Illinois • Physical/Mobility

Rheumatoid Arthritis Benefits in Illinois

People with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Illinois may qualify for federal and state benefits, including Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, and special programs. These benefits help cover medical care, income support, and work incentives.

Federal programs like SSI and SSDI provide income and health coverage.
Illinois offers Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) for those working with disabilities.
Eligibility depends on income, assets, and disability status.
Work incentives help you keep benefits while working.
You can apply online or by mail for most programs.

Last reviewed: 2025-11-05

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Eligibility

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a disability that prevents you from working, and you must have earned enough work credits (usually 40, with 20 in the last 10 years) [8].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with low income and limited resources. For 2025, the maximum SSI benefit is $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple if both are eligible [5].
The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines disability as a condition that prevents you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death [8].
For SSDI, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit in 2025 is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals [7]. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for SSDI.
For SSI, there are strict income and asset limits. In 2025, the asset limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple [5].

In Illinois, you may qualify for Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) if you are between 16 and 64, have a disability, and are working. The monthly income limit is $4,393 for a single person and $5,962 for a couple. You can have up to $25,000 in assets [1].
To qualify for HBWD, you must be determined totally and permanently disabled by the Social Security Administration, Veterans Administration, Civil Service, Railroad Retirement, or have a Class 2 disability card from the Illinois Secretary of State, or a completed Attachment A Physician's Statement that meets SSA criteria [2].
The Benefit Access Program in Illinois allows eligibility for two years, and you can reapply 90 days before it expires [2].
You must live in Illinois and meet the income and disability requirements to qualify for state-specific programs [2].
Illinois also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, which can provide additional services and support [2].

How to apply in Illinois

Check your eligibility for federal programs like SSI and SSDI using the SSA website.
For Illinois state programs, visit the Illinois Department of Human Services or the Illinois Department of Aging website.
Download and fill out the application forms for the programs you qualify for.
Submit your application online, by mail, or in person.
Provide proof of disability, income, and residency as required.

Step 1: Gather your documents, including proof of disability (such as a Social Security Benefit Verification letter), proof of income, and proof of residency.
Step 2: Visit the SSA website to apply for SSI or SSDI. You can apply online, by phone, or in person at a local SSA office [8].
Step 3: For Illinois state programs like HBWD, visit the Illinois Department of Human Services website and download the application form [1].
Step 4: Fill out the application form, including all required information and attachments (such as the Attachment A Physician's Statement if needed) [2].
Step 5: Submit your application online, by mail, or in person. Keep copies of all documents for your records.
Step 6: Wait for a decision. You may be contacted for additional information or an interview.
Step 7: If approved, you will receive benefits and instructions on how to report changes in your situation.
Step 8: Reapply for state programs like HBWD 90 days before your eligibility expires [2].

Programs & Services

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly cash benefits to people with disabilities who have worked and paid into Social Security [8].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly cash benefits to people with disabilities who have low income and limited resources [5].
Medicare: Provides health coverage to people with disabilities who receive SSDI for 24 months or more [4].
Medicaid: Provides health coverage to people with disabilities who meet income and asset requirements [4].
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Provides food assistance to people with disabilities who meet income requirements [6].

Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD): Provides Medicaid health coverage to people with disabilities who are working and meet income and asset requirements [1].
Benefit Access Program: Provides eligibility for state benefits for two years, with the option to reapply 90 days before expiration [2].
Medicaid Waivers: Provide additional services and support for people with disabilities, such as home and community-based services [2].
Illinois ABLE Accounts: Allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits [2].
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Provides food assistance to people with disabilities who meet income requirements [6].

Money & Banking

Illinois ABLE Accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI and Medicaid [2].
You can contribute up to $18,000 per year to an ABLE account in 2025, and the total account balance cannot exceed $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility [2].
ABLE accounts can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, transportation, and personal support services [2].

For SSI in 2025, the maximum monthly benefit is $967 for an individual and $1,450 for a couple if both are eligible [5].
For SSDI, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals [7].
For Illinois Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD), the monthly income limit is $4,393 for a single person and $5,962 for a couple [1].
For the Benefit Access Program, the annual income limit is $33,562 for a single person, $44,533 for a couple, and $55,500 for a three-person household [2].

If you receive more benefits than you are entitled to, you may have to repay the overpayment [6].
You must report changes in your income, assets, or living situation to the SSA and Illinois state agencies as soon as possible [6].
Failure to report changes can result in overpayments, penalties, or loss of benefits [6].
Keep records of all communications and payments for your protection [6].

Tips & Gotchas

Need Help Applying?

Contact the Illinois Department of Human Services or a local legal aid organization for help with your application.

Contacts

Illinois Department of Human Services
Phone: 1-800-843-6154
TTY: 1-800-447-6404
Email: null
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Website
For general questions about state benefits and programs.
Social Security Administration
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Email: null
Hours: Monday-Friday 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Website
For questions about SSI and SSDI benefits.

FAQs

What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?
SSI is for people with low income and limited resources, while SSDI is for people who have worked and paid into Social Security. SSI has strict income and asset limits, while SSDI is based on work credits [5].
Can I work and still receive disability benefits in Illinois?
Yes, you can work and still receive disability benefits in Illinois. Programs like HBWD and work incentives allow you to keep benefits while working, as long as you meet income and asset requirements [1].
How do I prove my disability for Illinois benefits?
You can prove your disability with a Social Security Benefit Verification letter, a Class 2 disability card from the Illinois Secretary of State, or a completed Attachment A Physician's Statement that meets SSA criteria [2].
What is the income limit for Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities in Illinois?
The monthly income limit for Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) in Illinois is $4,393 for a single person and $5,962 for a couple [1].
How long does eligibility last for Illinois state disability programs?
Eligibility for Illinois state disability programs like HBWD is good for two years. You can reapply 90 days before your eligibility expires [2].
What are work incentives for people with disabilities in Illinois?
Work incentives in Illinois include programs like HBWD and Expedited Reinstatement (EXR), which allow you to keep benefits while working or if your income drops below the SGA limit [1].

Official resources

Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD)(state_agency)
Eligibility and Frequently Asked Questions for Benefit Access Program(state_agency)
Benefits For Children With Disabilities 2025 - Social Security(federal)
How Does Someone Become Eligible? | Disability Benefits | SSA(federal)

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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

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