People with Short Stature in Illinois may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what programs are available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. This means your condition must prevent you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA) and must have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If your Short Stature causes marked and severe functional limitations, you may be eligible for SSI or SSDI. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid into Social Security[2][3][5].
In Illinois, people with Short Stature may qualify for Medicaid through the Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) program if they are between ages 16 and 64, working, and have countable income up to $4,393 per month for a single person or $5,962 for a couple. HBWD allows up to $25,000 in assets, which is higher than most Medicaid programs. You must also meet SSA’s disability definition. Other state programs include Medicaid waivers for adults with developmental disabilities and support waivers for children and young adults[1][8].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save for qualified disability expenses without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. Illinois residents can open an IL ABLE account at ilable.com. The account can hold up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility[9].
You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Failure to report can result in penalties or loss of benefits. Use the SSA website or call 1-800-772-1213 to report changes[4].
Contact the Illinois Department of Human Services at 1-800-843-6154 or the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 for help with applications and questions.
Yes, if Short Stature causes marked and severe functional limitations that prevent you from working at the substantial gainful activity level. You must meet SSA’s disability definition and income/resource limits[3][5].
For 2025, the maximum SSI benefit is $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple. Income and resources are counted, and some exclusions apply[6].
Working can affect SSI and SSDI. Earnings above the SGA limit ($1,620/month for non-blind, $2,700/month for blind in 2025) may reduce or stop benefits. Work incentives allow some earnings without losing coverage[2][3].
Yes, through the Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) program. Income limits are $4,393/month for singles and $5,962/month for couples. Asset limit is $25,000[1].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save for qualified expenses without losing SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. Illinois residents can open an account at ilable.com[9].
Yes, you must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Failure to report can result in penalties or loss of benefits[4].
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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Yes, Illinois offers Medicaid waivers for adults with developmental disabilities and support waivers for children and young adults. These programs provide additional services and support[8].
Apply for SSI/SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local SSA office. For Medicaid or HBWD, apply through the Illinois Department of Human Services[1][4].
Yes, work incentives allow you to earn more without losing benefits. The SGA limit is $1,620/month for non-blind, $2,700/month for blind in 2025. HBWD also allows higher income limits for workers[1][2][3].
Contact the Illinois Department of Human Services at 1-800-843-6154, the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213, or the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Program at 1-217-588-6326[4].
