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Illinois • Chronic Illness
People with fibromyalgia in Illinois may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and special programs like Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD). Eligibility depends on income, assets, and how your condition limits your ability to work.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with fibromyalgia, you must show that your condition causes marked and severe functional limitations and prevents you from doing substantial work. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your monthly earnings must be below $1,620 in 2025 if you are not blind. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need enough work credits and must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. Both programs require medical proof and ongoing review.
Learn more about SSI vs SSDI and SSI & SSDI work incentives.
In Illinois, people with fibromyalgia may qualify for Medicaid through the Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) program if they are working and have a disability. HBWD allows workers with countable income up to $4,393 per month for a single person and $5,962 for a couple. Unlike other Medicaid programs, HBWD lets you have up to $25,000 in assets. You must be between ages 16 and 64 and working to qualify.
Illinois also offers Medicaid waivers for people with developmental disabilities and other needs. These waivers provide extra services like home care and support. If you have fibromyalgia and need help with daily living, ask about these programs.
Learn more about Medicaid waivers and Illinois ABLE accounts.
An Illinois ABLE account lets you save up to $17,000 per year for qualified disability expenses. The first $100,000 in an ABLE account does not count against SSI income limits. You can use the funds for things like medical care, housing, and education. This helps you keep your benefits while saving for the future.
Learn more about ABLE accounts.
Income limits change yearly. Always check the latest amounts.
You must report changes in your income, work, or health to Social Security and Medicaid. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and loss of benefits. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Keep records of all changes and report them as soon as possible.
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or the Illinois HBWD expert line at 1-800-226-0768 for help with your application.
Open an Illinois ABLE account to save for qualified expenses without risking your benefits.
Yes, fibromyalgia can qualify if it causes severe functional limitations and prevents you from working. You must provide medical proof and meet income and asset rules for SSI or SSDI.
The maximum SSI benefit in Illinois is $967 per month for an individual in 2025. This amount changes yearly based on cost-of-living adjustments.
If you are working, apply for Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD). You can download the form or call 1-800-226-0768 for help. You must meet income and asset limits.
An ABLE account lets you save for disability expenses without losing benefits. The first $100,000 does not count against SSI limits. You can use it for medical care, housing, and education.
Yes, you can work and keep benefits through programs like HBWD and work incentives. There are limits on how much you can earn before benefits are affected.
You need records from your doctor showing how fibromyalgia limits your ability to work. Include notes, test results, and treatment history. Social Security will review your case.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the latest rules and eligibility.
Report changes in income, work, or health to Social Security and Medicaid as soon as possible. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and loss of benefits.
Medicaid is for people with low income and disabilities. Medicare is for people with disabilities after 24 months of SSDI. Both provide health coverage but have different rules.
Yes, children with fibromyalgia may qualify for SSI and Medicaid waivers. The Support Waiver for Children and Young Adults can help with extra services.
It can take several months to get a decision on your application. Social Security may ask for more information or schedule a medical exam. Be patient and keep records of all steps.
