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Illinois • Chronic Illness
If you have kidney disease in Illinois, you may qualify for federal and state benefits like SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security, have a disability that prevents you from working for at least 12 months, and meet the work credit rule (usually 20 credits in the last 10 years)[^5]. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your disability must cause severe functional limitations[^3]. For 2025, the SSI limit for non-blind individuals is $967 per month, and the SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind beneficiaries[^3][^6].
In Illinois, people with kidney disease may qualify for Medicaid waivers if they need care that would otherwise require a nursing facility. The Persons with Disabilities (PD) waiver helps those under age 60 who are at risk of nursing home placement. If you started services before age 60, you may stay in the waiver after turning 60[^1]. Children with kidney disease may qualify for SSI if their family’s income and resources are low[^3]. Illinois also offers ABLE accounts for saving without losing benefits[^8].
IL ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use funds for disability-related expenses like medical care, housing, and education. To qualify, you must have a disability that started before age 26[^8].
For 2025, the SSI limit for non-blind individuals is $967 per month. The SGA limit for non-blind beneficiaries is $1,620 per month. For blind individuals, the SGA limit is $2,700 per month[^3][^6].
Report changes in income, work, or health to Social Security and Illinois agencies to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to benefit reductions or repayment demands. Use the SSI/SSDI Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Program for help[^4].
Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or your local Illinois Department of Human Services office for personalized help.
Yes, if kidney disease causes severe functional limitations and meets SSA’s definition of disability, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. Medical records are required to prove eligibility[^5][^3].
The PD waiver provides home-based services for people with disabilities who are at risk of nursing home placement. It’s for those under 60, but those who started before 60 may stay after turning 60[^1].
You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office. You’ll need medical records and proof of income[^5].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like medical care and housing[^8].
Yes, work incentives let you keep some benefits while working. Contact the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Program for help[^4].
Yes, if the child’s family income and resources are low and the child has severe functional limitations. SSI rules consider both the child’s and family’s income[^3].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
The Persons with Disabilities waiver helps those with kidney disease who need home-based care and are at risk of nursing home placement[^1].
Report changes in income, work, or health to Social Security and Illinois agencies. Overpayments can lead to benefit reductions or repayment demands[^4].
Yes, the Benefit Access Program offers free transit for disabled individuals (16+) with income limits. Apply online or contact IDHS[^7].
For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind beneficiaries and $2,700 for blind beneficiaries. Exceeding this may affect your benefits[^3].
