. For Illinois Medicaid, HBWD, or questions about other state supports, call Illinois Medicaid (1-800-226-0768) or visit a local Department of Human Services office. Gather your medical records, work history, and financial documents before you apply. Need help? Free state and federal hotlines provide application help[4].
SSI/SSDI: Apply online at ssa.gov, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit a local Social Security office. Provide detailed medical records and work history. For SSDI, show you’ve earned enough work credits. For SSI, document your income and resources.
Illinois Medicaid: Apply at ABE.Illinois.gov or call 1-800-226-0768. If you work and have a disability, ask specifically about HBWD.
Prove Disability: Your doctor must confirm your anxiety disorder causes “marked and severe” functional limits, especially in work, social, or daily living. Supplemental records from counselors, therapists, or hospitalizations can help.
State Resources: Contact the Illinois Department of Human Services for additional safety net programs, mental health waivers, and supports for disabilities.
Help Applying: Use the IL Disability Benefits 101 website for detailed guides or call their helpline for one-on-one planning[4].
Federal supports for anxiety disorders include:
Illinois offers extra help:
IL ABLE accounts let you save money (up to $100,000) without losing SSI or Medicaid. Earnings are not taxed when used for disability-related expenses. You must have a disability that started before age 26[8].
For SSI, income must be below $967/month (individual, 2025), $1,450 for couples. SSDI has no asset limit but requires enough work credits. HBWD in Illinois allows $4,393/month for singles, $5,962 for couples, and $25,000 in assets[1][6]. Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limits for 2025 will be updated by Social Security for SSDI[2].
You must report changes in income, work, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Overpayments must be repaid, but sometimes payment plans or forgiveness are possible. Review Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for more details. Use SSI & SSDI work incentives to keep benefits when you start earning[4].
Illinois’ HBWD program helps people with anxiety disorders get–and keep–jobs while keeping Medicaid health coverage, even if they earn up to $4,393/month (single). There’s no reason to fear losing your benefits if you want to try working[1].
The Illinois Department of Human Services and DB101 Illinois both offer free, confidential help with applications, appeals, and benefits planning. Use their hotlines and websites to connect with experts who understand Illinois rules and can help you keep your benefits as your situation changes[4].
Yes, Illinois’ HBWD program lets you keep Medicaid coverage even if you work, as long as your income is under $4,393/month (single) and your assets are under $25,000. You must be age 16–64 and have a qualifying disability[1].
The maximum SSI benefit is $967/month for individuals and $1,450/month for eligible couples in 2025 (federal base rate). Some Illinois residents may get small state supplements[6].
Income must be less than $967/month (individual, 2025), and strict resource limits apply. Parental income counts if you’re under 18. SSI counts most income, but some “unearned income” (like food or shelter) may be excluded[6].
Illinois offers HBWD for workers, Medicaid waivers for some disabilities (check DHS for mental health waivers), and ABLE accounts to save money. Food, utility, and crisis supports are also available[1][7][8].
Apply online at ssa.gov (SSI/SSDI), at ABE.Illinois.gov (Medicaid/HBWD), or call 1-800-772-1213 (Social Security) or 1-800-226-0768 (Illinois Medicaid). Gather medical records and financial documents before applying[1][4].
Yes, an IL ABLE account lets you save up to $100,000 without losing SSI or Medicaid. Use it for disability-related expenses. You must have a qualifying disability and evidence it began before age 26[8].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Benefit rules can change and may depend on your individual circumstances. Always check with official agencies for the most current information.
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) is the maximum you can earn while still qualifying for SSDI. In 2025, the limit may increase slightly from the 2024 amount ($1,470/month non-blind). Earning above SGA may result in a loss of SSDI[2].
Apply with all your conditions. Social Security and Illinois programs consider the combined impact of all impairments on your ability to work and function. Multiple conditions often strengthen your case for disability benefits[5].
Illinois uses federal SSI rules for children. The child’s income and family resources must be below strict limits. The child must have a condition causing “marked and severe” functional limits and not earn more than $1,620/month (2025, non-blind)[3].
Use DB101 Illinois, call the Illinois DHS Help Line (1-800-843-6154), HBWD expert line (1-800-226-0768), or your local DHS office for personalized planning and application help[4].
