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Illinois • Physical/Mobility
Illinois offers state and federal benefit programs for people with mobility impairments, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and waivers for home and community-based care. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, work incentives, and strategies to protect your income and assets.
Federal disability benefits, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), are available to people with mobility impairments who meet Social Security Administration (SSA) criteria. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is based on work history and credits earned. Both require that your disability significantly limits your ability to work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. SSDI specifically requires that you have earned enough work credits, generally 40 credits with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability begins[8]. For SSI, income and resource limits are strict—in 2025, the maximum federal benefit is $967/month for an individual, and your countable assets cannot exceed $2,000 ($3,000 for a couple)[5]. Work while receiving benefits is possible, but earnings over the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit—$1,620/month in 2025 for non-blind individuals—may affect eligibility[3].
You can learn more in our SSI vs SSDI guide.
Illinois has tailored programs to support people with mobility impairments. The Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) program offers Medicaid coverage to workers with disabilities aged 16 to 64, with monthly income limits up to $4,393 (single) or $5,962 (couple) and asset limits up to $25,000[1]. HBWD lets you keep health coverage while working more hours, unlike traditional Medicaid. Illinois also participates in federal Medicaid waivers for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), which can pay for personal care, home modifications, and other supports for people who might otherwise need nursing home care. Seniors and people with disabilities may also qualify for the Benefit Access Program, which includes free transit rides and a small property tax relief grant[7].
Illinois-specific rules may be more flexible than federal ones, so it’s important to check both. For example, Illinois may have higher income and asset limits for Medicaid than federal SSI.
Applying for disability benefits in Illinois is a process—stay organized and reach out for help if you need it.
Step 1: Gather Documentation Collect medical records that prove your mobility impairment, doctor’s notes, treatment history, and a list of medications. For SSDI, gather work history and tax records. For SSI or Medicaid, have proof of income, assets, and household expenses.
Step 2: Apply for Federal Benefits
Step 3: Apply for Illinois Medicaid and Waivers
Step 4: Explore Other State Programs
Work Incentives: Both SSI and SSDI have special rules that allow you to test working without immediately losing benefits. For example, during a Trial Work Period (TWP), you can work and earn above the SGA limit for up to 9 months without losing SSDI[3]. After the TWP, if your earnings drop below the SGA level, you may qualify for Expedited Reinstatement of benefits[3].
You can use our SSI & SSDI Work Incentives and SSI Income Estimator tools to explore your options and estimate your benefits.
ABLE accounts are special savings accounts for people with disabilities. Money saved in an ABLE account does not count against the SSI or Medicaid asset limit, up to $17,000 per year (2024 figure; check for 2025 updates). You can use ABLE funds for qualified disability expenses, like housing, transportation, or assistive technology. Open an account if you meet the age and disability requirements. Learn more in our ABLE Accounts guide.
Income and asset limits vary by program:
Report changes in income, living situation, health, or work right away to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits. If you receive too much money by mistake, you’ll have to pay it back—this is called an overpayment. Keep good records and contact the SSA or your state agency immediately if your circumstances change. Our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide has more tips.
Illinois' HBWD program is a game-changer for people with mobility impairments who want to work. Even if your income is too high for traditional Medicaid, you may qualify for HBWD and keep full health coverage as long as you meet program rules[1]. There is a small monthly premium, but it's often much less than private insurance.
If you work and receive SSDI, you can test your ability to work during a Trial Work Period. After that, if your earnings drop below the SGA level, you may get your benefits back quickly with Expedited Reinstatement—no need to reapply if less than five years have passed[3]. Always report changes in work or income.
For SSDI in 2025, you can earn up to $1,160/month during your Trial Work Period. After that, benefits may stop if your earnings exceed the SGA limit ($1,620/month for non-blind individuals)[3]. SSI has strict income and asset limits; benefits decrease as your income rises. Illinois HBWD lets you earn much more—up to $4,393/month (single)—and keep Medicaid[1]. Always report earnings.
Yes, the Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) program lets you work and keep Medicaid as long as you meet income, asset, and disability requirements. In 2025, you can earn up to $4,393/month (single) and have up to $25,000 in assets and still qualify. There is a small monthly premium based on your income[1].
In Illinois, the SSI asset limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple—this is a federal rule and applies nationwide[5]. Some assets, like a home and one vehicle, do not count. ABLE accounts can help you save more without losing eligibility.
Illinois Medicaid waivers (HCBS) may cover home modifications, personal care, and assistive technology for people who qualify. Contact the Illinois Department of Human Services to learn which waivers are available in your area.
If your SSDI benefits stop because of work, but your earnings later drop below the SGA level (and it has been less than five years), you can request Expedited Reinstatement. You may get up to six months of temporary benefits while Social Security reviews your case[3].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Rules and benefit amounts may change. Always verify your eligibility with official agencies before making decisions.
Step 5: Follow Up and Report Changes Keep copies of all applications and correspondence. Respond quickly to any requests for more information. Report any changes in your income, living situation, health, or work activity to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits.
For more, see our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.
Medicaid vs Medicare: Medicaid is based on income and is run by the state; Medicare is based on age or disability and is federal. Many people with mobility impairments qualify for both. See our Medicaid vs Medicare guide for more.
State-specific information is sometimes limited, so start with these official resources for the most up-to-date details.
You can open an ABLE account online through any state’s ABLE program—Illinois does not have its own, but you can use another state’s plan. Check the ABLE National Resource Center or our [ABLE Accounts](#internal_links[2]) guide for details and eligibility.
Yes, Illinois offers the Benefit Access Program, which includes free transit rides on fixed-route services for eligible seniors and people with disabilities[7].
Use our [SSI Income Estimator](#internal_links[6]) tool to get an idea of how much you might receive based on your income and living situation.
Medicaid is based on income and is state-run, while Medicare is based on age or disability and is federal. Both provide healthcare coverage, and many people with disabilities can qualify for both programs. See our [Medicaid vs Medicare](#internal_links[4]) guide for more.
Children with disabilities can get SSI, but their benefits are based on family income and resources. If your child earns more than $1,620/month in 2025, they may not qualify for SSI[4].
