Illinois • Physical/Mobility

Multiple Sclerosis Benefits in Illinois

People with Multiple Sclerosis in Illinois can get federal and state benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and special programs for workers with disabilities. These benefits help cover medical costs, living expenses, and support independence.

SSI and SSDI provide monthly cash for people with Multiple Sclerosis who meet medical and financial rules.
Illinois Medicaid covers health care, including for those who work through the HBWD program.
ABLE accounts let people save money without losing benefits.
Work incentives help keep benefits while working.
State agencies and nonprofits offer extra help and resources.

Last reviewed: 2025-11-05

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Eligibility

To get SSI, you must have a disability that meets Social Security’s rules, limited income and resources, and be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen. For 2025, the maximum SSI payment is $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple if both are eligible [6].
SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. You need enough work credits, usually 40, with 20 earned in the last 10 years [5].
For both SSI and SSDI, your Multiple Sclerosis must cause marked and severe functional limitations and not allow you to do substantial work. For 2025, substantial work is earning more than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) [2].

Illinois Medicaid covers health care for people with disabilities, including those with Multiple Sclerosis. The Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) program lets people work and keep Medicaid if their monthly countable income is up to $4,393 for a single person or $5,962 for a couple. HBWD also allows up to $25,000 in assets, which is higher than most Medicaid programs [1].
You must be between ages 16 and 64, have a disability, and be working to qualify for HBWD. Other state programs may have different rules based on age, income, and assets [1].
Illinois also offers ABLE accounts, which let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits [7].

How to apply in Illinois

Check if you meet SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid rules for Multiple Sclerosis.
Gather medical records and proof of income.
Apply online, by phone, or in person with Social Security or Illinois Department of Human Services.
Ask about work incentives if you want to keep working.
Contact local agencies for help with forms and questions.

Step 1: Review eligibility for SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid. Make sure your Multiple Sclerosis meets the medical rules and your income and assets are within limits [2][6][1].
Step 2: Get medical records and proof of income, work history, and resources.
Step 3: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office [5].
Step 4: Apply for Medicaid or HBWD through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) online, by phone at 1-800-843-6154, or at a local Family Community Resource Center [1][4].
Step 5: Ask about work incentives and how working affects your benefits. Call the DHS Benefits Planning Program at 1-217-588-6326 for help [4].
Step 6: If you want to save money, apply for an IL ABLE account at ilable.com [7].
Step 7: Follow up on your application and report any changes in income or health to avoid overpayments [4].

Programs & Services

Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash for people with disabilities who have low income and resources. For 2025, the maximum is $967 for an individual and $1,450 for a couple if both are eligible [6].
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Amount depends on work history [5].
Medicaid: Health care coverage for people with disabilities who meet income and asset rules. Medicaid can cover doctor visits, hospital care, and more [2].
Medicare: Health care for people who get SSDI after 24 months of disability [5].

Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD): Lets people with disabilities work and keep Medicaid if their monthly countable income is up to $4,393 for a single person or $5,962 for a couple. Allows up to $25,000 in assets [1].
Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Programs that help people with disabilities live in the community instead of institutions. These may cover home care, therapy, and more [4].
IL ABLE Accounts: Lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and more [7].
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Helps with food costs for people with low income [4].
Family Support Network of Illinois: Helps families find resources and services for people with developmental disabilities [3].

Money & Banking

IL ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for qualified expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $18,000 per year in 2025, and the total account balance can be up to $500,000. Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and more [7].

SSI: For 2025, the maximum SSI payment is $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple if both are eligible. Income and resources must be below certain limits [6].
SSDI: No strict income limit, but you must not do substantial work (more than $1,620 per month in 2025) [2].
Medicaid/HBWD: Monthly countable income up to $4,393 for a single person or $5,962 for a couple. Assets up to $25,000 for HBWD [1].

Report any changes in income, resources, or health to Social Security or IDHS right away to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to repayment demands or loss of benefits. Use the SSI & SSDI Work Incentives guide to learn how work affects your benefits [4].

Tips & Gotchas

Need Help Applying?

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 for SSI/SSDI.
Call IDHS at 1-800-843-6154 for Medicaid or HBWD.
Local agencies and nonprofits can help with forms and questions.

Contacts

Social Security Administration
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Website
For SSI, SSDI, and work incentives
Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
Phone: 1-800-843-6154
Website
For Medicaid, HBWD, and SNAP
The Arc of Illinois
Phone: 312-432-0611
Email: [email protected]
Website
Support and advocacy for families

FAQs

Can I work and still get disability benefits in Illinois?
Yes, you can work and keep disability benefits in Illinois. Programs like HBWD let you work and keep Medicaid if your income is within limits. Work incentives also help protect your SSI and SSDI if you want to try working [1][4].
What is the maximum SSI payment in Illinois for 2025?
The maximum SSI payment in Illinois for 2025 is $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple if both are eligible. This amount may change each year based on cost of living [6].
How do I apply for Medicaid with Multiple Sclerosis in Illinois?
You can apply for Medicaid in Illinois online, by phone at 1-800-843-6154, or at a local Family Community Resource Center. You will need proof of disability, income, and assets [1][4].
What is an IL ABLE account?
An IL ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for education, housing, transportation, and other qualified expenses [7].
Can I get help with my application for disability benefits?
Yes, you can get help with your application from Social Security, IDHS, or local agencies. Call 1-800-772-1213 for Social Security or 1-800-843-6154 for IDHS. Local nonprofits may also offer support [4].
What are Medicaid waivers in Illinois?
Medicaid waivers in Illinois help people with disabilities live in the community instead of institutions. They may cover home care, therapy, and other services. Ask IDHS about available waivers [4].

Official resources

Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD)(state_agency)
Benefits For Children With Disabilities 2025(federal)
Social Security Disability Eligibility(federal)
Benefit Access Program(state_agency)

Related Purple guides

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.

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