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Illinois • Neurological/Developmental
People with Cerebral Palsy in Illinois can get federal and state benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and special programs. These help cover medical care, living costs, and support for work. Eligibility depends on income, assets, and disability severity. This guide explains how to apply and what benefits are available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) strict definition of disability. This means your condition must stop you from doing any substantial work, and it must last at least 12 months or result in death. For Cerebral Palsy, this often means severe movement or functional limitations. The SSA looks at your medical records, work history, and how your condition affects daily life. You must also meet income and asset limits for SSI, and work credits for SSDI. The SSA updates these rules yearly, so check current limits for 2025[2][3][5].
In Illinois, people with Cerebral Palsy can get extra help through state programs. The Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) program lets people work and keep Medicaid if their monthly income is up to $4,393 for a single person or $5,962 for a couple. HBWD also allows up to $25,000 in assets, which is higher than most Medicaid programs. Illinois also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help with therapy, equipment, and personal care. These waivers have their own rules and waiting lists, so apply early[1][8].
An ABLE account lets people with Cerebral Palsy save money for qualified disability expenses without losing SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. In Illinois, you can open an IL ABLE account. The account can hold up to $100,000 without affecting SSI, and more without affecting Medicaid. You can use the funds for things like therapy, equipment, education, and housing[7].
It is important to report any changes in your income, health, or living situation to the Social Security Administration and Illinois Department of Human Services. This includes changes in work, assets, or medical condition. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. If you get an overpayment notice, contact a benefits expert for help[4].
Contact a Work Incentives Planning and Assistance expert or your local Rehabilitation Services office for free help with your benefits application.
Yes, you can work and keep disability benefits in Illinois. The Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) program lets you work and keep Medicaid if your income is below the limit. SSI and SSDI also have work incentives that let you earn some income without losing benefits[1][2][4].
The maximum SSI benefit in Illinois for 2025 is $967 per month for an individual. Your actual payment may be lower if you have other income. The SSI program has strict income and asset limits, so check with the Social Security Administration for details[6].
You can apply for Medicaid in Illinois online at the Department of Human Services website or at a local Family Community Resource Center. You will need to provide proof of income, assets, and disability. If you get SSI, you usually get Medicaid automatically[1][4].
SSI is for people with low income and assets, while SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is based on financial need, SSDI is based on work history. Both programs help with income and medical care for people with disabilities[5][6].
Yes, you can save money in an ABLE account and still get SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. The account can hold up to $100,000 without affecting SSI, and more without affecting Medicaid. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses[7].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
The SGA limit for 2025 is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 per month for blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you may lose your disability benefits. The limit is updated each year to reflect inflation[2][3].
Yes, you must report any changes in your income, health, or living situation to the Social Security Administration and Illinois Department of Human Services. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back[4].
Illinois offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, such as therapy, equipment, and personal care. These include the Adults with Developmental Disabilities waiver and the Support Waiver for Children and Young Adults. These waivers have their own rules and waiting lists, so apply early[8].
You can get help with your benefits application from a Work Incentives Planning and Assistance expert, a local Rehabilitation Services office, or the Illinois Department of Human Services. They can help you understand the rules and guide you through the process[4].
If you get an overpayment notice, contact a benefits expert for help. You may be able to set up a payment plan or have the overpayment waived. Not paying an overpayment can lead to loss of benefits or other penalties[4].
