People with dyslexia in Illinois may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, as well as state programs. Eligibility depends on how dyslexia affects daily life and work. This guide covers how to apply, what benefits are available, and how to keep them.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with dyslexia, your condition must cause marked and severe functional limitations that last at least 12 months or result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not pay for partial or short-term disabilities. For SSI, your income and resources must be below certain limits. For SSDI, you must have a qualifying work history. Both programs require that you cannot do substantial gainful activity (SGA) because of your disability. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If you are working and earning more than these amounts, you may not qualify for benefits.
Children with dyslexia may also qualify for SSI if their condition results in marked and severe functional limitations and their family's income and resources are within limits. The SSA considers both the child's and family's income and resources when deciding eligibility.
Source: SSA, 2025 Source: SSA, 2025
In Illinois, people with dyslexia may qualify for additional state programs beyond federal benefits. These include Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, ABLE accounts for saving without losing benefits, and other supports. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and the Illinois Department on Aging offer programs for people with disabilities, including those with learning disabilities like dyslexia. To qualify for state programs, you may need to meet specific criteria, such as income limits or functional limitations. Some programs require a diagnosis from a qualified professional. Illinois also offers work incentives and support services to help people with disabilities find and keep jobs.
Source: Illinois Department of Human Services Source: Illinois Department on Aging Source: Illinois ABLE Source: Illinois Life Span Program
Source: SSA, 2025 Source: Illinois Department of Human Services Source: Illinois ABLE
Source: SSA, 2025 Source: SSA, 2025
Source: Illinois Department of Human Services Source: Illinois Department on Aging Source: Illinois ABLE Source: Illinois Life Span Program
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for qualified disability expenses without losing eligibility for benefits like SSI and Medicaid. In Illinois, you can open an ABLE account through Illinois ABLE. The account can be used for expenses like education, housing, transportation, and personal support. There are annual and lifetime contribution limits. For 2025, the annual limit is $18,000. ABLE accounts do not count as resources for SSI eligibility up to $100,000.
For SSI in Illinois, the maximum monthly benefit is $967 for an individual in 2025. The SSA considers both your income and resources when deciding eligibility. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not earn more than the SGA limit ($1,620 per month for non-blind individuals, $2,700 for blind individuals in 2025). For state programs, income and resource limits vary. Check with the Illinois Department of Human Services for specific limits.
Source: Illinois Legal Aid Source: SSA, 2025
You must report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation to Social Security and the Illinois Department of Human Services. Failure to report changes can result in overpayments and penalties. Overpayments must be repaid, but you can request a waiver if you cannot afford to repay. Keep records of all changes and reports. For more information, see the guide on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes.
Source: SSA, 2025 Source: Illinois Department of Human Services
Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or the Illinois Department of Human Services for help with your application.
Yes, if dyslexia causes marked and severe functional limitations that last at least 12 months or result in death. You must also meet income and resource limits for SSI or have a qualifying work history for SSDI. Children may qualify if their family's income and resources are within limits.
In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If you earn more than these amounts, you may not qualify for SSI or SSDI.
Gather medical records and proof of income, contact Social Security, complete the Adult or Child Disability Report, and submit your application online, by phone, or in person. Follow up with Social Security and provide any requested information.
Illinois offers Medicaid waivers, ABLE accounts, support waivers for children and young adults, and other programs. Contact the Illinois Department of Human Services or other agencies for more information.
Work incentives help you keep benefits while working. They include programs like the Ticket to Work and work supports. Contact Social Security or the Illinois Department of Human Services for details.
An ABLE account lets you save money for qualified disability expenses without losing eligibility for benefits. In Illinois, you can open an account through Illinois ABLE. The account can be used for expenses like education, housing, and transportation.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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Yes, you must report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation to Social Security and the Illinois Department of Human Services. Failure to report changes can result in overpayments and penalties.
If you get an overpayment, you must repay it. You can request a waiver if you cannot afford to repay. Keep records of all changes and reports to avoid overpayments.
Yes, if their condition results in marked and severe functional limitations and their family's income and resources are within limits. The SSA considers both the child's and family's income and resources when deciding eligibility.
The maximum SSI benefit in Illinois in 2025 is $967 per month for an individual. The SSA considers both your income and resources when deciding eligibility.
