If you have arthritis in Illinois, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, plus state programs for health care, cash aid, and support. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available in 2025.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security, have a disability that prevents you from doing substantial work, and meet the work credit rules. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your disability must meet Social Security’s strict definition. Arthritis may qualify if it causes marked and severe functional limitations and prevents you from working at the SGA level. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals and $2,700/month for blind individuals. Benefits are only for total, long-term disabilities, not partial or short-term ones [1].
In Illinois, arthritis may qualify you for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and other state programs. The state follows federal rules for SSI and SSDI eligibility, but also offers additional support like Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, SNAP, and the Illinois ABLE account for saving without losing benefits. If you are under 18, your family’s income and resources may affect your SSI eligibility. Illinois also has programs for assistive technology, family support, and health benefits for workers with disabilities. Always check with the Illinois Department of Human Services or Social Security for the latest rules and income limits [2][4][9].
IL ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, and transportation. To open an account, you must have a disability that started before age 26. Learn more at the IL ABLE website [8].
In 2025, the SSI payment limit is $967/month for individuals and $1,450/month for couples. The SGA limit for non-blind people is $1,620/month, and for blind people, it is $2,700/month. These limits may change each year based on inflation. Always report changes in income to Social Security to avoid overpayments [1][2][7].
You must report changes in income, work, or health to Social Security and DHS. If you get too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. To avoid overpayments, report changes as soon as possible. Learn more about reporting changes and avoiding overpayments [4][7].
Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or your local Family Community Resource Center for help with your application.
Open an IL ABLE account to save money for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid.
Yes, arthritis can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it causes marked and severe functional limitations and prevents you from working at the SGA level. You must meet Social Security’s strict definition of disability and provide medical evidence [5].
In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals and $2,700/month for blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for SSDI or SSI [2].
The maximum SSI payment in 2025 is $967/month for individuals and $1,450/month for couples. Your actual payment may be lower based on your income and resources [7].
Illinois offers Medicaid, Medicaid waivers, SNAP, ABLE accounts, assistive technology funds, family support, and work incentives. Contact the Illinois Department of Human Services for more information [4][9][3][8].
You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office. You will need medical records and work history [5].
Yes, you must report changes in income, work, or health to Social Security and DHS. If you do not, you may get too much in benefits and have to pay it back [4][7].
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, you can work, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit. Social Security has work incentives to help you try working without losing benefits [4][5].
An ABLE account lets you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses. To open an account, you must have a disability that started before age 26 [8].
Medicaid waivers provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities, so they can live in the community instead of institutions. These services may include personal care, therapy, and assistive technology [9].
You can get help from Social Security, the Illinois Department of Human Services, or local nonprofits like The Arc of Illinois. They can help you apply, appeal, and understand your benefits [4][3].
