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Illinois • Learning
People with dysgraphia in Illinois may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and ABLE accounts. Eligibility depends on income, assets, and how dysgraphia affects daily life and work. This guide explains how to apply and what support is available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, dysgraphia must cause marked and severe functional limitations that prevent substantial work. For SSI, children must earn less than $1,620 per month (non-blind) or $2,700 (blind) in 2025. Adults must meet the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals in 2024 and expected to rise slightly in 2025. SSDI requires a work history and enough Social Security credits. SSI also considers household income and resources, with a maximum monthly payment of $967 for individuals and $1,450 for couples in 2025. All applicants must provide medical evidence showing how dysgraphia limits their ability to work or function daily [5][3][7].
In Illinois, adults with dysgraphia who work may qualify for Medicaid through the Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) program. HBWD allows workers with disabilities to earn up to $4,393 per month (single) or $5,962 (couple) and have up to $25,000 in assets. Applicants must be between 16 and 64 years old and have a qualifying disability. Children with dysgraphia may qualify for SSI if their income and family resources are within limits. Illinois also offers ABLE accounts, which let residents save for disability-related expenses without risking loss of benefits. There are no state-only disability cash benefits for dysgraphia, but Medicaid waivers and support services may be available for those with additional needs [1][5][8].
Illinois ABLE accounts let people with dysgraphia save up to $18,000 per year (2025) for qualified disability expenses. The total account balance cannot exceed $500,000. Funds do not count as income or assets for SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. To open an account, you need a Social Security number and proof of disability [8].
| Program | Individual Income Limit (2025) | Couple Income Limit (2025) | Asset Limit | |---------|-------------------------------|-----------------------------|-------------| | SSI | $967/month | $1,450/month | $2,000 | | HBWD | $4,393/month | $5,962/month | $25,000 | | SSDI | No strict limit, but SGA limit applies | No strict limit, but SGA limit applies | No limit |
SGA limit for non-blind: $1,470/month (2024), expected to rise in 2025. For blind: $2,460/month (2024), expected to rise in 2025 [5][1][3][2].
You must report changes in income, assets, or health to the Social Security Administration or Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. Failure to report can result in overpayments and penalties. Keep records of all reports and communications. If you receive an overpayment notice, contact the agency to discuss repayment options [5][1].
Contact The Arc of Illinois or Illinois Legal Aid for free help with applications and questions about benefits for dysgraphia.
Yes, if dysgraphia causes marked and severe functional limitations that prevent substantial work. Medical evidence is required to show how it affects daily life and work.
The maximum SSI benefit is $967 per month for individuals and $1,450 for couples in 2025. Income and resources must be within these limits to qualify.
Yes, through programs like HBWD and SSI work incentives. HBWD allows workers with disabilities to earn up to $4,393/month (single) or $5,962/month (couple) and keep Medicaid.
An ABLE account lets Illinois residents with dysgraphia save for disability expenses without losing benefits. You can save up to $18,000 per year (2025) and the balance does not count as income or assets.
Apply for HBWD through the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services if you work and have a disability. You can also qualify for Medicaid through SSI or SSDI.
Yes, you must report changes to the Social Security Administration or Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to avoid overpayments and penalties.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for your specific situation.
No, Illinois does not offer state-only disability cash benefits for dysgraphia. Federal programs like SSI and SSDI are the main sources of cash support.
Yes, if their income and family resources are within limits and their dysgraphia causes marked and severe functional limitations.
The Arc of Illinois and other nonprofits offer advocacy, information, and support for families and individuals with disabilities, including those with dysgraphia.
You need medical records from a qualified professional showing the diagnosis and how dysgraphia affects daily life and work.
