People with intellectual disability in Illinois can get help through federal programs like SSI and SSDI, and state programs like Medicaid and HBWD. These programs provide cash, health coverage, and work supports. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To get federal disability benefits, you must meet Social Security's definition of disability. For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. For SSDI, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Children with intellectual disability may qualify for SSI if their condition causes marked and severe functional limitations and their income is below the limit. Adults must not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals in 2025. Blind individuals can earn up to $2,700 per month. SSI rules also consider family income if the child lives at home. SSDI requires 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before disability began. [^1][^2][^3]
In Illinois, people with intellectual disability can get Medicaid through the Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) program if they work and have countable income up to $4,393 per month for a single person or $5,962 for a couple. HBWD allows up to $25,000 in assets, which is higher than other Medicaid programs. Illinois also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help people with intellectual disability live independently. Children may qualify for SSI if their family income is low enough. Adults can get SSDI if they have enough work credits. [^1][^4][^5]
Each step is important to make sure you get all the benefits you qualify for. [^1][^4][^5][^6]
These programs help with cash, health care, and work supports. [^2][^3][^6]
These programs help with health, work, food, and transportation. [^1][^4][^6][^7][^8]
IL ABLE accounts let people with intellectual disability save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can save up to $100,000 in an ABLE account. Contributions are tax-free, and earnings grow tax-free. Withdrawals for qualified expenses are also tax-free. Opening an ABLE account is easy online at ilable.com. [^8]
You must report changes in income, resources, living situation, or work status to Social Security and Illinois DHS. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and loss of benefits. If you get an overpayment, you may have to pay it back. Ask for help from a benefits counselor if you are unsure what to report. [^4]
Contact a Work Incentives Planning and Assistance counselor or the Illinois DHS Benefits Planning Program for free help with applications and work incentives.
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 require a medical condition that meets Social Security's definition of disability. SSI is needs-based, SSDI is based on work credits.
Yes, you can work and keep SSI or SSDI, but there are limits on how much you can earn. For SSI, the limit is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals in 2025. For SSDI, earnings above the SGA limit may stop benefits. Work incentives help you keep benefits while working.
You can apply for Medicaid through the Illinois Department of Human Services. If you work, you may qualify for the Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) program. Apply online, by phone, or in person at a Family Community Resource Center. You will need proof of income and disability.
An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can save up to $100,000. Contributions and earnings are tax-free. Withdrawals for qualified expenses are also tax-free. Open an account at ilable.com.
Medicaid waivers let people with intellectual disability get services in the community instead of in institutions. Services include personal care, respite, and supported employment. Apply through the Illinois Department of Human Services. You may need to be on a waiting list.
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 changes in income, resources, living situation, or work status to Social Security and Illinois DHS. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and loss of benefits. Ask for help from a benefits counselor if you are unsure what to report.
Yes, children with intellectual disability can get SSI if their condition causes marked and severe functional limitations and their income is below the limit. Family income is counted if the child lives at home. Apply through Social Security.
The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for 2025 is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 per month for blind individuals. Earnings above this limit may stop SSDI benefits.
For the Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) program, you can earn up to $4,393 per month as a single person or $5,962 per month as a couple. The asset limit is $25,000. You may pay a monthly premium based on income.
You can get help from Social Security, the Illinois Department of Human Services, or a Work Incentives Planning and Assistance counselor. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, DHS at 1-800-843-6154, or the Benefits Planning Program at 1-217-588-6326.
