People in Illinois with Muscular Dystrophy can access federal and state benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. For Muscular Dystrophy, this means your condition must prevent you from doing substantial work, and it must have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. You cannot do the work you did before, and you cannot adjust to other work because of your condition. There are two main programs: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for those with limited income and resources, and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. For 2025, the SSI maximum is $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple. The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for non-blind individuals is $1,620 per month in 2025, and $2,700 for blind individuals. If you earn more than these amounts, you may not qualify for SSI or SSDI benefits[2][3][6].
In Illinois, people with Muscular Dystrophy can also qualify for state-specific programs. The Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) program allows people with disabilities to work and keep Medicaid coverage. To qualify, you must be between 16 and 64 years old, have a disability, and work. Your countable income must be up to $4,393 per month for a single person or $5,962 for a couple. Unlike other Medicaid programs, HBWD allows up to $25,000 in assets. You may have to pay a monthly premium based on your income. Illinois also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help with personal care, therapy, and other supports. These waivers have their own eligibility rules and waiting lists[1][8].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money for qualified disability expenses without losing benefits. In Illinois, you can save up to $18,000 per year in an ABLE account. The total account balance cannot exceed $100,000 without affecting SSI benefits. ABLE accounts can be used for expenses like medical care, education, housing, and transportation[7].
You must report changes in your income, health, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Report changes as soon as possible to keep your benefits. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person[4][6].
Contact a Work Incentives Planning and Assistance counselor or call the Illinois Department of Human Services Help Line at 1-800-843-6154 for free help with your application.
Yes, you can work and keep disability benefits in Illinois. The Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) program lets you work and keep Medicaid. You can also use work incentives like the Ticket to Work program to help you work without losing SSI or SSDI benefits[1][4].
For 2025, the maximum SSI benefit is $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple. If your income is higher, you may not qualify for SSI. Other programs like HBWD have higher income limits[6].
You can apply for Medicaid in Illinois online, by phone, or in person through the Department of Human Services. You will need to provide proof of income, disability, and residency. For HBWD, you must also be working[1][4].
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. You can save up to $18,000 per year for qualified disability expenses without losing benefits. The total balance cannot exceed $100,000 without affecting SSI benefits[7].
Yes, Illinois offers the Support Waiver for Children and Young Adults, which provides services like therapy and personal care for children with disabilities. There are also Medicaid waivers and SSI for children with disabilities[8][3].
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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You must report changes in your income to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Report changes as soon as possible to keep your benefits[4][6].
Yes, you can get both SSI and SSDI if you meet the eligibility rules for both programs. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, and SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes[6].
Medicaid is health coverage for people with low income, including those with disabilities. Medicare is health insurance for people who get SSDI after a 24-month waiting period. You may qualify for both programs[4].
You can get help from a Work Incentives Planning and Assistance counselor, a local benefits planning program, or by calling the Illinois Department of Human Services Help Line at 1-800-843-6154[4].
Medicaid waivers provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities. You can apply through the Illinois Department of Human Services. Each waiver has its own eligibility rules and waiting list[8].
