Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Benefits in Illinois

To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, your OCD must cause marked and severe functional limitations that prevent you from working for at least 12 months. For SSI, your income and resources must be below strict limits. For SSDI, you must have worked enough to earn work credits. In 2025, the SSI federal benefit is $967/month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple. The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If you earn above SGA, you may not qualify for SSDI or SSI unless you use work incentives [2][3][7].

In Illinois, people with OCD may qualify for Medicaid programs like Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD). HBWD is for workers aged 16-64 with disabilities, including mental health conditions. The income limit is $4,393/month for a single person and $5,962/month for a couple. HBWD allows up to $25,000 in assets, which is higher than most Medicaid programs. You must pay a monthly premium based on income. Illinois also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which may help with therapy and support for OCD [1][5][8].

• Check if your OCD meets federal disability criteria.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online, by phone, or in person.
• Apply for Medicaid or HBWD through the Illinois Department of Human Services.
• Report changes in income or health to avoid overpayments.

• Step 1: Get a diagnosis and treatment plan from a mental health professional. Document how OCD affects your daily life and work.
• Step 2: Review federal eligibility for SSI or SSDI. Use the SSI Income Estimator to check if your income is low enough.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI/SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office. Complete the Adult Disability Report and bring all medical records.
• Step 4: Apply for Medicaid or HBWD through the Illinois Department of Human Services. You can apply online, by phone, or in person. You may need to provide proof of income, assets, and disability.
• Step 5: If approved, report any changes in income, work, or health to Social Security and DHS. Use work incentives if you want to work while keeping benefits.
• Step 6: Explore Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts for extra support and savings [1][5][7][8].

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash for people with low income and resources who have a disability.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly cash for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Medicare: Health insurance for people on SSDI after 24 months.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and resources, including those with disabilities.
• Work Incentives: Programs that let you keep benefits while working, like the Ticket to Work program [2][3][6][7].

• Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD): Medicaid for workers with disabilities, including mental health conditions. Income limit: $4,393/month (single), $5,962/month (couple). Asset limit: $25,000. Premium based on income [1].
• Medicaid Waivers: Programs for home and community-based services, like therapy and support for OCD [8].
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. You can save up to $18,000/year without losing benefits [9].
• Family Support Network: Resources and support for families of people with disabilities [4].

IL ABLE Accounts let people with OCD save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $18,000/year. Funds can be used for education, housing, health, and more. Learn more at il.able.com [9].

For SSI in 2025, the federal benefit is $967/month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple. The SGA limit is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. For HBWD in Illinois, the income limit is $4,393/month for a single person and $5,962/month for a couple [2][3][7].

You must report changes in income, work, or health to Social Security and DHS. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and loss of benefits. Use the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for tips [7].

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  Apply for SSI/SSDI or get help with benefits.
• Illinois Department of Human Services
  Phone: 1-800-843-6154

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid, HBWD, and other state benefits.

• Can OCD qualify for disability benefits in Illinois?

  Yes, OCD can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it causes marked and severe functional limitations that prevent you from working for at least 12 months. You must provide medical evidence of your condition and how it affects your daily life.

• What is the income limit for SSI in Illinois in 2025?

  The federal SSI benefit is $967/month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple in 2025. Your income and resources must be below these limits to qualify for SSI.

• What is the SGA limit for OCD disability in 2025?

  The SGA limit is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals in 2025. If you earn above SGA, you may not qualify for SSDI or SSI unless you use work incentives.

• Can I work and still get disability benefits for OCD in Illinois?

  Yes, you can work and keep disability benefits using work incentives. These programs let you keep benefits while you try to work, and some let you keep Medicaid or Medicare even if you earn more.

• What is HBWD in Illinois?

  HBWD is Medicaid for workers with disabilities, including mental health conditions. The income limit is $4,393/month for a single person and $5,962/month for a couple. You must pay a monthly premium based on income.

• How do I apply for disability benefits for OCD in Illinois?

  Apply for SSI/SSDI online, by phone, or in person. Apply for Medicaid or HBWD through the Illinois Department of Human Services. Gather medical records and work history before applying.