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Illinois • Neurological/Developmental
People with Down Syndrome in Illinois can access federal and state benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and ABLE accounts. These programs help with healthcare, income, and financial independence. Eligibility depends on age, income, and disability status.
To qualify for federal disability benefits, you must have a medical condition that meets Social Security’s definition of disability. For children, this means a condition causing marked and severe functional limitations. Adults must be unable to work for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses income and resource limits to decide eligibility. For 2025, the SSI limit for a child is $1,620 per month for non-blind beneficiaries and $2,700 for blind beneficiaries. Adults must not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,470 per month for non-blind and $2,460 for blind individuals in 2024, with a likely increase in 2025 [2].
SSDI requires work credits based on your work history. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs have strict rules about income and assets [5].
In Illinois, people with Down Syndrome can qualify for several state programs. The Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) program provides Medicaid coverage for workers aged 16–64 with disabilities. To qualify, your countable income must be up to $4,393 per month for a single person and $5,962 for a couple. HBWD allows up to $25,000 in assets, which is higher than most Medicaid programs. You may pay a monthly premium based on your income [1].
Other Illinois programs include SNAP (food assistance), TANF (cash aid), and Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services. Children with Down Syndrome may also qualify for Medicaid if they meet income and disability requirements [4].
IL ABLE Accounts allow people with disabilities to save up to $18,000 per year (2025 limit) without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for qualified expenses like education, housing, and healthcare. Anyone can contribute to an ABLE account, and earnings grow tax-free [8].
You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security and Illinois agencies. Failure to report can result in overpayments and penalties. Use the SSI Income Estimator tool to track changes and avoid overpayments [4].
Contact the Illinois Department of Human Services at 1-800-843-6154 for help with Medicaid and other state programs. For Social Security benefits, call 1-800-772-1213.
Yes, a child with Down Syndrome may qualify for SSI if they meet the medical and financial requirements. The child must have marked and severe functional limitations, and the family’s income and resources must be within limits. For 2025, the SSI limit is $1,620/month for non-blind children and $2,700/month for blind children [3].
The maximum SSI benefit in Illinois for 2025 is $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 per month for a couple if both spouses are eligible. Income and resources must be within strict limits to qualify [6].
Working can affect SSI and SSDI benefits. Earnings above the SGA limit ($1,470/month for non-blind, $2,460/month for blind in 2024, likely higher in 2025) may reduce or stop benefits. However, work incentives allow some people to earn more while keeping benefits [2].
The Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) program provides Medicaid coverage for workers with disabilities aged 16–64. The income limit is $4,393/month for singles and $5,962/month for couples. Asset limit is $25,000. Premiums may apply based on income [1].
Yes, you can save money in an IL ABLE account without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. The account has a $18,000 annual contribution limit (2025). Funds can be used for qualified expenses like education, housing, and healthcare [8].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
You can apply for Medicaid in Illinois online, by phone at 1-800-843-6154, or in person at a Family Community Resource Center. You will need to provide proof of income, disability, and residency [4].
SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs provide monthly cash benefits for people with disabilities [5].
Yes, adults with Down Syndrome can get SSDI if they have worked and paid Social Security taxes. The amount depends on their work history. They must also meet the medical definition of disability [5].
Medicaid waivers in Illinois provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities. These services help people live independently and avoid institutional care. Eligibility depends on income and disability status [4].
You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security and Illinois agencies. Failure to report can result in overpayments and penalties. Use the SSI Income Estimator tool to track changes and avoid overpayments [4].
