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Illinois • Mental Health
People with schizophrenia in Illinois can access federal and state benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and ABLE accounts. These programs help cover medical care, living costs, and support independence. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key resources.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with schizophrenia, you must meet Social Security's definition of disability. This means your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For SSI, your income and resources must be below certain limits. For SSDI, you need enough work credits. In 2025, the SSI federal benefit rate is $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple. The SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If you earn more than these amounts, you may not qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must also meet medical criteria, such as having marked and severe functional limitations due to schizophrenia[2][3][6].
In Illinois, people with schizophrenia can qualify for Medicaid, Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD), and Medicaid waivers. HBWD is for workers aged 16-64 with disabilities, including schizophrenia. To qualify, your countable income must be up to $4,393 per month for a single person and $5,962 for a couple. You can have up to $25,000 in assets. HBWD lets you keep Medicaid while working. Medicaid waivers, like the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver, provide extra support for people with disabilities who need help with daily living. These programs have their own eligibility rules, such as income and functional needs[1][4][8].
IL ABLE Accounts let people with disabilities save money for qualified expenses without losing SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. You can save up to $18,000 per year and have a total balance of $100,000 without losing SSI. ABLE accounts can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other needs. To open an account, visit the IL ABLE website[7].
You must report changes in income, work, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Report changes to Social Security and the Illinois Department of Human Services as soon as possible. Keep records of all changes and reports[4][6].
Contact the Illinois Department of Human Services Help Line at 1-800-843-6154 or a local Work Incentives Planning and Assistance counselor for help with applications and questions.
Yes, you can work while getting SSI or SSDI. There are work incentives that let you keep benefits while you try to work. If you earn more than the SGA limit, your benefits may be reduced or stopped. Talk to a Work Incentives Planning and Assistance counselor for help[4][5].
You can apply for Medicaid in Illinois online, by phone, or in person through the Illinois Department of Human Services. You will need to provide proof of income, disability, and residency. If you are working, you may qualify for HBWD, which lets you keep Medicaid while working[1][4].
SSI is for people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs can help people with schizophrenia, but the eligibility rules are different[6].
Yes, you can apply for Medicaid waivers, like the HCBS waiver, which provide extra support for people with disabilities who need help with daily living. These programs have their own eligibility rules and may require a functional assessment[8].
You can open an IL ABLE account online at the IL ABLE website. You will need to provide proof of disability and identification. ABLE accounts let you save money for qualified expenses without losing benefits[7].
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.
You must report changes in income to Social Security and the Illinois Department of Human Services. If you do not report changes, you may get too much money and have to pay it back. Keep records of all changes and reports[4][6].
Yes, you can apply for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) if you have schizophrenia and meet income and resource limits. SNAP helps with food costs and can be applied for through the Illinois Department of Human Services[4][8].
You can apply for housing programs through the Illinois Department of Human Services. These programs help with rent and housing costs for people with disabilities. You may need to provide proof of income and disability[4][8].
Workers with schizophrenia in Illinois can get Medicaid through the HBWD program. HBWD lets you keep Medicaid while working, as long as your income is within limits. You can have up to $25,000 in assets[1][4].
You must report changes in income, work, or living situation to Social Security and the Illinois Department of Human Services as soon as possible. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person. Keep records of all changes and reports[4][6].
