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Illinois • Mental Health
If you have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Illinois, you may qualify for federal and state benefits like SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and work support programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To get federal disability benefits for PTSD, you must meet the Social Security Administration's (SSA) definition of disability. This means your PTSD must be severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months. For SSI, your income and resources must be below certain limits. For SSDI, you must have worked enough to earn work credits. In 2025, the SSI payment limit is $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple. The SSA also sets a Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,620 per month for non-blind people in 2025. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for SSI or SSDI. Your PTSD must cause marked and severe functional limitations to qualify[2][3][6].
In Illinois, you can get Medicaid if your income is low and you meet other rules. The Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) program lets people with disabilities work and keep Medicaid. For HBWD, you must be between 16 and 64, working, and have countable income up to $4,393 per month for a single person or $5,962 for a couple. You can have up to $25,000 in assets. HBWD is for people who need Medicaid but earn too much for regular Medicaid. If you have PTSD and work, HBWD may help you keep health coverage. Other state programs like SNAP and TANF may also be available if you meet income rules[1][4][8].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can use the funds for disability-related expenses. In Illinois, you can open an ABLE account through the state program. Contributions do not affect SSI or Medicaid if under the limit[8].
If your income, work, or health changes, you must report it to SSA and DHS. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Keep records of all changes and report them as soon as possible. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person[4][6].
Contact the Illinois Department of Human Services at 1-800-843-6154 or a Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Program at 1-217-588-6326 for help with your application.
Yes, if your PTSD is severe enough to stop you from working for at least 12 months and meets SSA medical criteria. You must also meet income and asset limits for SSI or have enough work credits for SSDI[2][3][5].
The SSI payment limit is $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple in 2025. Your income and resources must be below these amounts to qualify[6].
Yes, you can work and get benefits if your earnings are below the SGA limit ($1,620/month for non-blind in 2025). Programs like HBWD let you work and keep Medicaid[1][2][3].
You can apply for Medicaid online, by phone, or in person through the Illinois Department of Human Services. You will need medical records and proof of income[1][4].
HBWD is a Medicaid program for workers with disabilities aged 16-64. It lets you work and keep health coverage if your income is up to $4,393/month for singles or $5,962/month for couples. You can have up to $25,000 in assets[1].
Yes, you must report changes in income, work, or health to SSA and DHS. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Keep records and report changes as soon as possible[4][6].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Yes, you can get help from a Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Program, a local DHS office, or by calling the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842[4].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can open one in Illinois through the state program. Contributions do not affect benefits if under the limit[8].
Yes, you may qualify for SNAP (food benefits) or TANF (cash aid) if you meet income rules. These programs are available through the Illinois Department of Human Services[4][8].
If your PTSD changes, you must report it to SSA and DHS. Your benefits may be adjusted based on your new condition. Keep medical records and report changes as soon as possible[4][6].
