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Illinois • Chronic Illness
If you have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Illinois, you may qualify for several disability benefits and programs. This guide covers federal and state support, how to apply, and tips to manage your benefits—so you can focus on your health and independence.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can meet Social Security’s definition of disability if it severely limits your ability to work for at least a year. For SSDI, you need enough work credits. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources, and your impairment must cause 'marked and severe functional limitations.' Children with disabilities have separate rules and income limits[3][5]. The SSA uses strict medical criteria: your condition must prevent you from working any job in the national economy, not just your old job. In 2025, you can’t earn more than $1,620/month ($2,700 if blind) on SSI; SSDI also has income caps[3].
Illinois has extra support for people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) program lets individuals who are working keep Medicaid even if their income is up to $4,393/month (single) or $5,962/month (couple)[1]. You must be age 16–64, have a disability, and be working. Illinois also has higher asset limits for HBWD ($25,000), unlike regular Medicaid. If you’re not working, you may still get Medicaid through other IL programs, but HBWD is unique for workers with disabilities. For SSI, the benefit maximum is $967/month for an individual in 2025, but actual payments depend on your income and living situation[6].
1. Confirm your diagnosis and medical evidence. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome must be well-documented by your doctor. 2. Review SSI/SSDI rules. SSDI needs a work history; SSI is based on income/resources. 3. Gather documents. You’ll need medical records, identity, income, and asset info. 4. Apply for federal benefits. Use SSA’s online portal or call 1-800-772-1213[4]. 5. Apply for Illinois Medicaid. Visit ABE.IL.gov or request an HBWD form from HFS[1]. 6. Consider work incentives. If you work, HBWD protects your Medicaid. 7. Check for other state programs. Illinois offers help with food, transportation, and more. 8. Report changes in income or work right away to avoid benefit problems (see Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes). 9. Follow up. Delays are common; keep copies of everything. 10. Get help. Call Illinois DHS at 1-800-843-6154 or a local legal aid office for assistance.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income): This is for low-income people with disabilities, including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, who have limited income and assets. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Requires work credits and a qualifying disability. Medicare: Available after 24 months on SSDI. ABLE Accounts: Let you save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits (see ABLE Accounts).
Illinois Medicaid: Provides healthcare for low-income residents with disabilities. Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD): A special Medicaid option for working people with disabilities, even if their income is higher than usual Medicaid limits[1]. Benefit Access Program: Offers discounted transit for people with disabilities[7]. SNAP (Food Assistance): Helps pay for food. IL ABLE accounts: State-sponsored savings accounts for disability expenses[8]. Illinois DHS can connect you to all these supports; start at their website or call 1-800-843-6154.
IL ABLE Accounts let people with disabilities save up for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. Funds can pay for housing, education, healthcare, and more. Earnings grow tax-free. Illinois offers its own ABLE plan, IL ABLE[8]. See ABLE Accounts for more.
SSI income limits: $1,620/month earned income for non-blind, $2,700/month for blind individuals in 2025[3]. SSDI: No strict income limit, but earning over the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level may stop benefits. HBWD (Illinois): Up to $4,393/month (single) or $5,962/month (couple) if working[1]. SSI maximum benefit: $967/month (individual), $1,450/month (couple) in 2025[6].
Always report changes in income, work, or living situation to SSA and Illinois DHS. Failing to report can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. For help understanding your obligations, see Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.
Yes, if your condition severely limits your ability to work and meet the SSA’s medical criteria. SSI also requires low income and resources, while SSDI requires work credits. Medical documentation is key—work closely with your doctor[3][5].
HBWD lets working people with disabilities—including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome—keep Medicaid coverage even if their income is higher than usual Medicaid limits. You must be ages 16–64, have a disability, and be employed[1].
For SSI in 2025, you can earn up to $1,620/month (non-blind) or $2,700/month (blind)[3]. Earning over the SGA limit may risk SSDI. Illinois HBWD allows much higher income if you work ($4,393/month for individuals)[1].
An IL ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. Money saved does not count against SSI or Medicaid resource limits, up to $100,000[8]. See [ABLE Accounts](/guides/able-accounts) for details.
Apply online at ABE.IL.gov, or download the HBWD application from the Illinois Dept. of Healthcare and Family Services website[1]. For help, call Illinois DHS at 1-800-843-6154.
Yes, Illinois offers SNAP for food and the Benefit Access Program for discounted transit for people with disabilities[7]. Illinois DHS can help you apply.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Benefits and rules change frequently; always confirm details with official agencies. We are not affiliated with any government program.
You can appeal. Contact a legal aid agency or Illinois DHS for free help with appeals. Keep all medical and work records.
Working can affect SSI and SSDI, but some income and expenses are excluded. Illinois HBWD is designed for workers with disabilities. See [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives](/guides/work-incentives) for details.
Report all income, work status, address, and household changes to SSA and Illinois DHS. Delay can lead to overpayments or loss of benefits (see [Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes](/guides/overpayments-and-reporting)).
Call Illinois DHS at 1-800-843-6154, visit your local DHS Family Community Resource Center, or contact a legal aid office for free advice.
