People with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Illinois may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and special programs for workers with disabilities. Eligibility depends on income, assets, and how OCD affects daily life and work.
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].
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].
Contact the Illinois Department of Human Services at 1-800-843-6154 or The Arc of Illinois for free support and resources.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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Medicaid waivers provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities, like therapy and support for OCD. These programs help people live in their own homes instead of institutions.
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. You can save up to $18,000/year without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses.
Yes, 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.
You can get help from the Illinois Department of Human Services, Social Security, The Arc of Illinois, and local advocacy groups. They offer resources, support, and expert advice.
