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Illinois • Neurological/Developmental
People in Illinois with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may qualify for federal and state benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and work incentives. These programs help cover medical costs, provide cash support, and support employment.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, your ADHD must cause marked and severe functional limitations that prevent you from working or doing daily activities. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. For SSDI, you must have worked enough to earn work credits. Children with ADHD may qualify if their condition severely limits their functioning. Adults must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability, which includes not being able to do substantial work. The SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity) limit for 2025 is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for benefits [2][3][6].
In Illinois, adults with ADHD who work may qualify for the Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) program if they are between 16 and 64 years old, have a disability, and meet income and asset limits. HBWD allows up to $25,000 in assets and a monthly income of up to $4,393 for a single person or $5,962 for a couple. Premiums are based on income. Children with ADHD may qualify for Medicaid or other state programs if their family meets income requirements. Illinois also offers Medicaid waivers and support services for people with developmental disabilities, which may include ADHD if it causes significant functional limitations [1][5][9].
IL ABLE accounts let people with ADHD and their families save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. You can save up to $18,000 per year, and the account grows tax-free. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other qualified expenses. Opening an account is easy online or by phone [8].
For SSI in 2025, the maximum monthly benefit is $967 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 HBWD in Illinois, the income limit is $4,393/month for a single person and $5,962/month for a couple. Asset limits for SSI are $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. HBWD allows up to $25,000 in assets [1][2][3][7].
It is important to report any changes in income, work, or health to Social Security and the Illinois Department of Human Services. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments, which you may have to repay. Overpayments can happen if you earn more than the SGA limit, get a raise, or stop working. Reporting changes promptly helps avoid problems and keeps your benefits secure [5][7].
Contact the Illinois Department of Human Services Help Line at 1-800-843-6154 or the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 for help with applications and questions.
Yes, ADHD can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it causes marked and severe functional limitations that prevent you from working or doing daily activities. Children and adults may qualify if their condition meets Social Security’s disability criteria [2][3][6].
The SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity) limit for non-blind individuals in 2025 is $1,620 per month. For blind individuals, it is $2,700 per month. Earning more than this may affect your eligibility for disability benefits [2][3].
You can apply for Medicaid or HBWD online through the Illinois Department of Human Services, in person at a Family Community Resource Center, or by calling the DHS Help Line at 1-800-843-6154. You will need to provide proof of income, disability, and identification [1][5].
The maximum SSI benefit for an individual in Illinois in 2025 is $967 per month. For a couple, it is $1,450 per month if both spouses are eligible [7].
Yes, you can work and still get disability benefits in Illinois. Work incentives like Ticket to Work and HBWD help you keep benefits while working. The SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals in 2025 [2][5].
ABLE accounts let people with ADHD save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. Illinois offers IL ABLE accounts, which grow tax-free and can be used for education, housing, and other qualified expenses [8].
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about disability benefits in Illinois. For specific eligibility and application details, contact the relevant agencies directly.
Yes, you must report any changes in income, work, or health to Social Security and the Illinois Department of Human Services. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments, which you may have to repay [5][7].
The asset limit for HBWD in Illinois is $25,000. This is higher than the SSI asset limit of $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple [1].
Yes, children with ADHD may qualify for SSI or Medicaid if their condition causes marked and severe functional limitations. The SGA limit for children in 2025 is $1,620 per month for non-blind beneficiaries and $2,700 for blind beneficiaries [3].
Adults with ADHD in Illinois may qualify for Medicaid waivers, HBWD, SNAP, TANF, and ABLE accounts. Support services include counseling, job training, and assistive technology through organizations like The Arc of Illinois [4][5][9].
