People living with HIV/AIDS in Illinois may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and Illinois ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSDI and SSI) due to HIV/AIDS:
A surviving spouse (age 50–60) of a worker who paid into Social Security may also qualify for disability benefits[5].
Illinois residents with HIV/AIDS can access both federal programs and state supports:
Eligibility: For the PD waiver, you must be under 60 at application and meet nursing facility level-of-care needs[1]. For Medicaid, income limits apply; for SSI, resource limits also apply[3][4].
HIV/AIDS is treated like any other qualifying disability for these programs.
Start by gathering medical records that show how HIV/AIDS limits your daily activities.
Step 1: Collect Your Medical Evidence Gather medical records, doctor’s notes, lab results, and any documentation showing how HIV/AIDS affects your ability to work or perform daily activities. This is critical for all disability applications[3][5].
Step 2: Apply for SSI and/or SSDI
Step 3: Apply for Illinois Medicaid If you get SSI, you’ll be enrolled in Medicaid automatically. If not, apply through ABE.illinois.gov or call 1-800-843-6154. You may need proof of income, disability, and Illinois residency[4].
Step 4: Explore the Persons with Disabilities (PD) Waiver Contact DHS-DRS to ask about the Home Services Program (HSP) and PD waiver. You’ll need a medical assessment showing you meet nursing facility level of care[1].
Step 5: Set Up an IL ABLE Account Visit illinoisable.com to open an ABLE account. This lets you save money without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility[8].
Step 6: Check for Other Benefits Ask about the Benefit Access Program for transit discounts and SNAP for food assistance[4][7].
Step 7: Stay Informed Report any changes in income, living situation, or health to Social Security and DHS to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits[4].
Federal programs for people with HIV/AIDS in Illinois include:
These programs have separate rules—apply to all you may qualify for.
Illinois offers several programs specifically for residents with disabilities:
These programs help Illinois residents with HIV/AIDS live more independently and afford necessary care.
IL ABLE accounts let Illinois residents with disabilities save and invest money without losing eligibility for SSI (up to $100,000) or Medicaid. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses, education, housing, and more. Open an account at illinoisable.com[8].
ABLE accounts are especially helpful for managing extra income, personal savings, or gifts.
SSI income limits: In 2025, you cannot earn more than $1,620/month (non-blind) or $2,700/month (blind) from work and still qualify for SSI benefits[3]. SSDI has no strict income limit, but you cannot do "substantial gainful activity" (generally over $1,550/month in 2025, but check annually)[2].
Medicaid income limits: Vary by program and household size. Contact DHS for details[4].
You must report changes in income, living situation, or health to Social Security and the Illinois Department of Human Services. Failing to report can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. For help with reporting or avoiding overpayments, see our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes[4].
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or the Illinois DHS helpline at 1-800-843-6154 for help with applications or questions about your benefits. You can also visit your local Family Community Resource Center for in-person assistance[4].
Always report changes in income, living situation, or health status to Social Security and the Illinois Department of Human Services to avoid losing benefits or facing overpayments. For more, see our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes[4].
Yes, if HIV/AIDS causes severe functional limitations and you meet income or work history rules. SSI is for low-income individuals; SSDI requires a work history. Apply through Social Security[3][4][5].
If you get SSI, you’ll be enrolled automatically. Otherwise, apply at ABE.illinois.gov or call 1-800-843-6154. You’ll need proof of income, disability, and residency[4].
The PD waiver pays for in-home services if you’re under 60, at risk of nursing home placement, and meet care needs. Contact DHS-DRS for details[1].
Yes, but earnings must stay under the SSI or SSDI income limits. Illinois also has the Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) program to help employed people with disabilities keep Medicaid[4].
An IL ABLE account lets you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid, up to $100,000. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses. Open an account at illinoisable.com[8].
The maximum federal SSI payment is $967 per month for an individual in 2025. Actual amounts may be less based on income and living situation[6].
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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Report changes to Social Security and the Illinois Department of Human Services immediately to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits[4].
The Benefit Access Program offers reduced-fee transit rides for eligible people with disabilities[7].
Yes, children with marked and severe limitations from HIV/AIDS may qualify for SSI. Income and resource limits apply to the household[3][4].
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, the DHS helpline at 1-800-843-6154, or your local Family Community Resource Center[4].
