Intellectual Disability Benefits in Illinois

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]

• Check if you meet federal and state eligibility rules.
• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online, by phone, or in person.
• Apply for Medicaid or HBWD through the Illinois Department of Human Services.
• Ask for help from a benefits counselor if needed.

• Step 1: Review eligibility for SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid. Use the SSI Income Estimator tool to check if your income is low enough for SSI.
• Step 2: Get medical records that show your intellectual disability and how it limits your daily life.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI/SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office. Complete the Adult Disability Report or Child Disability Report as needed.
• Step 4: Apply for Medicaid or HBWD through the Illinois Department of Human Services. You can apply online, by phone, or in person at a Family Community Resource Center.
• Step 5: If you want to save money without losing benefits, open an IL ABLE account.
• Step 6: Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments.
• Step 7: If you have questions, contact a Work Incentives Planning and Assistance counselor or the Illinois DHS Benefits Planning Program.

Each step is important to make sure you get all the benefits you qualify for. [^1][^4][^5][^6]

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash for people with limited income and resources. In 2025, the maximum SSI benefit is $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Payment amount depends on work history.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and resources. SSI recipients usually get Medicaid automatically.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people who get SSDI after a 24-month waiting period.

These programs help with cash, health care, and work supports. [^2][^3][^6]

• Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD): Medicaid for workers with disabilities. Income limit is $4,393/month for a single person, $5,962/month for a couple. Asset limit is $25,000. Enrollees may pay a monthly premium based on income.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Services to help people with intellectual disability live in the community, not in institutions. Includes personal care, respite, and supported employment.
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Food assistance for people with low income.
• IL ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. Lets you save up to $100,000 without losing SSI or Medicaid.
• Benefit Access Program: Seniors Ride Free Transit Benefit for seniors and people with disabilities.

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]

• SSI: Maximum benefit is $967/month for an individual, $1,450/month for a couple in 2025. Income and resources are counted, including family income for children.
• SSDI: No strict income limit, but earnings above the SGA limit ($1,620/month for non-blind, $2,700/month for blind in 2025) may stop benefits.
• HBWD: Income limit is $4,393/month for a single person, $5,962/month for a couple. Asset limit is $25,000. [^1][^2][^3][^6]

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]

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  Apply for SSI/SSDI, get help with eligibility and reporting.
• Illinois Department of Human Services
  Phone: 1-800-843-6154

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid, HBWD, SNAP, and get benefits counseling.
• DHS Benefits Planning Program
  Phone: 1-217-588-6326

  Website

  Free benefits counseling for people with disabilities.

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI for intellectual disability?

  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.

• Can I work and still get SSI or SSDI with an intellectual disability?

  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.

• How do I apply for Medicaid in Illinois with an intellectual disability?

  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.

• What is an ABLE account and how can it help me?

  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.

• What are Medicaid waivers and how do I get one in Illinois?

  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.